Families, early childhood professionals, and advocates from across Michigan gathered at the State Capitol on March 12 for the third annual Early Childhood Capitol Day. Advocates called on lawmakers to prioritize the needs of the state’s youngest children and families in the FY26 budget. Early Childhood Capitol Day 2025, hosted by Think Babies Michigan and partners, brought together voices from every corner of the state to stress the importance of investing in child care, maternal health, and early learning.
The event was co-hosted by Think Babies Michigan, which is powered by Early Childhood Investment Corporation (ECIC), the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children (MiAEYC), the Michigan Head Start Association (MHSA), and Mothering Justice. This year’s Capitol Day highlighted two urgent priorities:
- Increased funding for early care and education and fair compensation for early childhood educators.
- Improved health and well-being for mothers and babies across Michigan.
The event kicked off with a special tribute from State Representative Angela Witwer’s office, recognizing the vital progress made to support Michigan’s youngest residents and honoring the ongoing work of advocates and early childhood professionals. 
“Early Childhood Capitol Day allows us to use our voices collectively to stress the urgent need to invest in Michigan’s early childhood system,” said Alicia Guevara, ECIC CEO. “When we prioritize investments in the earliest years, we’re laying the groundwork for a stronger future—ensuring every child in Michigan has the care, support, and opportunities they need to thrive from the very start. The return on investment is significant.”
Throughout the day, attendees met with their lawmakers to share personal stories and policy recommendations. Their shared goal: to ensure Michigan’s 650,000+ children under age five have access to the care and support they need, no matter their race, income, or zip code.
“Family voice matters,” said Monique Vasquez, a Think Babies Michigan parent leader.
Kirsten Charnesky, Chair of the Michigan AEYC Advocacy Committee, said: “Today is a crucial opportunity to bring together partners with consistent messaging and a united belief that children, families and early childhood professionals need to be supported.” 
Robin Bozek, Executive Director of the Michigan Head Start Association, said: “We are thrilled to be part of sponsoring this event. For the Michigan Head Start Association, we don’t believe there is a more critical time than now to use our voices. We have nearly 27,000 children we serve in the state of Michigan…and speaking to our leaders is critical.”
Toyja Bridges of Mothering Justice said, “Today is an opportunity to bring together community members and activists with our legislators, to express our specific needs instead of general needs, to start the conversation. Advocacy days [like Early Childhood Capitol Day] for families, providers, and community members help start the conversations.”
Advocates left the Capitol energized and hopeful, committed to ongoing conversations with lawmakers to ensure Michigan becomes a top state to have and raise a baby. With critical budget decisions ahead, they urged legislators to remember that investing in young children and families is critical to Michigan’s future success.