Capitol News

Childcare shortages in Michigan have resulted in around 9,000 early childhood educator vacancies, affecting the state's ability to provide necessary care for children's development. A recent state report highlights this shortage, which impacts both childcare centers and licensed in-home care facilities. Children under three and rural areas face the most significant challenges.

Andrea Wittenborn, professor and chair of Michigan State University's (MSU) Department of Human Development and Family Studies, acknowledges the staffing shortages. In response, the university is preparing graduates through its child development major in Birth to Kindergarten and Special Education (BK). Wittenborn stated, "As the demand for qualified professionals has intensified, our students are rising to the challenge, gaining expertise and hands-on experience at our Child Development Laboratories."

The BK degree program at MSU's College of Social Science offers teacher certification for infant/toddler, preschool, and kindergarten classrooms. Notably, all BK students passed the state teaching licensure exam in the review period from 2021 to 2024.

The program also features a Shared Undergraduate to Master’s Degree option, known as the "four plus one program." Amanda Guinot Talbot, assistant professor and undergraduate program director, emphasized its benefits: “We’re so excited about this four plus one program because we find it to be a very cutting-edge way to train students and get them on this accelerated path toward their graduate studies."

Michigan’s population is expected to rise by over 200,000 by 2034, increasing the demand for early childhood educators. Despite a 5% employment decrease between 2013 and 2023, employment for childcare workers and preschool teachers is projected to grow. MSU graduates are ready for these roles, bringing skills and commitment to their future careers in early childhood education.

Ava Fredericks, an undergraduate senior, shared her aspirations: “I hope to make a positive impact on children in the future in my career in early childhood education by providing the first foundational steps of development in all sorts of aspects.” The department promotes recruitment efforts to address employment gaps across the state.

Kate Logee, a master’s student, praised the program: “You can tell the people in this program really want to make sure that the pre-service teachers that are coming in have the best experience that they can and leave here with having as much knowledge as they can."

Further information about the program is available on the MSU Department of Human Development and Family Studies website.