Early Childhood

Mar 11

Why We Care:

Decades of research proves that the early years are critical to a child’s social, emotional and academic success. Children who start kindergarten with the capacity and skills they need to fully engage in life are more likely to succeed.

Poverty in Paradise: Invisible Leelanau

14.6% of children under age 18 in Leelanau County are living below the poverty level.
726 (35.0%) Leelanau County students qualify for free/reduced school lunch and families struggle to access health care, housing, heat, transportation, childcare, clothing and food. (MLive 3/18).
20% (1,846) residents of Leelanau County homes have been identified as ‘ALICE households’ (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed but earning less than the basic cost of living for County households).

In 2019, Leelanau County residents voted to fund universal early childhood development services with a millage request of .253 mills. This millage costs the average homeowner less than $5 a month in additional taxes. This lead to the formation of the Leelanau Early Childhood Development Commission. The mission of the LECDC is to provide families with access to a high quality, comprehensive, accountable system of care and early childhood experiences for all children, birth through age five.

(Data included above was compiled in 2018 but some of the most recent statistics included in the 2018 reports are from 2017 data sources.)

Our Big Goal:

Investing in early childhood is one of the most substantial steps the region can take to strengthen business, improve schools, expand economic opportunities and move the community forward.