Labor shortages in early education are now hitting Michigan’s workforce and economy. State officials say a new career tool could help—but questions remain about whether it’s enough. Photo credit: Stock Image. 

LANSING – Michigan is facing a growing shortage of childcare and early education workers—and state officials are now rolling out a new tool they hope will bring more people into the field.

A new online Career Exploration Tool, launched through MiRegistry in partnership with the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), is designed to guide Michiganders step-by-step into careers working with children—from entry-level roles to long-term career paths.

The move comes as demand for early childhood educators and youth program staff continues to rise across the state, putting pressure on families, schools, and employers who depend on reliable childcare.

“Working with children and youth is both meaningful and essential to Michigan’s future,” said MiLEAP Director Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea. “By helping more individuals find that path, we’re strengthening recruitment and retention.”

A Workforce Shortage With Economic Consequences

The shortage of childcare workers is no longer just an education issue—it’s an economic one.

When families can’t find affordable, reliable childcare:

  • Parents drop out of the workforce
  • Employers struggle to fill jobs
  • Local economies lose productivity

Michigan has been working to rebuild its labor force pipeline, and early childhood education has become a critical weak point.

State officials say the new tool is meant to remove one of the biggest barriers: confusion about how to get started.

What the Tool Actually Does

The Career Exploration Tool walks users through:

  • What it’s like to work with infants, toddlers, or school-age children
  • Which roles match their interests and skills
  • What training or credentials are required
  • Where to find financial aid and training programs
  • How careers can grow over time

It also includes real-world career stories from Michigan educators to show how people entered the field and advanced.

“This resource was built for people at all points in their career journey,” said Chelsea Fray of MiRegistry.

The Bigger Challenge: Recruitment and Retention

Even with new tools, Michigan still faces a fundamental challenge: getting people into—and keeping them in—the field.

Low wages, high burnout, and demanding working conditions have made childcare one of the hardest sectors to staff.

MiLEAP officials say this tool is part of a broader strategy that includes:

  • Scholarship programs like T.E.A.C.H.
  • Wage supports for educators
  • Expanded access to training and credentials
  • Benefits programs aimed at retention

“Too often, people are interested in this work but don’t know where to begin,” said Emily Laidlaw, deputy director overseeing early education. “This helps remove that barrier.”

Why This Matters Now

Michigan’s long-term economic growth depends heavily on its ability to:

  • Attract and retain young workers
  • Support working families
  • Build a stable education pipeline

Without enough childcare workers, all three are at risk.

That’s why state leaders are betting that clearer career pathways—and easier entry into the field—can help stabilize a system under growing strain.

What’s Next

The state says the tool will continue to expand with new features, career pathways, and additional real-world examples from educators across Michigan.

For now, officials are urging anyone interested in working with children—or advancing in the field—to explore the platform.

Individuals interested in exploring or advancing in a career working with children can visit MiRegistry.org to access the resource.