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This story is like a rainbow in the dark
A great idea for Michigan and one that needs to be adopted nation wide. Childcare is especially difficult to secure for low wage earners and the cost is a major reason why younger generations are waiting longer to have kids or opting out altogether. >


low wage earners 

Not just low wage earners but middle class working parents. Childcare is literally as much as a starting salary so two middle class working parents have to make a choice of whether one of them leaves the workforce for a few years or work and basically pay off childcare. 
So, A). Leave the workspace and never likely get your old position and career path again (4-5 year work gap is a big deal) or B). Continue working and come out net neutral. >

I quit working to care for my kids once we had 2 because it was almost as much as my salary. Now I've got a 7 year gap, as I tend to leave out part time jobs I had for a few months here and there for extra cash. It's been so long that my degree doesn't carry a ton of weight, especially with little to no work experience to pair with it. 
Our district has a free prek program that was a seriously appreciated, especially with my oldest. He had early intervention for speech but prek really helped him catch up with his peers. >

I didn't have a good job nor was I on any meaningful career path, so it really made no sense to stick it out. Yeah I missed out on a career in my 20s and early 30s but I'm not mad about it, I spent time with my kids that so many do not get. I'd pick the same path again if given the choice. >

Put that on your resume. You've shown time management, planning, crisis intervention,etc. >

With the economy taking a shit all over middle and lower class Michiganders, this is a huge benefit for us. Thanks Big Gretch.