Funding for early learning saw big changes in both Indiana and Michigan this past year. Indiana significantly cut its preschool (On My Way Pre-K) and childcare funding, creating fewer slots for low-income families to send their 4-year-olds to high quality preschool programs. And, while Michigan bumped up its PreK for All initiative targeting 4-year-olds, it simultaneously eliminated over $19 million in funding for Great Start Collaboratives (birth to 3-year-olds).

One of the ways libraries can support early literacy in their communities is by subscribing to TALK: Text & Learn for Kindergarten, which encourages caregivers and parents to read, write, talk, sing, and play with their little ones every day. TALK does not offer a replacement for preschool programs, but it does offer an effective way for libraries to support families amid recent changes. If your library subscribes to TALK, be sure to reach out to educational organizations that provide services to birth to 5-year-olds such as Intermediate School Districts (ISDs) and Regional Educational Service Agencies (RESAs) in Michigan, Educational Service Centers (ESCs) in Indiana, and Head Start programs in both states to let them know how easy it is to participate. 

Learn more about TALK or request a quote here.