GUEST COLUMNIST: Ken Mahoney
WHITEHALL, Mich. — Local leaders used a Wednesday forum at the Viking Athletic Center to help residents understand early childhood education, childcare scholarships, preschool options and related family supports in Muskegon and Oceana Counties. The event was part of the White Lake Area Democratic Club’s Kitchen Table Social Series – 2026.
Panelists included Margot Haynes, a Michigan Rural Caucus member and retired college professor, and Kathy Pelleran-Mahoney, retired state director of Council for a Strong America in Michigan.
Courtesy photo (L – R) Margot Haynes and Kathy Pelleran-Mahoney
Haynes outlined the federal Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), which helps states subsidize childcare for eligible families and improve childcare quality and availability. In Michigan, those supports are delivered through the Child Development and Care (CDC) Scholarship, which can help families pay for care when parents are working, in approved education or training, completing high school or GED programs, learning English, or participating in approved family preservation services.
To qualify, children generally must be under age 13, live with a parent or parents who are working, in job training or in an education program, meet income guidelines, and have family assets below $1 million. Michigan currently uses the federal maximum income limit of 85% of state median income.
Families can apply online through MI Bridges or by paper application through their local Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) office. The CDC Scholarship Handbook for Parents includes both options and is available at: https://www.michigan.gov/mileap/-/media/Project/Websites/mileap/Documents/Early-Childhood-Education/Child-Development-and-Care/2024-docs/cdc-handbooks/Master-Parent-Handbook.pdf
Pelleran-Mahoney said local families can also use Muskegon Area Intermediate School District (MAISD) resources. The Family Updates Newsletter is updated regularly at:https://app.smore.com/n/6u4av. The Early Childhood Resource Page is: https://www.muskegonisd.org/earlychildhood/ressources/. Families can learn about free preschool, Head Start and Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) options at:https://www.muskegonisd.org/earlychildhood/free-preschool/. Early Head Start information for pregnant moms and children up to age 3 is at: https://www.muskegonisd.org/earlychildhood/earlyhs/.
Allison Keeson, Great Start Collaborative Coordinator with MAISD said families should register in early spring when possible, but can register at any time. Free preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds is available in Muskegon and Oceana Counties. Families can call231-767-8300 to begin the enrollment process.
Pelleran-Mahoney also reviewed the recently passed state budget, noting new or restored support for the Early Learning Partnership, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the Tri-Share Child Care Program. Tri-Share splits childcare costs among the employer, employee and state, helping working families who earn too much for some assistance programs but still face high childcare costs. The program, along with the MI Care-Share add-on, is intended to expand access to affordable care and support workforce stability. She praised Representative Greg VanWoerkom and Representative Will Snyder for their strong bi-partisan leadership and work on securing the Tri-Share Child Care Program permanently in the State Budget.
After the presentations and Q&A, participants wrote thank-you notes to State Representatives Will Snyder, Greg VanWoerkom and Curt VanderWall, and State Senator Jon Bumstead for their support of the Early Learning Partnership, Tri-Share Child Care Program, MI Care-Share add-on and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.
Organizers said the forum was designed to connect residents with public resources and encourage volunteering, donations and advocacy. The two primary local sources for early childhood education and care information are the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District and MDHHS.
The next Kitchen Table Social Series – 2026 forum will focus on transportation and is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. at the VAC in Whitehall. The event is free and open to the public, and a light meal will be provided.
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