Welcome to ACG Western Michigan's Event Registration System

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  • VIRTUAL: Growing Community Economies with Stronger Childcare Systems

VIRTUAL: Growing Community Economies with Stronger Childcare Systems

  • 03/28/2022
  • 12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Zoom Webinar

Registration

  • Selection of this registration type means that you will only be able to attend this program virtually. If you wish to attend this event in-person, please go back to the main event details page and select that option.
  • Selection of this registration type means that you will only be able to attend this program virtually. If you wish to attend this event in-person, please go back to the main event details page and select that option.
  • Registrant must be an active member of a different ACG Chapter to receive this rate. Please contact ACG Western Michigan at admin@acgwmich.org for registration code or help registering. Selection of this registration type means that you will only be able to attend this program virtually. If you wish to attend this event in-person, please go back to the main event details page and select that option.
  • Registration for Platinum Sponsor event tickets. A code is needed for this registration. Please contact ACG Western Michigan at admin@acgwmich.org for a registration code or for help with registration. Selection of this registration type means that you will only be able to attend this program virtually. If you wish to attend this event in-person, please go back to the main event details page and select that option.
  • Registration for Ruby Sponsor event tickets. A code is needed for this registration. Please contact ACG Western Michigan at admin@acgwmich.org for a registration code or for help with registration. Selection of this registration type means that you will only be able to attend this program virtually. If you wish to attend this event in-person, please go back to the main event details page and select that option.
  • Registration for Emerald Sponsor event tickets. A code is needed for this registration. Please contact ACG Western Michigan at admin@acgwmich.org for a registration code or for help with registration. Selection of this registration type means that you will only be able to attend this program virtually. If you wish to attend this event in-person, please go back to the main event details page and select that option.

Registration is closed


Accessible, affordable child care is essential for a strong workforce and a thriving local economy. 

Childcare has been a challenge for decades, but the pandemic has shown a light on just how much work has yet to be done. Advocates believe childcare should be recognized as a vital component of our local economy and should be supported with policies that guarantee its quality, affordability, and accessibility. 

Join us to learn from childcare expert, Annemarie Valdez, President of First Steps Kent, an independent nonprofit leading a community-wide effort to build a comprehensive early childhood system in Kent County, Michigan. Annemarie brings more than 20 years of experience as an advocate for children and families, including a focus on innovative funding strategies, a successful millage campaign, and next-generation leadership.

Key Presentation Takeaways

  • Learn more about First Steps Kent and the work they are doing toward supporting the child care system
  • Review the current child care system and why it isn't working for families
  • Discover recent investments in Michigan and policies that childcare advocates are hoping to change
  • Learn why improving and expanding early learning spaces; the physical places where children learn, play and grow; can increase access to high quality childcare and enable parents to participate in the labor force. 
  • Find out how communities can include early learning investments in broader economic development efforts

Agenda Timeline

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Networking (in-person program only)
12:00 PM: Lunch 
12:15 PM - 1:00 PM: Program Presentation


PLEASE NOTE BEFORE REGISTERING:

At this time we are able to accommodate both in-person and virtual options to attend this event. The virtual option will will be live-streamed. No recording will be available.

Hybrid logistics are challenging. We kindly ask that when you choose how to attend, you do not make additional changes after your registration is complete


PLEASE SELECT THE TYPE OF REGISTRATION HERE:

IN-PERSON REGISTRATION

VIRTUAL REGISTRATION