The Michigan Cares Program is a state-funded initiative designed to bolster social-emotional learning and mental health support for students across Michigan. This crucial program, a partnership between Michigan Virtual and Navigate360, provides schools with resources to enhance student engagement, address learning loss, and prioritize mental wellbeing.
“We’re honored to partner with Michigan Virtual and the state of Michigan to offer social and emotional learning and mental health resources for Michigan students this coming school year,” stated JP Guilbault, CEO of Navigate360. This collaboration highlights the commitment to equipping Michigan students, educators, and parents with essential tools to navigate the ongoing challenges to student mental health.
Understanding the Michigan Cares Program and Its Impact
The Michigan Cares program directly addresses the significant impact of recent global events on students’ emotional wellbeing. Recognizing the increased anxieties surrounding physical, social, and emotional safety, the state of Michigan allocated funding to launch and expand this vital program. Michigan Cares offers a comprehensive curriculum tailored for students from kindergarten through 12th grade, focusing on building resilience and essential life skills.
Jamey Fitzpatrick, president & CEO of Michigan Virtual, emphasized the program’s growth: “Thanks to funding from the state of Michigan, the successful Michigan Cares program, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been expanded to give schools and districts even more functionality.” This expansion ensures that more schools and students can benefit from these valuable resources.
Key Components of Michigan Cares for Student Development
The Cares Program Michigan delivers free digital educational resources to educators and families, fostering positive mental health and crucial social and emotional skills that benefit students throughout their lives. These skills are fundamental for personal and academic success and include:
- Stress Management: Equipping students with techniques to effectively manage stress and anxiety.
- Emotional Self-Care: Promoting practices for students to understand and care for their own emotional needs.
- Healthy Coping Techniques: Developing positive strategies for students to navigate challenges and setbacks.
- Empathy Development: Cultivating the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
- Conflict Resolution: Teaching constructive approaches to working through disagreements and differences.
Furthermore, the program extends its support by providing self-care lessons for teachers and valuable resources for parents, creating a holistic support system for student wellbeing.
The Evidence-Based Benefits of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
The adoption of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programs in schools is rapidly increasing due to compelling research demonstrating its positive impact. Evidence suggests that SEL significantly improves academic performance, enhances student behavior, and fosters positive outcomes that extend far beyond a student’s K-12 education. The Michigan Cares program leverages this evidence-based approach to ensure students receive the most effective support.
Senator Wayne Schmidt, 37th district, and chair of the K-12 and Michigan Department of Education Appropriations, championed the program: “The Michigan Cares program provides Michigan students crucial resources for social and emotional learning. I was proud to support funding for this program so that Michigan students would have access to these resources during the 2021-2022 academic year. I hope school districts, teachers and educators across Michigan will encourage use of this valuable program this coming year.”
Empowering Michigan Schools with Michigan Cares
The Michigan Cares program represents a significant investment in the future of Michigan students by prioritizing their mental health and social-emotional development. By partnering with Michigan Virtual and utilizing the resources of Navigate360, the state of Michigan is providing schools with a powerful tool to create a more supportive and enriching learning environment.
To discover more about the success of the Michigan Cares program, explore the partnership with Michigan Virtual, and access free SEL resources for schools, please visit the provided links. Michigan schools are encouraged to take full advantage of this state-funded program to foster student wellbeing and academic success.
