Michigan lawmakers are investigating a childcare provider, 1st Premier Learning Academy & Daycare, which has allegedly received over $1.1 million in taxpayer-funded reimbursements without apparent signs of operation at its listed Clinton Township address. The probe, initiated by the Michigan House Oversight Subcommittee on State & Local Public Assistance Programs, centers on the facility's financial transactions between fiscal years 2023 and 2026.
According to an investigative report, the facility, located at 39781 Garfield Road, was reimbursed $1,121,641 through the Child Development & Care (CDC) Program. However, committee staff reported that multiple site visits yielded no evidence that children were being cared for at the location. Investigators stated they were unable to find an active childcare license for 1st Premier Learning Academy & Daycare. The address is currently occupied by Kidz in Motion Early Learning Institute, a daycare whose state license is listed as closed.
During attempts to contact the daycare during advertised business hours, investigators reported that all calls were directed to an answering service. A site visit on June 12 found the building locked, though it was within its stated operating hours. While lights were on inside, no staff or children were visible.
Adjacent businesses reportedly told investigators they had never observed children at the premises, although some noted occasional construction activity. Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Jason Woolford conducted his own visit on June 15. His inspection found the front door unanswered despite repeated knocking. He observed an outdoor play area that appeared to be an asphalt lot with grass growing through it, an old playhouse near the building, and chairs stacked outside filled with rainwater.
A rear door was found unlocked, but Woolford received no response after calling inside. Employees at a nearby café also informed him they had never seen children entering the facility.
The committee identified Premier Early Childhood Education Partners LLC, a Chicago-based company, as the owner and operator of several legitimate childcare facilities in Michigan. According to the report, one of its entities, Premier MI Network Clinton Twp, operates as 1st Premier Learning Academy & Daycare and received the substantial CDC reimbursements. The oversight committee's investigation is ongoing, and no criminal charges have been announced. Fox News Digital has reached out to Premier Early Childhood Education Partners for comment.