Early childhood education advocates are trying to save funding for their programs in what promises to be a difficult budget cycle in Michigan.

The state's Early Childhood Investment Corp. released a study Monday that says Michigan saves money in the long run by investing in programs for children before kindergarten. The study says investing in preschool programs results in fewer students having to repeat grades or requiring special services.

The investment lowers the eventual cost for social services and the criminal system while helping create an educated work force.

The state is spending less than $90 million on pre-kindergarten programs this fiscal year after recent cuts.

Advocates say funding should be preserved or increased despite the state's budget problems.