The purpose of this brief is to outline the needs of families with young children living in rural communities. In January 2021, the study team (AIR and its partner, Early Childhood Investment Corporation) held eight focus groups with families and early childhood care and education (ECCE) providers from four rural regions of Michigan. The study team discussed access to and the affordability of programs and services for families with young children, as well as why they feel these needs exist within their community in three service areas: ECCE programs, medical care services, and early intervention and early childhood special education (ECSE) services. The findings are presented by service area in the sections that follow. (author abstract)