Child Care Made Simple

If you’re feeling overwhelmed- You’re in the right place!

If everything feels overwhelming right now, that’s okay, you’re not alone! We have created this page with resources and information to help you navigate child care in Michigan.

We are also here to help! Connect with us for one-on-one support! We are ready to listen, answer your questions, and share helpful resources.

Begin your search for child care at Great Start to Quality!

Great Start to Quality allows you to search all licensed programs in Michigan to find the best care for your child and family. Looking for Free Preschool/ Pre-K for All? Visit Great Start to Quality Free Preschool Programs

*these programs may also be found on Great Start to Quality but they have made it easier to find them via this link.

Finding child care that fits your schedule can feel challenging! We encourage you to start your search at Great Start to Quality with only age and location information. From there, you can use the sorting tools provided and reach out to programs in the area to ask more about their services. There are programs that don’t advertise everything they offer and also programs that are willing to be flexible.

Ask Your Network, family, friends, pediatrician, community groups, etc. They may have expertise and experience with child care and then use Great Start to Quality to verify information and details.

There are three types of licensed child care in Michigan:

  • Family Home: A private home in which a licsensed adult cares for 6-7 children at one time.

  • Group Home: Also a private home in which a licensed adult cares for 12-14 children at one time. When there are more than 6 children in a Group Home, a second adult caregiver must be present.

  • Child Care Center: A facility, other than a private residence (home), that is licensed for child care. It can include preschool whether it is provided by the center itself or free preschool like a Great Start Readiness or Head Start Program.

A License Exempt Provider is another child care option for families who receive the State Child Care Scholarship through Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). This option is helpful for families who are unable to find licensed care that meets their needs and/or have a friend or relative (like a grandparent) who provides child care.

For more information about the License Exempt Provider, visit: MiLeap LEP Information

 

Supporting Children’s Unique Care Needs

Tens of thousands of children in Michigan are in child care but face barriers due to disabilities or medical complexities. Within the current child care system, finding the right fit may look different for families with unique needs. Consider exploring one or more of the options below:

  • Licensed home child care providers (may be more flexible)

  • Home health care services (ask hospital social worker for guidance)

  • Respite care services (available through Community Mental Health)

  • Private or personal nannies

  • Personal referrals from trusted families or community networks

  • Local Child Care Networks or The Arc for guidance and support

  • Michigan Alliance for Families (Advocates for Supports of

  • CDC Developmental Lists

  • Early On

  • Build Up Michigan

Child Development and Care Program (CDC)

  • A federal child care subsidy program to help eligible families pay for child care when they need it so they can go to work, go to school, train for work or get medical treatment.

  • CDC Eligibility Calculator - check to see if you might qualify for the scholarship

  • Apply for CDC benefits through MIBridges

    • If you need help with any part of any MiBridges application contact someone, CLICK HERE.

  • Child Care Network Family Support Program: Learn more HERE.

  • Ask your employer about MI Tri-Share/Mi-Care. Learn more HERE.

  • Ask your child care program or provider about sliding fee scales, internal scholarships, and/or sibling discounts

  • Ask your employer about flexible spending accounts that could be used on child care

The free preschool options in Michigan are Head Start (HS) and the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP).

Where to apply - Great Start to Quality - Find Free PreK

  • Enter zip code, Click on County for additional information

More information - PreK for All