Notice: Due to the recent temporary State of Michigan layoffs, the Child Development and Care office is operating with reduced staffing. As a result, call center hours will be reduced on Monday and Fridays. Staff will only be available to receive calls on Monday and Friday from 9:00 - 12:00 and 1:15 - 4:00. Tuesday through Thursday we will be operating during our regular 8:00 - 5:00 hours.
Please know that with the reduced hours, and reduced staffing, call times may be longer than normal. In addition, the processing of Child Care Relief Fund grants will also be delayed. Thank you for your patience.
Child Development and Care: Parents - Help with childcare is available to parents who meet eligibility requirements to receive assistance with the costs of accessing high quality child care. The resources below will help you understand if you are eligible, how to apply, and how to select the right child care provider.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Q: Am I eligible for child care assistance?
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A: You may qualify for Michigan's Child Development and Care subsidy program if you need childcare while you are engaged in:
- Employment
- Employment or self-employment
- An approved activity
- College or university undergraduate education, such as associate or bachelor degree, including online programs (Does not include graduate, medical, or law school)
- Employment preparation or training, such as a trade certificate or training program
- High school completion
- General educational development (GED)
- Adult basic education (ABE)
- English as a second language (ESL)
- Family preservation
- Participating in an approved counseling or treatment program for a physical, emotional, or mental condition
For a complete list of approved need reasons, please review the Bridges Eligibility Manual (BEM 703) policy. To find out if you could qualify for assistance, review the Income Eligibility Scale. For most families, the department pays less than the full cost of childcare. Families are expected to pay the difference between the subsidy payment and the provider's actual charge.
- Employment
- Q: How do I apply for assistance?
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A: If you need help paying for your child care, assistance may be available. Use MI Bridges to apply. If you cannot use MI Bridges to apply, you can use the paper MDHHS Application for Assistance (DHS-1171). If you plan to use a license exempt (formerly known as unlicensed) child care provider who is not currently enrolled by the Department of Education, you will also need to have your provider complete the Child Development and Care License Exempt Provider Application. Make sure that your provider reads and meets the requirements to be an MDE enrolled license-exempt child care provider. Have your provider submit the completed form, along with the required verifications, to the address or fax number listed on the application as soon as possible.
- Q: How can I find licensed child care providers in my area?
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A: To find licensed child care providers in your area, visit www.GreatStarttoQuality.org. Great Start to Quality has local resource centers throughout Michigan where staff can help you find child care that fits your budget and schedule. Please call 877-614-7328 for more information.
Parent Forms & Publications
- MDHHS-1171 Application for Assistance
MDHHS-1171 SP Solicitud de Asistencia
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services application contains multiple program information and supplement forms. Be sure to read the information booklet before you sign the Assistance Application. The entire application for assistance, as well as the applicable program supplement form(s), must be printed, completed, and delivered to the MDHHS office closest to you. If you are unable to finish the entire application today, you may complete the filing form page titled Applicant Registration and return it to MDHHS.
- CDC Application Verification Checklist
La lista: Estado de Michigan Solicitud al Programa de Desarrollo y Cuidado Infantil (Child Development and Care, CDC)
A checklist to assist with completing the CDC application.
- Child Care Provider Verification
Verify the child care provider you have chosen and the date care began. Form DHS-4025.
- Child Development And Care (CDC) Handbook
Manual de Desarrollo y Cuidado Infantil (CDC) del Estado de Michigan
Includes information on program rules and requirements that you are required to follow.
- A Parent's Guide To Early Learning & Care In Michigan A Checklist For Families.
Parent Resources
- Apply for Child Care Assistance
An electronic application to receive child care payment assistance.
- CDC Client Application Process
Desarrollo y Cuidado Infantil: proceso de solicitud del cliente
A step-by-step process to applying for CDC assistance.
- Income Eligibility Scale and Family Contribution
Use the following Income Eligibility Chart to determine if you may be income eligible.
- CDC Reimbursement Rates
The Department pays part of the cost of child care for approved families.
- CDC Policy Manuals
This document contains links to many of the current, official policy manuals for the CDC program. The CDC Handbook is a plain language summary for these manuals. Please note that some of the manuals also contain policies for other assistance programs, such as food, cash, and Medicaid.
- Parent Eligibility Process
A webinar with information to help you better understand the parent eligibility requirements and process for child care subsidy.
- Authorization to Release Information (DHS-27)
If you would like to release information about your case to your provider, you may submit this form, or a written notice, to your local MDHHS office.
- A Parent's Guide to Child Care Licensing
For more information on choosing the right provider for you.
- Is This the Right Place for my Child?
This resource may be helpful in selecting quality child care options.
- Great Start to Quality To find a licensed or registered provider in your area.
