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.
We are pleased to announce updated information regarding financial relief that will positively impact child care providers and families. This updated financial relief information in Spanish is also available.
A: You may qualify for Michigan's Child Development and Care subsidy program if you need childcare while you are engaged in:
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.
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.
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.
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. Both the application and information booklet are available in English, Spanish, and Arabic. 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.
A checklist to assist with completing the CDC application.
Verificación del Proveedor de Desarrollo y Cuidado Infantil (CDC)
Verify the child care provider you have chosen and the date care began. Form DHS-4025.
Manual de Desarrollo y Cuidado Infantil (CDC) del Estado de Michigan
Includes information on program rules and requirements that you are required to follow.
An electronic application to receive child care payment assistance.
Desarrollo y Cuidado Infantil: proceso de solicitud del cliente
A step-by-step process to applying for CDC assistance.
Use the following Income Eligibility Chart to determine if you may be income eligible.
The Department pays part of the cost of child care for approved families.
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.
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.
For more information on choosing the right provider for you.
This resource may be helpful in selecting quality child care options.
