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MI Kids Matter

provider reading to group of smiling engaged children in classroom

MI Kids Matter

mother holding and smiling at newborn as dad holds arm around her and looks over her shoulder at baby

Why Participating In Your Child's Learning Matters

The little things you do with your child in their early years make a big difference throughout their school years and later in life.

Mi Kids Matter is your place to find what you need to give your child their best chance at health, happiness and success later in life. Throughout this site, we have provided information, resources and programs to take you from pregnancy through age 5 and beyond.

Ages 0 - 3 are the Most Crucial for a Child's Development

80% of brain development happens by age three. The steps you take during these years shape a child’s future health, happiness, learning and success in life. These are simple steps, like talking to them. Interacting with them. Reading, singing and playing with them on a daily basis. Take that first step. 

Get Early Learning Info and Tools

Need Free PreK for your 4-year old?

Michigan offers two quality free preschool programs designed to support school readiness. Many families qualify for these programs at no cost. Learn more about Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) and Head Start below and find a location near you.

MiFreePreschool.org 

Need Help Finding Child Care?

Great Start to Quality helps families find the best early learning settings for their children. Once you choose a child care provider, there will be many positive experiences. You may also have some concerns. Our Concerns in Child Care page has resources for those special situations

Find Child Care

Need Help Paying for Child Care?

To receive help covering child care costs, families must be working or going to school (have an approved need reason) and meet the following income guidelines:

  • Family of 2 making less than: $39,432 annually, or $18.96/hour full-time
  • Family of 3 making less than: $49,728 annually, or $23.91/hour full-time
  • Family of 4 making less than: $60,000 annually, or $28.85/hour full-time

Families can see if they’re eligible for low or no cost child care by using the calculator available at  greatstarttoquality.org/calculator

Families can apply for the Child Development and Care Program by visiting Michigan.gov/MiBridges. Eligibility specialists will ask applications questions about their child support arrangements, but these questions are not required and if parents decline to answer, it will not harm their eligibility for child care assistance.

Information for Parents

Find information and resources to help at every step of your child’s growth and development– from your pregnancy all the way through schoolage. Each section covers development and milestones, social and emotional development, physical health and safety, along with tips and resources Michigan parents can turn to whenever they have questions. Find information by age:

Help MI KIDS

Whether you are a parent, a caregiver, an organization, a physician or just a concerned citizen, there are a lot of ways you can get involved in helping Michigan kids get a great start on life. Find information on groups, events, the Steps initiative, actions you can take and more. 

Visit Community Page