The Child Care Licensing Bureau (CCLB) performs state licensing regulatory duties as required by state laws and federal requirements.
Early learning and development program resources for all children, birth to age eight, especially those in highest need.
The MI Tri-Share Child Care Program is an innovative approach to increasing access to high-quality, affordable child care for working families while also helping employers retain talent and remove one major barrier to employment.
Michigan is one of 20 states selected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to receive the PDG B-5 renewal grant.
The PreK for All Initiative helps Michigan families save money while preparing the state’s youngest learners for kindergarten.
Resources for Michigan’s Out-of-School Time programs and providers.
Search is currently unavailable. Please try again later.
The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
September 12, 2025
Underscores the state’s commitment to support all caregivers, expand access to affordable early learning for children and families
LANSING, Mich. – As we near the close of Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) Appreciation Week, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is recognizing the vital role caregivers play in supporting Michigan’s children and families. Across the state, grandparents, relatives, neighbors and friends provide trusted care that helps parents work, pursue education and support their families.
“Family, friend, and neighbor caregivers are the backbone of support for so many Michigan families,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, MiLEAP director. “Their care allows parents to pursue work and education, while giving children the stability and guidance they need during their early learning years. Our department is proud to celebrate their contributions while continuing to strengthen the supports that help them succeed and ensure our state’s children can build a strong foundation for lifelong learning success.”
FFN Week is an opportunity to celebrate the over 5 million caregivers who look after 11.5 million children each year, nationally. In Michigan, the Child Development and Care (CDC) scholarship program helps low-income families cover the cost of care from both licensed and license-exempt providers. In 2023, license-exempt providers represented about half of the cases paid through the state’s CDC scholarship, with 88% of those providers being relatives of the children in their care. As of June 2025, more than 3,500 families who rely on license-exempt providers received CDC scholarship support to provide care for over 7,600 children across the state.
“Family, Friend, and Neighbor Appreciation Week is an opportunity to recognize the deep impact caregivers have on families across Michigan,” said Emily Laidlaw, deputy director at MiLEAP overseeing the Office of Early Education. “Whether it’s a grandparent caring for a child, a neighbor stepping in to help, or an early educator guiding young learners, these caregivers provide the support families rely on every day. At MiLEAP, we’re committed to lifting up all caregivers by providing the resources and recognition they deserve for helping children grow and families thrive.”
MiLEAP also connects license-exempt providers to resources and oversees compliance with critical health and safety training requirements to ensure children are cared for in safe environments and parents have peace of mind.
In addition to supporting license-exempt providers, MiLEAP leads several statewide initiatives that expand access to early learning and child care for Michigan families. This includes PreK for All, which ensures every 4-year-old has access to free, high-quality preschool that prepares them to thrive in kindergarten and beyond, and the nationally recognized MI Tri-Share Child Care program, which supports families by splitting the cost of child care equally between eligible employees, their employer and the state.
To learn more about the state’s efforts to support children and families or to become a license-exempt provider, visit the MiLEAP’s Office of Early Education webpage.
Media Contact:
