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Dear Friend,

Since I took office, I have been focused on expanding access to high-quality, affordable child care and early learning for working families. This includes my goal of Pre-K for All, which I proposed earlier this year in my sixth balanced executive budget recommendation [ [link removed] ]. As I work with the Legislature to deliver a balanced budget, we will continue to make strides on early learning accessibility and affordability. Check out the details below.

Sincerely,

G signature

Gretchen Whitmer

Governor

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Changes in the Child Development and Care Program

Last week, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) announced a policy change that makes it easier for families to access low or no cost child care. Effective February 25, 2024, MiLEAP removed the requirement that primary parents cooperate with the Office of Child Support to qualify for child care assistance through the Child Development and Care Program. This means that if you have previously been denied child care assistance, you now may be eligible, saving families money and helping children build strong foundations for long-term success.

This change was made to align with national best practices and in response to feedback from families, childcare providers, and partners across the state.

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Families can apply for the Child Development and Care Program by visiting Michigan.gov/MiBridges [ [link removed] ]. Eligibility specialists will ask applicants 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.

To receive help covering child care costs, families must be working or going to school 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 [ [link removed] ]. To find childcare or a free- or low-cost preK program near you, click here [ [link removed] ].








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