The Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Children and Adult Licensing over sees the regulating and licensing of child care facilities in Michigan. This office in cooperation with parents, providers, communities and government agencies try to protect the health and safety of children in Michigan.s child care system.

Licensing Location:

2320 West Pierson Road Flint, MI 48504 (810) 787-7031

Michigan law requires that anyone who cares for any unrelated children in their home for more than four weeks out of the year must be licensed.

Child Day Care Center (DC)

A "child care center" or "day care center" refers to a facility, other than a private residence, receiving one or more infants, toddlers, preschool or school age children for care, for periods of less than 24 hours a day and where the parents or guardians are not immediately available to the child.

Center Ratios

0 - 2 ½ yrs. = 1 adult to 4 children

2 ½ - 3 yrs. = 1 adult to 8 children

3 - 4 yrs. = 1 adult to 10 children

4 - 5 yrs. = 1 adult to 12 children

6 and up = 1 adult to 20 children

13 -17 yrs. = 1 adult to 30 children

Child Care or Day Care Family Homes (DF)

A "family child care" or "family day care home" includes homes that give care to unrelated minor children for more than four weeks during a calendar year and are defined as a private home in which one but fewer than seven minor children are received for care and supervision, by one adult, for periods of less than 24 hours a day, unattended by a parents or legal guardian. Exceptions to this rule would be children related to an adult member of the family by blood, marriage or adoption.

Family Home Ratios

- no more then 4 under the age of 30 months

- no more than 2 of those can be under the age of 18 months

- all children, less than 7, need to be included in the ratio.

Group Child Care or Day Care Home (DG)

A "group child care" or "group day care home" includes homes that give care to unrelated minor children for more than four weeks during a calendar year and are defined as a private homes in which more than six but not more than twelve minor children are given care and supervision, by two adults, for periods of less than 24 hours a day unattended by a parent or legal guardian. Exceptions to this rule would be children related to an adult member of the family by blood, marriage, or adoptions.

Group Home Ratios (per caregiver)

- no more than 4 under 30 months of age

- no more than 2 of those 4 under 18 months

*Identification of these previously mentioned facilities can be determined by the two letters which precede the license number.

School Age Program

A certain school age programs are exempt from Child Care Licensing Rules. These programs are under direct supervision of local school districts. Parents may find out more about these programs from local school boards. These programs are identified on the referral list as "Exempt School Age Programs."

In-Home Care

In-home care is defined as a caregiver who comes to the client.s home. That State of Michigan does not license people who work from a client.s home. In this situation the client becomes an employer and will need to interview potential caregivers, make sure all the correct tax forms are filled out and possibly, do a back-ground check.

CLICK HERE to download a PDF file with information on how to select a Nanny or In-Home Child Care Provider

Further Information on In Home Care

Cost

The average full time rate for one child in care in Livingston County is provided below. Some providers do offer a sibling discount for families with more than one child in their care but you will need to discuss that with them.

Internet Billing for Child Care (I-Billing)

Pin Number Information

County	Child Care Setting	0-18 Months	18-36 Months	3-5 Years	6-12 Years
Livingston	Center	$186.00	$167.00	$147.00	$134.00
	Group	$154.00	$148.00	$142.00	$140.00
	Family	$148.00	$144.00	$136.00	$136.00

Financial Assistance

Department of Human Services offers financial assistance to help pay for child care expenses based on family size and income. You can contact the DHS at 517-548-0200.

Michigan 4C has a Women's Caring program which has income requirements. For further information call 800-950-4171 or at www.mi4c.org.

Livingston County 4C offers scholarship assistance through the .Breaking the Barriers. program, to income eligible parents and clients of DHS who need help meeting the initial costs of registration and deposits. This does not pay the child.s tuition.

This is a one time award that is given on a first come first serve basis for as long as there is funding. Please print off all five application documents, fill them out completely and then bring them into the office for processing. Please make sure you have all your required documentation with you to speed up this process. If you have any questions please call our office.

Breaking the Barriers File Downloads

Breaking the Barriers Info..pdf

Breaking Barriers App P-1

Breaking Barriers App P-2

Breaking the Barriers Parent Satisfaction Survey

Breaking the Barriers Information Release Form

The Federal Earned Income Tax Credit is available to households whose income is below $35,500 a year. Through this credit families could receive a higher rate of return at the end of the year or possibly claim less taxes from paychecks.

Find Child Care (pg)

Child Care Referrals - Great Start Connect

Use our web form to request child care referral information. The information we acquire is kept confidential. Once we receive this form we will compile a list of licensed child care providers that meet your requirements and send it to you via mail, fax, or email.

Be advised that these are referrals and not recommendations. The Livingston County 4C Council DOES NOT recommend or promote one provider over another and can not guarantee that every provider in their data base gives quality care. It is your responsibility to choose a child care program that best meets the needs of your child and family.

If you have any question or would prefer to speak to us directly regarding referrals, please call us at 866-424-4532 or 517-548-9112.