Educate employees about state financial assistance programs and childcare subsidies
Michigan offers several childcare subsidies and government programs to assist income-constrained families with the cost of child care.
Available Programs
State assistance | Childcare Subsidies
The Michigan Child Development and Care (CDC) program is designed to support income-restrained families by providing supplemental childcare payments to assist families with the cost of child care. Subsidies are provided as direct payments to the childcare provider on behalf of the family, reducing the amount the family is required to pay out-of-pocket.
See the allowable reasons for childcare assistance CDC Program Requirements
Families can see if they’re eligible for low- or no-cost child care by using the calculator available through the Great Start to Quality website or view the Income Eligibility Scale and Family Contribution to see if you qualify.
Apply for the CDC Program by visiting MI Bridges website. Eligibility specialists will ask applicants questions about their child-support arrangements and provide access to a Navigator Partner for one-on-one assistance.
Find childcare providers in your area through the Great Start to Quality website that accepts CDC subsidies. Remind employees to start looking early as many centers have waitlists.
Contact your local DHHS County Office if you need help or have questions.
Assistance for Military Families
The federal government offers subsidies to members of the military and the Department of Defense. Eligibility is determined by each branch of service or agency.
Visit Child Care Aware of America for more information on eligible programs and assistance.
Free or Low-Cost Pre-School Programs
Head Start is a federally funded preschool program for 3- and 4-year-old children from eligible, low-income families.
Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP) is Michigan’s free PreK program for eligible 4-year-olds
Search for your nearest Head Start or GSRP program to find out if your family is eligible and to apply.