Quality Levels Replaces Star Ratings
The Great Start to Quality (GSQ) system is transitioning to a Continuous Improvement Process for licensed providers. Beginning February 1, 2023, Quality Levels will replace Star Ratings. See more information, by clicking on the Great Start to Quality Levels handout.
The CDC program pays higher reimbursement rates to licensed child care providers with a Reflecting on Quality Level or higher in Great Start to Quality. Additionally, children attending programs at the Reflecting on Quality Level through Demonstrating Quality Level will not have a family contribution amount deducted from the payment to the provider. Review the GSQ Conversion Chart here.
To learn more about participating in Great Start to Quality visit Great Start to Quality - Find High Quality Child Care in Michigan or contact 877-614-7328.
Ongoing Health and Safety Training for 2023
Child care providers have a requirement to complete ongoing health and safety training annually through MiRegistry. Details related to this training requirement are provided in the CDC Handbook.Child Care Call Center Hours: Beginning Monday August 16, 2021, CDC will have new call center hours. Our Hours will be 9:00 am -12:00 pm and 1:30 - 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. Please call 866-990-3227 for questions.
IMPORTANT: New information regarding level 2 training for License Exempt-Related and License Exempt-Unrelated subsidy providers.
Beginning January 1, 2022, all Level 2 training must be taken through MiRegistry.
Certificates for trainings completed outside of MiRegistry dated on or after January 1, 2022, will not count toward the 10 hours of training needed to meet the Level 2 requirement.
You may find approved Level 2 trainings at MiRegistry Statewide Training Calendar.
General Level 2 Information:
License Exempt Related and License Exempt-Unrelated subsidy providers have the option to complete 10 hours of approved training per year to receive a higher hourly rate.
See the CDC Handbook for more Level 2 training requirements and information.
Information and Resources - If you are a licensed child care provider, or wish to become one, we encourage you to take advantage of our information and resources to help you provide quality care.
If you provide care for a child receiving child care assistance from the State, use these resources to help you through the billing and payment process.
License exempt Child Care Providers are adults, age 18 or older, who are enrolled to provide child care for up to six children at a time. License exempt providers can provide care in their own home or the child's home if they are related by blood, marriage or adoption as a:
License exempt Child Care Providers who are not related to the child can only provide care in the child's home. You must meet requirements and apply to become a license exempt provider in order to receive assistance payments for a child that you care for. Go to the License Exempt Provider Application to begin the process.
A: If you wish to be licensed as a child care center, group child care home or family child care home, call the Child Care Licensing Bureau (CCLB) toll free at 1-866-685-0006 or visit: www.michigan.gov/michildcare
A: If you are currently a licensed provider and wish to accept a CDC subsidy-eligible child(ren) into your program, you and the parent will need to complete the DHS-4025, Provider Verification form, selecting you as their provider. The parent will submit the form to MDHHS. All staff that have contact with children will also have to complete a comprehensive background check.
For reimbursement, please go to the Provider Resources section and review the I-Billing instructions and Billing help information.
A: You must meet eligibility requirements to become a license exempt provider in order to receive assistance payments for a child that you care for. To begin, complete a CDC License Exempt Provider Application, which can also be found below or call 1-866-990-3227.
A: For more information about GSQ Orientation or the Quality Rating process, please call 877-614-7328 or visit Great Start to Quality and click "Providers and Educators". For Orientation, select "Learn about Orientation". For the Quality Rating Process, select "Learn about Participating".
A: The fingerprint background check costs $64.25. The provider or applicant is responsible for this cost. The fingerprint background check is not required for license exempt - related providers.
A: To be paid, you must submit billing information to the Department using I-Billing (Internet Billing). You will need to know:
A: Payments are based on the parent's eligibility and the child's attendance. Providers submit their billing to the Department every two weeks and are paid every two weeks. The estimated check mailing date and Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) deposit dates are listed on the CDC Payment Schedule. Provider billing information submitted after the deadline, but within seven days of the deadline, will be paid the following week.
A: For additional details about the FBI fingerprint process, see the License Exempt Provider FBI Fingerprint Process.
A: If you are found ineligible to be a license exempt provider before your fingerprint and background check is complete, you will receive a letter from the Child Development and Care office explaining the reason for the denial. After reviewing the letter, if you have questions, you may contact 866-990-3227 for assistance.
A: If you are found ineligible to be a license exempt provider, you will be notified by the Child Care Background Check unit within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The notice will include the reason for your ineligibility. LARA will send you a form that tells you how to request a re-determination, in the event that this determination was made based upon inaccurate information or records. If you have questions about your fingerprint denial you may contact LARA for assistance at 844-765-2247.
Steps from enrollment to billing for license exempt providers.
Lista de verificación de proveedor exentos de licencia (sin licencia)
A checklist to assist completing the CDC License Exempt Provider Application.
Documentos/Comprobantes requeridos para ser Proveedores Sin Licencia
Use this checklist to assist you in submitting the CDC License Exempt Provider Application.
Manual de Desarrollo y Cuidado Infantil (CDC)
Includes information on program rules and requirements that you are required to follow.
Solicitud de Proveedor Exento de Licencia para Desarrollo y Cuidado Infantil (CDC)
Apply to become a license exempt related or unrelated child care provider.
Verificacion de Antecedentes de Cuidado Infantil del Estado de Michigan Consentimiento y Revalacion
For currently enrolled license exempt - unrelated providers who have not completed the fingerprint background check.
Proceso de Apelación por Negación de Huellas Dactilares del FBI
Understand the process and what individuals can do in the event of a denial due to fingerprinting.
Informe de Lesiones Graves Deasarrollo y Cuidado Infantil (CDC)
Child care providers are required to immediately report incidents of serious injury or death of a child in care. License exempt providers must report within 5 days to MDE by completing and submitting this form. Licensed providers must report according to the rules set by LARA.
Registro Diario de Horas y Asistencia de Cuidado Infantil
A form for providers to keep time and attendance records when the child(ren) are in care. Use of this form is mandatory for CDC license exempt providers.
Frequently asked questions for providers using the I-Billing (online) system.
Instructional videos are available for free to CDC providers. These videos have been updated as a resource for providers based on feedback received from program administrators, providers, and partners across the State of Michigan. To view these instructional videos, you may use this helpful step-by-step instruction guide or for Spanish guía de instrucciones paso a paso.
CDC specific instructional videos include:
These instructional videos provide helpful information and resources to support providers with billing and payments. An EduPaths account will keep a record of the instructional videos completed.
Note: Providers who have committed a Program Violation may be required to complete instructional videos before future billings may be submitted. Providers will be notified of this requirement by letter.
Documents and information about the health and safety coaching visits for license exempt - unrelated child care providers.
Regular reimbursement rates for CDC providers.
Tarifas de reembolso para desarrollo y cuidado infantil (CDC)
The CDC program is a subsidy program; therefore, the actual amount paid by the Department may not cover all child care expenses.
Details of CDC payment, including block payments, hourly payments, and other factors affecting payment.
Ejemplos de facturacion: Ausecias de niños
Find appropriate billing examples for absence hours when using the I-Billing system.
CDC limits on provider billing per pay period.
I-Billing Para Proveedores Instrucciones Paso a Paso para Los Proveedores
Instructions for using the Internet Billing system.
Desarrollo y Cuidado Infantil registro de proveedor sin licencia
A step-by-step guide to registering to be a license exempt provider for CDC.
This document contains links to many of the current, official policy manuals for the CDC program. The CDC Handbook is a plain language summary for these manuals. Please note that some of the manuals also contain policies for other assistance programs, such as food, cash, and Medicaid.
Information for receiving payments electronically through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Only available for licensed providers.
