Last month, nearly 6,000 childcare programs throughout the state received funding through the Child Care Stabilization Grant. This funding helps keep childcare businesses open, makes childcare more affordable for families, and delivers bonuses to childcare professionals. It is the most significant investment in childcare in the state’s history and our children’s future.
There is a 20 percent vacancy rate for full-time childcare providers in Michigan and a 34 percent vacancy rate for part-time staff. The state appropriated an additional $30 million to support an extra $1,000 bonus pay for childcare professionals.
- Total bonuses awarded:
- $1,000 to 24,947 full time staff members
- $500 to 13,213 part time staff members
Families in Detroit rely on childcare to keep their children safe, happy, healthy, and learning while parents work or go to school. Supporting licensed childcare providers is critical to the state’s economic recovery.
In Wayne County, an area identified as highest in need with 1,103 total providers, more than 784 applications were received with close to $57,000,000 in grants awarded.
A quick summary of total grant awards:
Total grant awards:
- 784 in Wayne County
- 5,890 statewide
Average awards:
- Family home program: $10,763
- Group home program: $20,454
- Childcare center: $108,685
For a more detailed breakdown, The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) released summary data of grant awards and a breakdown of grant awards by county and provider.
The Child Care Stabilization Grant is a non-competitive grant for childcare programs to help stabilize operations and support the health and safety of children and staff. A second application will be released in March 2022. For more information visit www.michigan.gov/childcare.