Bills to expand childcare access were signed into law last week. The bills allow for a higher child-to-adult ratio and establish the Family Child Care Networks that provide technical assistance and support to small, home-based childcare businesses.
The bills also expand care options for infants and toddlers by requiring Family Child Care Networks to be in place state-wide, and addressing licensing and regulatory technicalities.
Emily Laidlaw, Director of LARA’s Child Care Licensing Bureau said, “Childcare is the silent driver of Michigan’s economy, and we are focused on breaking down barriers and expanding access to safe, quality childcare for families.”
Laidlaw said that the licensing bureau has researched the issue by talking to over 700 people about expanding or starting their own childcare businesses. Laidlaw said, “These bills help us continue to cut red tape and expand access to care — while keeping safety for kids front and center.”
Links to all of the childcare bills signed into law can be found below.
HB 5041 was sponsored by Rep. Jack O’Malley, R-Lake Ann, and a copy can be found here.
HB 5042 was sponsored by Rep. Greg VanWoerkom, R-Norton Shores, and a copy can be found here.
HB 5043 was sponsored by Rep. Kelly Breen, D-Novi, and a copy can be found here.
HB 5044 was sponsored by Rep. Ranjeev Puri, D-Canton, and a copy can be found here.
HB 5046 was sponsored by Rep. Gregory Markkanen, R-Hancock, and a copy can be found here.
HB 5047 was sponsored by Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland, and a copy can be found here.
HB 5048 was sponsored by Rep. John Roth, R-Traverse City, and a copy can be found here.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
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