Research shows that the first years of a child’s life are critical to brain development. Since taking office in 2003, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has made it a priority to improve the lives of young children in Michigan.

Governor Granholm has asked FIA Director Marianne Udow to strengthen child care standards and make child care facilities places of active learning.

"Child care facilities should provide more than just toys and a crib," Udow said. "These rules will address the physical and social-emotional well-being of children as well as enhance their ability to learn at an early stage of development."

The Michigan Family Independence Agency (FIA) will hold five public hearings to gather public comments on proposed changes to family and group day care homes licensing rules.

The proposed rules would require caregivers to receive annual training. They are designed to clarify licensee responsibilities, child supervision and home maintenance requirements. The rules also provide specific requirements on issues (i.e. sleeping/napping, daily program activities, eating and transportation) that impact on the care children receive in home-based child care.

The hearings are scheduled for:

• Monday, February 28 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the Peter White Public Library, 217 North Front Street in Marquette.
• Tuesday, March 1 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Hagerty Center Room B on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College at 715 East Front Street in Traverse City.
• Thursday, March 3 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Vis Ta Tech Center Theatre at Schoolcraft College, 18600 Haggerty Road in Livonia.
• Monday, March 7 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Masonic Center Theatre, 233 East Fulton in Grand Rapids.
• Thursday, March 10 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Michigan Masonic Pathways Theatre, 1200 Wright Avenue in Alma.

The rules (Rule Set 2004-005FI) are published on the Michigan Government Web site at http://www.michigan.gov/orr Comments on them may be made in person at the hearing or by mail, fax, or electronic mail through March 11, 2005.

The public hearings will be conducted in compliance with the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act in accessible buildings with handicap parking available. Anyone needing assistance to take part in the hearings can call (517) 335-6124 to make arrangements.