LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Department of Human Services (DHS) Director Marianne Udow today announced $661,371 in grants to licensed or registered child care providers who serve children from low-income families. The 173 grants range in amounts from $1,000-$15,000 and includes start up grants for 30 new providers.

"Quality care can help ensure our children get the great start in life they deserve," said Granholm.

The grant program, called Enhanced Quality Improvement Program (EQUIP), is funded by the DHS and is aimed at increasing the quality and quantity of child care in Michigan communities. The Michigan 4C (Community Coordinated Child Care) Association, a partner with the DHS in helping public assistance recipients stay in the work force, administers the grant program.

Grants were awarded to start new providers in 18 counties and for proposals at existing providers that address equipment, computers, and resources to build child care capacity, support childhood development at care centers, and improve staff knowledge and caregiver techniques. EQUIP grants help child care providers develop service during afternoon, evening, and weekend work shifts, which is critical for working families, and ways to care for infants and children with special needs. Provider start-up grants help communities better meet the needs of their low-income families.

"The grants support low-income families with children as adults work toward financial independence," said Udow.

Working collaboratively with the DHS, the Michigan 4C Association regularly awards EQUIP grants to increase licensed child care capacity across the state. In February the DHS awarded nearly $200,000 to 60 child care providers. From fiscal year 1998 through the current funding cycle, the DHS has distributed more than $7.6 million in EQUIP grants funds. A list of current grantees follows. For more information on EQUIP grantees in any county, contact the Michigan 4C Association at (800) 950-4171.