LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Department of Human Services (DHS) Director Marianne Udow today announced $459,291 in grants to licensed or registered child care providers who serve children from low-income families. Udow said the 135 grants range in amounts from $1,241-$15,000 and includes start up grants for 21 new providers.

“Child care will help ensure our children get the great start in life they deserve,” said Granholm. “These grants increase access to quality child care and increase early childhood options for low-income parents.”

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 new child care centers in 14 counties and for proposals with existing providers that address equipment, computers, and resources to build child care capacity, support child development at child care centers and homes, 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 awards EQUIP grants to increase licensed child care capacity across the state. In June the DHS awarded $661,371 to 173 child care providers. From fiscal year 1998 through the current funding cycle, the DHS has distributed more than $8.2 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.