Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Children and Adult Licensing will conduct five public hearings in October to take comments on proposed licensing rules governing child care centers in Michigan.

Since taking office, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm has made childhood development a priority. Granholm asked DHS director Marianne Udow to strengthen child care standards and improve child care facilities.

"Licensed child care facilities provide more than a play environment for children," Udow said. “Licensed centers are an integral part of a comprehensive set of child development services. The rules require annual staff training that will improve the hands-on care of children."

The proposed rules modify educational requirements for program directors, establish the position of “lead caregiver” and set minimum annual training requirements for all caregivers. The rules establish maximum group size requirements for children under 3 years of age and include requirements on diapering, sleeping/napping, daily program activities, eating, transportation and other issues that impact children.

The hearings will be held:

• Wednesday, Oct. 5 from 3-7:30 P.M. at Bay de Noc Community College Auditorium, 2001 North Lincoln Road, Escanaba.
• Thursday, Oct. 6 from 3–7:30 P.M. at Gaylord Evangelical Free Church Auditorium, 1649 M-32 East, Gaylord.
• Tuesday, Oct. 11 from 3–7:30 P.M. at Prince Conference Center at Calvin College Willow Room, 1800 East Beltline SE in Grand Rapids.
• Wednesday, Oct. 12 from 3–7:30 P.M. at Macomb Intermediate School District Central Training Room 100 A/B/C, 44001 Garfield Road, Clinton Township.
• Thursday, Oct. 13 from 3–7:30 P.M. at Holiday Inn-South Ballroom H, 6820 South Cedar Street in Lansing.

Comments on the rules may be made in person at the hearing or by mail, fax, or e-mail until 5 P.M. on Oct. 14, 2005. The rules are promulgated by authority conferred on the Department of Human Services. They will take effect 180 days after filing with the Secretary of State.

The rules [Rule Set 2003-039FI] are published on the Michigan Government Web site at http://www.michigan.gov/orr and in the Michigan Register in the September 15, 2005 issue.

Copies of the draft rules may also be obtained by mail or e-mail from Department of Human Services Office of Children and Adult Licensing, P. O. Box 30650, Lansing MI 48909-8150, telephone (517) 373-8300 voice and (517) 335-6121 fax. To acquire the rules by e-mail send a message to manowik@michigan.gov

The DHS Office of Child and Adult Licensing conducts onsite evaluations of licensed child care facilities to determine compliance with state law and licensing rules, consults with child welfare organization to improve the quality of service and investigates complaints alleging administrative rules or statute violations. It administers licenses for adult foster care, child day care, and child welfare institutions in Michigan.