How Can Family Child Care Homes in Michigan Join the PreK for All Home-Based Pilot? - post

Michigan is testing a new way to bring free preschool into family child care homes. This short guide explains what the pilot is, how home-based providers can join, and practical steps you can take now. This article is for child care directors and providers who want clear, friendly, and useful information.

Why it matters:

Families get more choices when PreK is offered where they already trust care in small, home settings.

Home-based providers can get coaching, funding, and help to raise quality. These pilot steps help communities with fewer center slots or long drives to centers. Remember: state requirements vary - check your state licensing agency.

What is the home-based PreK for All pilot, and who is running it?

1. Who runs it? The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) is overseeing the pilot. They selected three Family Child Care Network hub organizations to support local providers in different regions. Local reporting also covered the state launch and why leaders are excited: ABC12 coverage of the expansion.

2. The pilot focuses on places where center-based classrooms are hard to run, like rural counties and the Upper Peninsula. It plans to serve about 75 PreK spaces across participating home providers to learn what works before scaling up. For national context on program rollout changes, see reporting in The Washington Post.

How can my family child care home participate?

1. Check eligibility and hubs: First, find out which Family Child Care Network hub covers your county. The pilot named hub organizations and their service areas in local news; start by checking the WBKB article above for hub names and regions.

2. Meet quality standards: To join, you will likely need to meet state quality rules,s such as holding a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or showing your program quality through Michigan's Great Start to Quality system. Learn what training and credentials look like in Michigan at this helpful guide: How to Start a Daycare in Michigan (ChildCareEd).

3. Steps to apply (simple checklist):

1. 🔎 Contact the local Family Child Care Network hub listed in the pilot announcement to ask about open slots and application steps.
2. 📄 Gather documents: proof of license (if required), training certificates, background checks, and any Great Start to Quality info.
3. 🧑‍🏫 Update training: complete required health and safety and lead caregiver trainings. Useful Michigan training resources and course lists are at Childcare Courses in Michigan (ChildCareEd).
4. 🎓 CDA Family Child Care Credential: For home-based providers working toward the CDA credential needed for pilot eligibility, ChildCareEd's CDA Family Child Care Credential is a comprehensive online program covering all 8 CDA subject areas — an MiRegistry-approved path that lets providers complete the required training hours, build portfolio evidence, and demonstrate the professional qualifications hubs and Great Start to Quality reviewers look for during the application process.
5. 🩺 Health and safety training update: To make sure required health and safety certificates are current and ready for hub review, ChildCareEd's Health & Safety Requirements for Childcare Providers is a 10-hour online course covering safe sleep, medication administration, infection control, and emergency planning — completing it and uploading the certificate to MiRegistry is one of the fastest ways to check a key licensing requirement off your application checklist.
6. 🛠️ Prepare your space: make sure indoor and outdoor play areas, sleep areas, and safety plans meet licensing rules. See practical licensing steps at ChildCareEd’s Michigan daycare guide.
7. 📞 Apply: follow the hub’s application process and be ready for coaching visits and an evaluation.

4. State rules note: Family child care homes in Michigan have specific licensing and training paths. For lead caregiver training needs and hours, see the 45-hour lead caregiver info: Lead caregiver requirements (ChildCareEd). And always check MiRegistry and your state licensing agency because state requirements vary - check your state licensing agency.

What supports and standards will home-based providers receive?

1. Quality standards: Expect to follow the same high-quality expectations used across Michigan’s PreK programs. That may include curriculum aligned to state standards, student assessment, and participation in Great Start to Quality. For background on Great Start and GSRP (Great Start Readiness Program), see local resources: Great Start Readiness PreK for All Program (MISD).

2. Networks and local partners: Family Child Care Network hubs provide local connections, similar to the regional work described by Networks Northwest. These networks help with workforce supports, apprenticeships, and sharing best practices: Networks Northwest family child care network info.

3. State workforce and quality investments: Michigan is also investing in workforce supports like wage initiatives and benefits pilots that can help home providers keep and attract staff. Learn more about statewide changes and supports at ChildCareEd’s analysis of Michigan trends: Child Care in Michigan: What to Expect in 2026 (ChildCareEd).

What common mistakes should I avoid, and how can I prevent them?

1. Common mistakes (and fixes):

1. ❌ Mistake: Waiting to update training until the last minute. ✅ Fix: Schedule your required hours now and use online courses that count for MiRegistry. See training lists at Childcare Courses in Michigan (ChildCareEd).
2. ❌ Mistake: Missing paperwork for Great Start to Quality or licensing. ✅ Fix: Keep copies of all certificates and upload to MiRegistry; contact your hub for help.
3. ❌ Mistake: Assuming pilot rules are the same everywhere. ✅ Fix: Ask your hub for the exact local steps—pilot details can vary by region.

2. FAQ (quick answers):

1. Q: Do I need a special license to run PreK spaces? A: You must meet Michigan licensing rules or be part of an allowed home-based model. Check with your hub and state licensing office.
2. Q: Will the pilot pay for training? A: Hubs may provide funding or coaching; ask your hub about available supports.
3. Q: How many children can I enroll in PreK spaces? A: Capacity depends on your license type (family vs. group child care home) and the pilot’s slot rules.
4. Q: Where do I find enrollment materials for families? A: Hubs and MiLEAP will share enrollment links; local GSRP resources at MISD Early Childhood Resources can also help.

Bottom line: The pilot is a chance for home-based providers to offer state-funded PreK, get coaching, and show that small programs can deliver high-quality early learning. Reach out to the Family Child Care Network hub in your region, update your training, and prepare your space. For help with training and hours that meet Michigan rules, see ChildCareEd resources: How to Start a Daycare in Michigan and Professional Development in Michigan.

Summary: Joining the pilot is a step-by-step process: 1) contact your hub, 2) meet quality and licensing expectations, 3) update training and space, and 4) use the coaching supports offered. This pilot could help your small business and families in your neighborhood.