FOR PARENTS:  4C makes it easy to find quality child care.

4C Provides:

• A free list of licensed child care options for Macomb and St Clair counties
• Parenting resource materials
  • Parenting Views Newsletter
• Referrals to other supportive agencies

Information on:

• Choosing quality childcare
• Indicators of high-quality child care checklist
• Choosing a great preschool
• Financial assistance
  • Need Help Paying for Childcare
  • CCC Application
  • Michigan Department of Human Services
• Child care choices
• Tax information
• Health Insurance
• Complaint policy
• Child care costs

Licensed Child Care Choices:

Child Care Centers include day care centers, preschools, nursery schools, before and after school programs, and Head Start programs. All centers are licensed through the Michigan Department of Human Services.

Staff to Child Ratios are:

Birth to 2 1/2 years of age - One caregiver for four children

2 1/2 to 3 years of age- One caregiver for eight children

3 to 4 years of age - One caregiver for 10 children

4 to 5 years of age - One caregiver for 12 children

School Age Care - One caregiver for 18 children

Family Day Care Homes are private homes where an adult cares for up to six children. Family homes are limited to caring for two infants under the age of 18 months and an additional two under the age of 30 months.

Group Day Care Homes are private homes in which two or more adults provide care for up to 12 children. Group homes are limited to caring for no more than four infants under the age of 18 months and an additional four under the age of 30 months.

Unlicensed Child Care Choices:

Relative Care Providers can be a child’s grandparent/step-grandparent, great grandparent/step-great grandparent, aunt/step aunt, uncle/step uncle or adult brother/stepbrother or sister/step-sister who provides care in their home and does not live with the child. Relative providers must be at least 18 years old and enrolled with the Department of Human Services to receive childcare payments from the State.

Day Care Aide is a person employed by the parent to care for the children in the parent’s home. Aides must be 18 years old and enrolled with the Department of Human Services to receive childcare payments from the State.

Interested in starting childcare in your home?
Download an application packet from child care licensing.   Informational meetings are held on a monthly basis to help you through the application process.  Contact the 4C office fro more information.

Child Care Expulsion Prevention Program

Is your child having problems adjusting to his/her childcare situation or have you been asked to take your child out of a childcare setting?  Call (586) 466-6912.

Tax Information

Earned Income Tax Credit: The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a benefit for certain people who work and have earned income or are self-employed. EITC reduces the amount of taxes you owe. The EITC may also give you a refund. For more information, log on to irs.gov/eic/info.htm.

Child and Dependent Care Credit: You may be able to claim the credit if you pay someone to care for your child under age 13 so that you can work or go to school. For more information, log on to irs.gov.

Health Insurance for Children
MIChild: MIChild is a health insurance program for uninsured children of Michigan’s working families. MIChild services are provided by many HMO’s and other health care plans throughout Michigan. Call 1-888-988-6300 for more information.

• To request a free list of licensed childcare homes or centers you can: Call 1-866-4CHILDCARE (1-866-424-4532) Call 586-469-6993 or fax 586-469-6992 E-mail 4cr&r@macombcountymi.gov Complete our online referral request and a list will be e-mailed to you in one business day.

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