Friday, October 16, 2026
Table of Contents
- Technical Difficulties Impacted Grand Rapids Office Hours
- Join Us for the October Naptime Nugget: Improvements to Great Start to Quality
- Action Needed: 2026 Health and Safety Refresher Training Due by November 2, 2026
- Updates to the Child Care Home and Center Technical Assistance Manuals
- How to Have the Best User Experience in the Child Care Hub Information Records Portal (CCHIRP) System
- New Resource: Frequently Asked Questions for CDC Scholarship Absence Hours Billing
- Nurture Benefits Offers Webinars on Enrollment, Renewal and Retirement Benefits
- MCIR School and Child Care Updates
- New Report Highlights Growing Access to Child Care and Early Education for Michigan Families
- New Report Highlights Michigan's Work to Strengthen Early Childhood Financing
- Michigan Budget Continues Investment in Literacy Essentials as Research-Based Reading Framework Marks 10 Years
- MI Kickoff Event at Oakland University Connects Nearly 300 Young Men with College and Career Opportunities
 |
The Grand Rapids Region experienced technical difficulties and could not conduct the Grand Rapids Regional Office Hours on Wednesday, 10/14/2026.
We sincerely apologize for this unexpected inconvenience. The office hours will be rescheduled, and a notification will be sent out.
Thank you for your understanding.
The Child Care and Development Block Grant requires child care providers to receive ongoing health and safety training. The rule to meet this requirement is below. This bulletin serves as OFFICIAL notice that licensed child care providers have the specified timeframe indicated in the notice from May 1, 2026, to complete the training in MiRegistry. The information provided in this bulletin explains how to find that required training.
Licensing Rule information: R 400.8216a(13) for centers "When the department publishes a notice that a new health and safety update document or a new health and safety update training activity is published on MiRegistry, the licensee shall ensure that all identified staff or volunteers in the notice read and acknowledge the document or complete the activity within the timeframe indicated in the notice."
Licensing Rule information: R 400.1924(11) for homes “When the department publishes a notice that a new health and safety update document or a new health and safety update training activity was published on MiRegistry, the licensee shall ensure that all applicable personnel and unsupervised volunteers read and acknowledge the document or complete the activity within the timeframe indicated on the notice."
Deadline for training completion: Licensed Child Care Providers will have until November 2, 2026 to complete this training.
The online Michigan Ongoing Health & Safety Training Refresher 2026 is being hosted in Michigan Virtual’s online professional learning portal. To access the training, providers who do not already have a Michigan Virtual account, will need to create a Michigan Virtual account. When a provider creates their Michigan Virtual account, there is a space to list their MiRegistry ID. Providers should provide their MiRegistry ID and select “I want all of my eligible courses to be sent to MiRegistry” so completion will transfer to their MiRegistry profile.
Providers can register for this training by visiting either the MiRegistry Statewide Training Calendar or Michigan Virtual Professional Learning Portal. For step-by-step instructions, review the Navigating to the Michigan Ongoing Health and Safety Training Refresher 2026 Course guide.
Please contact your consultant should you have any questions.
The Technical Assistance Manuals for both Child Care Centers and Child Care Homes have been updated. Please review the changes below.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CONSULTATION MANUAL FOR CHILD CARE HOMES
Revisions and Updates
September 2026
| Rule Number |
Description |
Date |
| R 400.1901 (pp) |
Corrected the definition of "staff" |
08/21/2026 |
| R 400.1901 (tt) |
Corrected the definition of "toddler" |
08/21/2026 |
| R 400.1903 (1)(q) |
Clarified mandated reporter requirements for household members |
09/28/2026 |
| R 400.1909 (4, 5, 6) |
Clarified requirements related to recalled product notices |
08/21/2026 |
| R 400.1912 (9) |
Clarified the definition of "fence" and added examples |
08/21/2026 |
R 400.1913 (8, 9);
R 400.1916 (1, 2, 4);
R 400.1917 (5);
R 400.1934 (3) |
Clarified the definition of "inaccessible" |
08/21/2026 |
| R 400.1928 (3) |
Clarified ratio requirements
Added additional details about the definition of before and after school |
08/21/2026 |
You can access the updated TA Manual for Child Care Homes on the CCLB website under Provider Resources or by clicking the button below.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND CONSULTATION MANUAL FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS
Revisions and Updates
September 2026
| Rule Number |
Description |
Date |
R 400.8204 (9, 11, 12)
R 400.8207 (4, 5)
R 400.8210 (5, 6, 8)
R 400.8410 (8, 9, 11)
R 400.8419 (4, 5) |
Added information about verifying Great Start to Quality participation |
08/04/2026 |
|
R 400.8134 (16, 17)
R 400.8325 (1)
|
Added information about corrosive substances |
09/28/2026 |
| R 400.8419 (5) |
Corrected the Administration Training Requirements for Site Administrator Qualifications (option C) |
09/28/2026 |
You can access the updated TA Manual for Child Care Centers on the CCLB website under Provider Resources or by clicking the button below.
The Child Care Licensing Bureau (CCLB) wants you to have a successful experience using the Child Care Hub Information Records Portal (CCHIRP) system. While CCHIRP does function using other browsers, users will experience fewer errors, improved compatibility, and an overall smother experience using the Google Chrome web browser. For optimal performance, please open CCHIRP using the Google Chrome browser.
If you would like to set your default browser to Chrome follow the steps below.
- Click the Windows "Start" icon.
- Type "default" in your taskbar and click on the "Default apps" option.
- Scroll through the list of apps to find Google Chrome
- Click on Google Chrome and choose "Set as default". You are all set!
The recent absence hour billing updates that took effect on October 1, 2026 have prompted questions from providers.
We’ve heard your feedback and are pleased to share a new CDC Billing FAQs webpage, which includes frequently asked questions (FAQs) and responses from the Child Development and Care (CDC) team for providers to reference.
The webpage will be updated weekly as needed to address additional questions. Providers can submit questions by calling the CDC call center at 866-390-3227 and selecting option 3, or by emailing MiLEAP-CDC-Admin@michigan.gov.
Nurture Benefits is entering its second year with substantial subsidy support to help make employee benefits more accessible for eligible Michigan child care providers. Providers can explore health, dental, vision, life, disability and retirement options, with support from the Nurture Benefits team.
Multiple upcoming webinars offered by the Nurture Benefits Team through the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) will help providers navigate enrollment, prepare for 2027 renewals and manage retirement plan responsibilities:
-
Pooled Employer Plan Year-End Review: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 12:30–1 p.m. ET. Learn about 401(k) plan communications, year-end data collection deadlines, plan testing and profit-sharing timelines, and investment updates. Join here.
-
Insurance New Group Enrollment Navigation: Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 12:30 p.m. ET. New providers can learn about available plans and rates, employer requirements, key dates, and the onboarding and enrollment process. Join here.
-
Insurance Renewal Navigation: Thursday, Nov. 5, at 12:30 p.m. ET. Get guidance on 2027 plan and rate updates, employer requirements, enrollment deadlines and the renewal process. Join here.
Beginning in November, Nurture Benefits can start accepting applications from interested child care providers for the 2027 cycle. Providers preparing for renewal can get a head start by confirming their primary and secondary contacts, reviewing current benefit selections, gathering employee and eligibility updates, and watching for enrollment deadlines.
Learn more: Visit the Nurture Benefits Support page for resources and assistance, or contact hello@nurturebenefits.com or 517-594-4355.
As of August 10, 2026, the transition of the new MCIR system on the STC|ONE platform was officially launched. There are onging assessment concerns reported under the new system, which may impact reports and immunization records.
This could impact you as you work to obtain records and meet the following licensing standards for child care centers.
-
R 400.8112(2)
- R 400.8112(4)
As a reminder, school and child care users have access to MCIR and capability to print records in order to meet state reporting and record requirements. The school record is not considered an official immunization record and is not meant to be shared with parents or anyone outside of your facility.
Per current guidance from MCIR, school and childcare users should continue to focus on confirming MCIR access and building and reviewing their rosters. Do not run MCIR reports or letters at this time due to known assessment issues that may cause some students or children who meet immunization requirements to appear incomplete.
Users should also not add or edit demographic or immunization information, even if their current permissions allow it. Continue using Michigan’s current school and childcare immunization requirements until additional guidance is provided.
If you need assistance, you can reach out to the MCIR Helpdesk at: MDHHS-MCIRhelp@michigan.gov
To learn more about the modernization project and view transition updates, providers can visit: MCIR Modernization – mcir.org
Read the most recent school and child care updates from MCIR below.
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
MiLEAP Vision & Impact Report showcases how state investments are lowering costs, expanding access, strengthening the early childhood system, and building a strong foundation for lifelong learning
LANSING, Mich. – More Michigan children and families are gaining access to affordable, high-quality child care and early education as the state continues to invest in programs and partnerships that strengthen Michigan’s early childhood system, according to a new report released today by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential’s (MiLEAP) Office of Early Education (OEE).
The OEE Vision & Impact Report 2026 highlights the progress Michigan is making to lower the cost of child care, expand access to high-quality early learning, strengthen the early childhood workforce, support Michigan’s economy, and make it easier for families to connect with the supports they need from birth through kindergarten and beyond.
“Michigan is making meaningful progress in strengthening our early childhood system and expanding opportunities for children and families,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, executive director of MiLEAP. “From PreK for All and the Child Development and Care Scholarship to investments in our early childhood workforce and literacy development, we are working across programs and communities to remove barriers and give children the strong foundation they need to learn, grow, and thrive. This work is about more than preparing children for kindergarten — it is about supporting their development and potential from the earliest years and throughout their educational journey.”
Learn more in the full press release below.
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
MiLEAP, The Kresge Foundation, and Policy Equity Group examine how early childhood funding works together and opportunities to make it work better for providers, children, and families; Webinar set for Oct. 26
 LANSING, Mich. – Michigan is taking steps to make it easier for early childhood providers to navigate and combine multiple funding sources while exploring longer-term opportunities to build a more coordinated and sustainable financing system.
A new report, The Early Childhood Funding Puzzle: The Role of Blending and Braiding in Supporting and Advancing the ECE System, examines how funding from programs including Head Start, the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), Child Development and Care (CDC) Scholarships and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) comes together at the provider level. By helping programs coordinate resources, blending and braiding funding can support more sustainable early learning environments and help children from families with different incomes access high-quality educational experiences that build a foundation for growth and development. A webinar about the new report will take place from 1-2:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 26.
“Michigan’s early childhood providers are doing the important work of caring for and educating our youngest learners while navigating multiple funding sources with different requirements,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, executive director of the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). “We are committed to listening to providers, reducing unnecessary barriers, and finding ways to make our early childhood investments work better together for children and families.”
Learn more about the complexity of the different funding streams as well as the different requirements that they come with in the full press release below.
MiLEAP, The Kresge Foundation, and Policy Equity Group will discuss the report and its implications during the webinar – Solving the Early Childhood Funding Puzzle: Lessons from Michigan – which will take place from 1-2:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26.
Resources:
Monday, October 12, 2026
MDE, MiLEAP highlight continued support for educator training and professional learning as Literacy Essentials remains a cornerstone of Every Child Reads initiative
LANSING, Mich. – As Michigan marks the 10th anniversary of Literacy Essentials, the Michigan Departments of Education (MDE) and Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) are highlighting the research-based framework’s role in strengthening literacy instruction and the state’s continued investment in the professional learning and educator support needed to improve literacy outcomes for children across Michigan.
The bipartisan Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) budget, approved by the Legislature and signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in July, includes continued funding to support the implementation of Literacy Essentials through statewide professional learning, coaching, and educator training. The investment reflects Michigan's ongoing commitment to evidence-based literacy instruction as part of the state’s broader Every Child Reads initiative and complements additional investments in PreK for All, child care scholarships, and other early learning programs that help children develop strong language and literacy skills before kindergarten.
“Strong literacy skills open the door to lifelong learning, opportunity and success,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, executive director of MiLEAP. "While Michigan continues to face challenges in improving literacy outcomes, we know that investing in research-based practices and supporting educators during the earliest years of development remains critical. The continued investment in Literacy Essentials reflects our commitment to giving educators the tools they need to help every child become a confident reader.”
Learn more about Literacy Essentials and how they are incorporated into classrooms as well as the impacts in the full press release below.
Friday, October 9, 2026
Regional event helps high school students explore college pathways, financial aid and career opportunities
ROCHESTER, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) joined Oakland University on Friday, Oct. 9, to connect nearly 300 high school freshmen and sophomores with college, career and workforce opportunities through the regional MI Kickoff series. The event gave students an opportunity to explore college pathways, learn about preparing for life after high school and connect with members of the Oakland University community.
“College and career decisions can feel far away when students are still early in high school, but the choices they make now can help shape what comes next,” said Dr. Beverly Walker-Griffea, executive director of MiLEAP. “MI Kickoff gives young men the opportunity to ask questions, learn what options are available to them and begin thinking intentionally about the path they want to pursue.”
During the evetnt, students explored the value of a college degree and learned practical ways to prepare and pay for college. Sessions covered the FAFSA, scholarships and saving for college, while giving students opportunities to practice communicating, asking questions and taking ownership of their next steps.
Students also explored PathwayU, a predictive life-design platform that helps students connect their interests, values and strengths with potential majors and career paths. They heard from Oakland University students and members of the campus community during a panel discussion and had the option to take a campus tour.
Lear more about this kickoff event as well as other upcoming events in the full press release below.
|
