(Governor Gretchen Whitmer via Facebook)
A federally funded childcare program that offers financial assistance to military families is expanding in Michigan.
MICHIGAN—A federally funded program that’s expanding to Michigan is expected to make it easier for thousands of military members and their families to access and afford child care.
Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist this week announced the launch of the Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood-PLUS initiative in Michigan, otherwise known as MCCYN-PLUS. The program is funded and operated by the US Department of Defense and offers financial assistance to eligible military families when on-site child care at military bases is otherwise unavailable.
“Michigan’s military families sacrifice so much for our state,” Gilchrist said in a statement. “We owe it to them to boost access to quality, affordable child care so they can focus on their jobs.”
State officials said the newly expanded program will boost childcare options for military parents by connecting them with more providers and reducing the cost of care, as well as benefit the broader community by raising the quality of child care for both military and civilian families.
State data shows that Michigan is home to about 4,200 active duty service members and 21,000 active National Guard and reserve members. Through the program, eligible families can qualify for federal assistance that will be paid directly to certain licensed childcare providers.
Only providers that meet certain quality thresholds set by the state can participate. And military families with the lowest incomes could save up to $1,400 per month through the program.
“This new partnership is a demonstration of the Biden Administration’s commitment to supporting military and civilian families,” Gilchrist added. “Gov. [Gretchen] Whitmer and I will continue working hard to help parents go to work knowing their kids are safe and supported.”
MCCYN-PLUS is already available to military families in Colorado, Kentucky, Maryland, Nevada, New York, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Miami-Dade County. In addition to Michigan, the federal program is also expanding to Nebraska and Oklahoma this fall.
READ MORE: Michigan Dems rally to support veterans
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