LocalMichiganNews

Michigan lawmakers looking to increase scrutiny on child day care centers, workers

Child day care workers would need to pass criminal background checks and day care facilities would see increased inspections under legislation supported by Michigan Sen. John Proos.

Senate Bills 180-183 would make various updates and changes to Michigan’s current laws regarding child care licensure to comply with new federal requirements. The bills require all child care licensees, staff, volunteers and household members to undergo criminal background checks, including fingerprinting.

The bills would also require the state to complete annual inspections of all licensees that will be unannounced in most cases and create minimum five-year bans for child care operators and workers if they have their operator or individual licenses revoked.

“As these reforms give peace of mind to parents with children in day care, they will also protect funding for critical state oversight of child care facilities,” Proos said.

In 2014, the federal government reauthorized the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act for the first time since 1996. The act included updated regulations that states must meet for child care facilities and homes that run day care services.

If Michigan does not come into compliance with the new federal regulations, the state may lose $4 million in funding as a penalty.

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