Childcare Providers Association of Michigan

10/06/2026

🆕 PROVIDER UPDATE 🆕

MiLEAP has created a dedicated inbox for questions related to the new CDC Scholarship policy changes, including absence reporting.

Providers can send questions directly to:
[email protected]

MiLEAP has also shared that it is developing an FAQ based on the questions coming into this inbox, which will be available soon.

CPAOM will continue sharing updates as we receive them.
Please share this with other Michigan childcare providers who may have questions about the new policy changes.

10/06/2026

What should you do if an auditor, investigator, licensing consultant, or other state representative unexpectedly arrives at your program?

CPAOM has created a new practical guide based on guidance shared by attorney Anthony “Tony” Dalimonte of Foster Swift during our October Provider Roundtable.

The resource covers how to verify who is visiting, what to document, how to handle requests for records or interviews, when to contact legal counsel, and how to prepare your staff before a visit ever happens.

This resource is available free to all Michigan providers.

Read the full guide: https://tinyurl.com/CPAOMAuditGuide

09/30/2026

🚨 CDC ABSENCE BILLING CHANGES TAKE EFFECT TOMORROW, OCTOBER 1

MiLEAP has released updated absence billing rules for licensed providers who bill the CDC Scholarship based on enrollment.

The biggest change: beginning October 1, providers must bill absence hours starting on the first day a child is absent. Under the prior guidance, days 1–10 of a consecutive absence were entered as regular care hours.

MiLEAP’s new guidance also states that absence hours are limited to 360 hours per fiscal year or 20% of a child’s approved hours, whichever is less.

A few important reminders remain in place:

• No more than 10 consecutive absence days may be paid.
• Providers must notify families if they intend to bill absence hours when the program is temporarily closed.
• Absence hours should reflect the hours the child would normally have been in care.
• Families may be responsible for costs that are not covered by the CDC Scholarship.

These changes are effective October 1, 2026.

CPAOM will also review the updated rules during our upcoming member Roundtable.

🎥 Watch MiLEAP’s full explanation here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-z4u-PZLe4

Please share with Michigan childcare providers so no one is caught off guard by tomorrow’s change.

Beginning October 1st, 2026, the rules on how to bill the CDC schol...

09/25/2026

Some providers have asked why CPAOM’s monthly Member Roundtables are reserved for members.

CPAOM is entirely membership supported. We don’t receive grant funding or rely on corporate sponsors. Our members sustain the advocacy, resources, and volunteer work that benefit Michigan providers across the state.

Much of what we do is open to everyone. We share public updates and resources, advocate on issues that affect the entire provider community, and host open educational opportunities, including our State of the Industry webinar early next year.

Our monthly Roundtables are different. They’re a space for members who have raised their hand to participate more deeply in the work of the association through candid discussion, policy input, shared problem-solving, and direct conversations with guests and experts.

Our advocacy benefits Michigan providers broadly. Our members make that advocacy possible.

If you believe providers deserve a strong, independent voice in Michigan, we’d love to have you at the table.

Join CPAOM and be part of the work.
https://www.cpaom.org/membership

09/23/2026

Providers across Michigan have raised real questions about what to expect if they receive a state audit or investigative visit.

At our October CPAOM Roundtable, attorney Anthony Dalimonte of Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC will join us to provide general guidance on how childcare providers can respond, what to document, how to handle records requests and questioning, and when it may be appropriate to involve legal counsel.

📅 October 5
🕡 6:30 PM
💻 Virtual

Provider Rouondtables are a CPAOM member benefit.
Non-members are welcome to attend for $15.

Registration details: https://www.cpaom.org/event-details/member-roundtable-2026-10-05-18-30

-------------------

CPAOM membership begins at $50 per year. https://www.cpaom.org/membership

09/23/2026

Providers have raised concerns about a new specialized CDC processing structure at MDHHS, including questions about whether applications could now take significantly longer to process. CPAOM reached out directly to MiLEAP for clarification.

Here’s what providers should know:

MDHHS is moving toward a specialized group of staff focused specifically on processing CDC eligibility applications, rather than having eligibility workers divide their attention across multiple assistance programs.

These specialists will be more closely connected with the central office, creating a more direct and focused structure for CDC eligibility work.

The processing standard is not changing. Complete CDC applications will continue to follow the existing 30-day processing standard.

This change also does not involve provider payment processing. MiLEAP continues to handle CDC provider payments.

The purpose of the new structure is to improve a problem providers have experienced firsthand: delays in eligibility determinations and updates that can leave families waiting and providers in a difficult position while care is already being delivered.

Based on the clarification CPAOM received, this is not a new 120-day processing timeline, and the existing 30-day standard for complete applications remains in effect. It is also not an additional layer of oversight on provider payments.

Instead, the move toward CDC-specific eligibility specialists is intended to create greater consistency, clearer communication, and more efficient processing.

CPAOM will continue communicating directly with state officials when providers raise questions or concerns about changes affecting the CDC program, and we’ll share additional information as MDHHS and MiLEAP provide it.

09/21/2026

A potentially significant federal CCDF rule is now moving through the regulatory process.

Earlier this month, The New York Times reported that the Trump administration was considering a proposal that could expand childcare subsidy eligibility to some families with a stay-at-home parent, potentially using existing Child Care and Development Fund dollars.

That reporting may be related to a separate federal rulemaking now moving forward, but we cannot yet know for certain.

On September 17, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services submitted a proposed rule titled “Reducing Bureaucracy and Burden in the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)” to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs for review. The rule is currently listed as pending review, at the proposed rule stage, and is classified as economically significant.

The federal summary says the proposal is intended to change CCDF regulations to expand access and parental choice, reduce administrative burdens, and give states, territories, and Tribes additional flexibility. The current Unified Agenda anticipates publication of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in November 2026.

The most important thing to know right now: the proposed regulatory language itself is not yet public. Until OIRA completes its review and HHS publishes the proposal, we cannot say exactly what changes are being considered or whether they match the policy described in recent media reporting.

Whatever ultimately appears in the proposal, Michigan providers have a stake in it. Changes to CCDF could affect family eligibility, subsidy enrollment, provider reimbursement, demand for care, and how Michigan administers its childcare assistance program.

CPAOM has reached out directly to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for comment and clarification and is tracking this closely.

We will alert providers as soon as the proposed language becomes public or additional information is available.

09/20/2026

Upcoming CPAOM Member Roundtable

Michigan’s childcare providers have a lot to navigate right now, and our October Roundtable will focus on making sure providers are informed, prepared, and represented.

We’ll be discussing proactive steps providers can take to prepare for the Michigan OAG audit, providing clarity around what the audit process entails, and working together to solidify CPAOM’s 2027 legislative priorities. We’ll also hear from experts regarding the OAG audit, with speakers to be announced soon.

CPAOM Roundtables are designed as working conversations for our members: a place to ask questions, share experiences, help shape association priorities, and access the advocacy and expert resources supported by membership dues.

CPAOM members attend at no cost.
Not a member? Guests are welcome to join the Roundtable for $15.

📅 October 5
⏰ 6:30 PM
💻 Virtual

🔗https://www.cpaom.org/event-details/member-roundtable-2026-10-05-18-30

09/19/2026

PROVIDER ALERT: Important GSQ Deadline

Great Start to Quality is undergoing several changes beginning October 1, 2026, including updates to the quality improvement process, observation tools, and regional Resource Centers.

Most importantly, September 30 is the last day for programs to submit an application for Self-Reflection and begin certain validation/observation steps. Beginning October 1, those application functions will temporarily be unavailable while GSQ transitions to its new process. Programs will be able to re-engage beginning in January 2027.

Why this matters: For licensed providers participating in CDC, GSQ quality levels can affect reimbursement rates. Providers who are currently working toward a higher quality level should review their status now, as a delay in advancing could also delay access to a higher CDC reimbursement rate.

GSQ is also transitioning from ERS to CLASS-based observations and changing the organizations operating regional Resource Centers beginning October 1.

➡️ If you are currently working through GSQ, log into MiRegistry and determine whether you need to take action before September 30.

09/11/2026

🚨 IMPORTANT UPDATE REGARDING OAG VISITS

CPAOM has received additional information regarding the unannounced Office of Auditor General visits currently taking place at some Michigan childcare programs.

We have been told that, during at least one recent visit, the individual conducting the visit described the review as being focused on MiLEAP rather than providers and encouraged the provider to openly share problems they had experienced with MiLEAP’s billing system.

We want providers to understand that this characterization does not fully reflect the scope published by the Office of Auditor General.

According to the OAG’s own audit description, the audit is examining MiLEAP’s Program Integrity and Oversight activities, including how childcare providers are selected for time and attendance reviews intended to identify fraud and other program violations, as well as MiLEAP’s process for disqualifying providers determined to have committed intentional program violations.

MiLEAP is absolutely under review. Providers may also have important information to share regarding billing problems, system errors, communication failures, or other issues they have experienced with the agency.

However, providers should not assume that these visits are simply informal conversations about MiLEAP’s billing system.

If someone arrives at your program on behalf of the OAG, providers should take the time to determine:

-Who the individual is and who they work for
-What authority they are acting under
-What information, records, or access they are requesting
-What your obligations are in responding to that request
-Whether you want to seek legal advice before proceeding

Before answering questions, producing records, or permitting access beyond what is ordinarily required for your program, providers should understand who is making the request, the authority under which the request is being made, and their own rights and obligations.

MiLEAP’s own notice advised providers who may be selected for these visits to seek appropriate legal counsel or advice regarding their rights and responsibilities. CPAOM continues to strongly encourage providers to take that guidance seriously.

Providers can be truthful about their experiences with MiLEAP while still protecting their own interests and making sure they understand exactly what they are being asked to participate in.

CPAOM will continue gathering information and sharing updates with providers as we learn more.

___________________________________

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Any description of statements made during an OAG visit is based on information reported to CPAOM and should not be interpreted as an official statement of OAG policy or procedure. CPAOM is not advising providers to refuse lawful access, withhold required information or records, or otherwise fail to comply with any applicable law, regulation, contract, or CDC program requirement. Providers should consult qualified legal counsel regarding their specific rights and obligations.