A new state audit is highlighting concerns with how Michigan runs a childcare assistance program for low-income residents.
The report covers a year-and-a-half period from October 2022 through March of last year.
During that time, it concluded the state wasn’t effectively sharing information with providers for the “Child Development and Care Program.”
The audit says most observed calls to the program’s call center went unanswered because of issues like staffing shortages.
And that many providers didn’t get key information regarding benefits for the families they serve.
The department in charge of the childcare program notes it doled out hundreds of millions of dollars to care providers for over 66,000 children during the observation period.
The agency says it’s already made changes like hiring more staff, and simplifying guidance to address concerns.
