New requirements of the Child Care Organizations Act, 1973 Public Act 116

Did you know about the new requirements of the Child Care Organizations Act, 1973 Public Act 116 that took effect last month?
All child care homes and centers must maintain a licensing notebook which includes all licensing inspection reports, special investigation reports and all related corrective action plans (CAP). The notebook must also include a summary sheet outlining all the reports and CAPs contained in the notebook. The Licensing Notebook Summary Sheet (BCAL-5052) may be used as the required summary sheet in the licensing notebook. The notebook must include all reports issued and CAPs developed on and after May 27, 2010 until the license or registration is closed.

All child care providers must notify parents of the notebook and that it is available for review during regular business hours. Parents of children currently enrolled must be provided with this notification; prospective parents must also be informed of the notebook.

• For family and group child care homes, this notification is now included on the BCAL-3900, the Child in Care Statement/Receipt. You must have all of your parents sign this updated BCAL-3900 to be in compliance with the new law.

• For child care centers, the Child in Care Statement/Receipt is not a form available for your use. To comply with the legislation, centers must assure that each parent sign a document that includes all of the following statements:

o The center maintains a licensing notebook of all licensing inspection reports, special investigation reports and all related corrective action plans.
o The notebook will be available to parents for review during regular business hours.
o Licensing inspection and special investigation reports from the past two years are available on the Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing website at www.michigan.gov/michildcare. The website address must be in bold print.

If you have questions about this legislation or what you must do to comply with the new law, please contact your licensing consultant.