These maps show areas where demand for child care exceeds available slots, helping identify communities with limited child care availability. Formerly called “child care deserts”, this is an area where three or more children compete for each available slot or where no providers exist, following the methodology used by the Center for American Progress.
The maps display ratios at two levels:
- By Zip Code – Estimated ratios for each zip code
- By County – Estimated ratios for each county
Data include licensed providers, who comply with health and safety regulations and provide care for unrelated children in a home or center, and license-exempt providers, who typically care for children of family, friends, or neighbors. Slot estimates combine licensed capacity with the number of children using Child Development and Care (CDC) scholarships reported by license-exempt providers. Exempt provider data were drawn from monthly pulls covering September 2023 to June 2025. Licensed provider data are updated daily via the Child Care Hub Information Records Portal (CCHIRP) maintained by Michigan’s Child Care Licensing Bureau.
For full definitions, methods, assumptions, limitations, and references, download the technical report.
Who This Map Helps
- This map is useful for state and community leaders who want to direct resources and support to communities with limited child care availability.
These materials were developed under a grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential using Child Care Development Funds (CCDF).
Contact Us For information on how to use the maps, download this guide.