As used in this act:

  (a) “Contract” means the infant and toddler child care contracts established in section 5.

  (b) “Department” means the department of education.

  (c) “Provider” means a child care center, group child care home, or family child care home licensed under 1973 PA 116, MCL 722.111 to 722.128.

  (d) “Region” means 1 of at least 4 areas of the state as determined by the department to provide technical assistance to child care providers.