Michigan childcare licensing is administered by the Bureau of Community and Health Systems within LARA. Group child care homes (7–12 children) and child care centers (13+ children) must be licensed. PA 137 (2025) phased in paid sick leave for child care workers at licensed centers, effective January 2026.
| Age Group | Staff : Children | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (under 18 months) | 1:4 | 8 |
| Toddlers (18 months–2 years) | 1:4 | 8 |
| 2 years | 1:8 | 16 |
| Preschool (3–4 years) | 1:10 | 20 |
| School age | 1:12 | 24 |
Enrollment Form
Complete enrollment with child information, parent/guardian contacts, and authorized pickup authorization.
Immunization Records
Current immunization records per MDHHS schedule required on file.
Medical/Health Assessment
Physician-signed health report required within 30 days of enrollment.
Emergency Contact Information
Names and phone numbers of emergency contacts and authorized pickup persons.
Emergency Medical Authorization
Parental consent for emergency medical care.
Allergy and Dietary Information
Documentation of any food allergies or special dietary needs.
Medication AuthorizationConditional
Written parental authorization for any medication to be administered.
Exemption Policy
Medical, religious, and philosophical exemptions are permitted. Contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for current exemption procedures.
Minimum Age
18 years
Background Check
Central Registry clearance and criminal history background check required for all staff and volunteers.
Lead Teacher Education
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or relevant ECE coursework required. Requirements vary by program type.
Assistant Education
High school diploma or GED required. Pre-service orientation training required.
CPR / First Aid
Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification required. At least one certified staff member on-site at all times.
Continuing Education
Annual professional development training required. Contact LARA for current hour requirements.
Director Qualifications
Director must meet LARA education and experience requirements for the size and type of facility.
Inspection Frequency
At least one unannounced inspection annually.
License Renewal
Annual license renewal required.
Application Process
Contact LARA Bureau of Community and Health Systems to begin the application process.
Licensing Fee
Varies by capacity. Contact LARA for current fee schedule.
Daycare Enrollment Forms Checklist: Every Document You Need Per Child
The complete list of documents required per child, with state-specific variations.
How to Prepare for a Daycare Licensing Inspection
Step-by-step checklist covering child files, staff records, ratios, and facility safety.
Staff-to-Child Ratios by State: The Complete Comparison
Compare infant, toddler, and preschool ratio requirements across all 50 states.
Daycare Immunization Requirements by State
Required vaccines and exemption policies — medical only, religious, or philosophical.
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