How to Get Licensed as a Child Care Center in Michigan (2025 Guide)

Opening a licensed child care center in Michigan is a detailed but rewarding process. Whether you're starting a brand-new early learning facility or expanding your educational business, this comprehensive step-by-step guide will help you navigate state licensing requirements from start to finish.

Note: It is illegal in the State of Michigan to operate a child care center without being licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

What Is a Child Care Center License?

A Child Care Center License allows an individual or organization to care for children under age 13 in a commercial setting (not a private home). This includes:

• Full- or part-time child care
• Preschool or nursery school programs
• Extended day programs for school-age children

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Child Care Center License in Michigan

Step 1: Read Michigan Licensing Rules

Before applying:

• Review the Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers
• Understand the Child Care Organizations Act (1973 PA 116)

You'll receive printed rulebooks after applying.

Step 2: Submit Your Online Application

Apply through MiLogin. Fees are non-refundable and based on your planned capacity:

Capacity | Application Fee

1–20 | $150

21–50 | $200

51–100 | $250

101+ | $300

Note: Only Visa and MasterCard debit/credit cards accepted. No Discover or AmEx.

Step 3: Choose a Location & Get Zoning Approval

• A license is issued to a specific site, not transferable.
• Contact local zoning authorities early to ensure the site is approved for a child care center.
• Speak with a licensing consultant before signing a lease.

Step 4: Schedule Required Inspections

You must arrange and pay for the following inspections:

Fire Safety Inspection

• Conducted by a qualified fire safety inspector
• Required for both existing buildings and new construction
• Find a fire safety inspector
  ‍

Environmental Health Inspection

• Contact your local health department
• Submit Form BCAL-1787-CC
• Required if food will be prepared on site or children are present >2.5 hrs/day
  ‍

Playground Safety Inspection

• Required if your facility has outdoor play equipment
• Must comply with licensing rule 400.8170(11)‍
• View playground inspection guidelines
  ‍

Lead Risk Assessment

• Required if the building was built before 1978
• Must be completed by a certified lead risk assessor
• Lead risk information and assessors
  ‍

Heating System & Boiler Inspections

• Fuel-fired furnaces and hot water heaters must be inspected
• If using a boiler, get a certificate from LARA's boiler division
• Include installation approval if appliances are new
  ‍

Step 5: Prepare Supporting Documentation

Submit these materials to your licensing consultant:

• Program Director Qualifications
  (transcripts, work experience, credentials)
  
  
• Staffing Plan
  (daily staff-child ratios, shift coverage, TB & background checks, CPR/First Aid)
  
  
• Program Plan
  (daily schedule, curriculum by age group, outdoor & rest time)
  
  
• Equipment List
  (categorized by motor skills, sensory play, literacy, math/science, art)
  
  
• Nutrition/Food Service Plan (if applicable)
  
  
• Child Use Space Sketches
  (indoor and outdoor areas with dimensions and labels)
  
  
• Center Policies
  
  • Admissions & withdrawal
  • Discipline
  • Illness & exclusion
  • Emergency plans
  • Fee/payment policies
  • Parent notification for injuries/incidents
  • Transportation (if applicable)
  • Medication handling

Step 6: Final Licensing Inspection

Your licensing consultant will conduct a site visit and may:

• Take photos
• Measure child-use areas
• Review compliance and documentation
• Discuss rule interpretation

You will be notified of any needed corrections.

Step 7: Licensing Decision & Start Date

If approved, you’ll receive a 6-month provisional license.

• After 6 months, your consultant will conduct a renewal inspection.
• If compliant, you’ll be issued a 2-year regular license.
• If denied, you have the right to appeal under PA 116.

Estimated Timeline & Costs

Licensing Process Duration

• Average Time: Up to 6 months from complete application submission
• Varies based on inspection results and compliance documentation

Estimated Start-Up Costs

‍
Additional Ongoing Costs:

• Staff salaries and benefits
• Utilities, insurance, and taxes
• Learning materials and equipment
• Maintenance and marketing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

(Based on the official process and common provider needs in Michigan)

Do I need to own a building to open a child care center?
No. You can lease or rent a building, but it must meet zoning requirements and all building, fire, and health codes. Always speak with your licensing consultant before signing a lease.

What inspections are required before opening?
You’ll need inspections for fire safety, environmental health (if preparing food or caring for children over 2.5 hours), lead risk (if built before 1978), heating systems, and outdoor playground safety.

Can I apply before I have a location?
No. Your license is site-specific, so your location must be secured, zoned properly, and inspected before your application can be processed fully.

How much does it cost to get licensed?
Start-up costs range from approximately $1,470 to $4,830, depending on your capacity and inspection needs. Ongoing costs include salaries, insurance, utilities, and supplies.

What are the staffing requirements?
You must appoint a qualified Program Director and have a staffing plan that meets Michigan’s child-to-staff ratios. All staff must pass background checks and complete CPR, First Aid, and TB testing.

How long does it take to get licensed?
The full licensing process typically takes 3 to 6 months after submitting a complete application, depending on how quickly inspections and documentation are completed.

Who do I contact with licensing questions?
Call the Child Care Licensing Bureau at 866-685-0006 or connect with a licensing consultant through the MiLogin portal.

Get Help from Wonderschool

Opening a child care center in Michigan requires detailed planning, documentation, and compliance—but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Wonderschool supports aspiring center owners through every step of the licensing and launch process.

We help you:

• Understand licensing requirements, timelines, and documentation
• Develop your staffing plan and prepare for inspections
• Create or refine your curriculum and center policies
• Access templates, checklists, and forms to stay organized
• Launch your center with marketing, business tools, and enrollment support

Learn how Wonderschool can help you open a licensed child care center in Michigan

Related Pages

Michigan Child Care License in 2025 (Step-by-Step Guide)

‍How to Get Licensed as a Family or Group Child Care Home in Michigan (2025 Guide)