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

If you're planning to care for children in your home in Michigan, you must be licensed by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). Whether you're opening a Family Child Care Home (1–6 children) or a Group Child Care Home (7–12 children), this step-by-step guide walks you through every requirement to get licensed.

Important: It is illegal in Michigan to care for unrelated children in your home without a valid child care license.

Who Needs a Child Care License?

• Family Child Care Home: Care for 1–6 unrelated children in your private residence
  
• Group Child Care Home: Care for 7–12 unrelated children in your private residence, with zoning approval required
  

Both license types fall under the Child Care Organizations Act (PA 116 of 1973) and are regulated by LARA’s Child Care Licensing Division.

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Review Licensing Rules

Before you begin the application, read:

• Licensing Rules for Family and Group Child Care Homes
  
• Child Care Organizations Act (PA 116 of 1973)
  

A printed rule book is sent after your application is submitted.

Step 2: Submit Your Online Application

• Apply via the MiLogin portal
  
• Use a credit or debit card (Visa or MasterCard only)
  
• Application Fees:
  
  • $50 for Family Homes
  • $100 for Group Homes (requires zoning approval using Form BCAL-3748)
    

Step 3: Mail Required Documentation

Mail to:
LARA - Bureau of Community and Health Systems
P.O. Box 30664
Lansing, MI 48909-8164

Include:

• Zoning Approval (Group homes only)
  
• Background Checks and Fingerprinting (call 1-844-765-2247 ext. 4)
• Medical Clearance (Form BCAL-3704-CC) for you and assistant caregivers
• TB Test results for all household members 14+ and assistants
• CPR, First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogen certification
  View approved training providers‍
• Infant Safe Sleep Training certificate
• Heating system and hot water tank inspection by a licensed contractor
• Radon testing (if using a basement)
  Get radon info‍

‍Step 4: Environmental Health Inspection (If Needed)‍

Required if you use a private well or septic system. Inspection is arranged through your local health department and funded by LARA

‍Step 5: Attend Required Orientation

A mandatory 6-hour in-person orientation will cover:

• Licensing rules and laws
  
• Preparing for your home inspection
  
• Readiness and business practices
  
• Consultant-led Q&A
  

Step 6: Prepare for and Complete On-Site Inspection

A licensing consultant will:

• Inspect your home for safety and rule compliance
  
• Review your documentation
  
• Take photos if necessary
  

Be sure to have:

• Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers
  
• Evacuation and emergency plans posted
  
• A written discipline policy available
  

Step 7: Receive Your License

Upon approval:

• You’ll receive a 6-month provisional license
  
• After that, submit a renewal packet and pass a second inspection to obtain a 2-year regular license
  

Licensing Requirements at a Glance

• Total Time to License: 3–6 months
  
• Annual Training:
  
  • Licensee: 10 hours/year (6 can be from orientation)
    
  • Assistant Caregivers: 5 hours/year
    
• License is site-specific: Notify LARA before moving
  
• Report changes (household, criminal history, care status) within 7 days using Form BCAL-1485
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I care for children in my home without a license?
No. Michigan law requires a license to care for unrelated children in your home.

Do I need landlord approval to operate in a rental?
Yes, written approval is required from your landlord.

What training is required?
CPR, First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens, Infant Safe Sleep, and Health & Safety orientation.

What if my home doesn’t pass the first inspection?
Your licensing consultant will provide guidance. You can correct issues and schedule a follow-up inspection.

Is there financial assistance available for inspections?
Yes. LARA covers environmental health inspection fees if your home uses a well or septic system.

Get Help from Wonderschool

Navigating child care licensing in Michigan can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Wonderschool helps aspiring providers:

• Understand and complete the licensing application
  
• Prepare your home for inspection
  
• Access approved training
  
• Set up your business once licensed
  
  

Learn how Wonderschool can support your journey in Michigan

Related Pages

How to Get a Michigan Child Care License in 2025 (Step-by-Step Guide)

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