Navigating the requirements set by Michigan's Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) department is a critical first step to opening or operating a daycare. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the licensing process, from understanding LARA's role and submitting your application to passing inspections and maintaining compliance. In Michigan, it is illegal to provide child care services without being licensed by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) Child Care Licensing Division, making this process essential for all aspiring providers.
The Child Care Licensing Bureau (CCLB), a part of MiLEAP, is the primary body overseeing daycare licensing in Michigan. This bureau ensures that all child care centers meet the state's health and safety standards. The CCLB also works with other state departments, such as the Bureau of Fire Services, to conduct necessary inspections and reviews.
For direct assistance, you can reach the Child Care Licensing Bureau through several channels. The mailing address is Landmark Building, 105 W. Allegan St. - 2nd Floor, PO Box 30837, Lansing, MI 48909. You can also contact them by phone at 517-284-9730, by fax at 517-763-0217, or via email at MiLEAP-CCLB-Help@michigan.gov. For more specific inquiries, the bureau provides a Child Care Licensing Field Staff Directory and a Coverage Map of Child Care Licensing Areas.
The licensing process is designed to be thorough and can be expected to take up to six months after a complete application packet is submitted. However, the exact timeline depends on individual circumstances, including the speed of completing inspections and providing all required documentation. The process begins with familiarizing yourself with state regulations and ends with receiving your license to operate.
A license is issued for a specific person or organization at a specific location, is non-transferable, and remains the property of LARA. Throughout the process, licensing consultants from LARA are available to provide technical assistance and professional advice at no charge to help you comply with the rules.
Before you fill out an application, several preliminary steps must be completed. These steps ensure your proposed child care center is viable and meets foundational requirements.
An applicant must read and become familiar with the Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers and the Child Care Organizations Act (1973 PA 116). Understanding these documents is crucial, as signing the application is an agreement to operate in full compliance with the Act and Rules. Upon receipt of your application, a rule book and a copy of the Act will be sent to you.
You must contact your local zoning authorities to confirm that operating a child care center is permitted in your proposed location. It is recommended that you obtain zoning approval before signing a lease or contract, as required repairs and fees may influence your decision to use a specific location.
An applicant must make an appointment with a licensing consultant to discuss the Child Care Organizations Act and the Licensing Rules. This is a valuable opportunity to receive professional advice, especially if you have several potential sites in mind. This consultation is provided without charge.
Once you have completed the preliminary steps, you can proceed with the online application. The application must be for a specific location.
To complete the online application, you must use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or FireFox. You will also need a credit or debit card to pay the application fee online; Discover and American Express cards are not accepted. The application fee is non-refundable and is based on the capacity of your proposed center.
A significant part of the licensing process involves arranging and passing several inspections to ensure your facility is safe for children. It is your responsibility to make arrangements for these inspections. We know that navigating these requirements can be complex, which is why we offer business coaching to guide you through each step.
You must arrange a fire safety inspection with a qualified fire inspector. A list of qualified inspectors can be found at the state's Fire Safety Inspection link. If your plan involves new construction or remodeling, a set of plans must also be submitted to the Bureau of Fire Services for a plan review. The completed fire safety inspection report must be forwarded to your licensing consultant. Estimated costs for this inspection range from $200-$1,000, with potential re-inspection fees of $50-$200.
An environmental health inspection must be arranged with your local health department by submitting the Environmental Health Inspection Request (BCAL-1787-CC). A fee may be charged for this inspection, which typically costs between $100 and $250. If you are planning new construction or modifications to a kitchen or bathroom, you may also need to submit plans to the local health department. The completed report will be sent directly to your licensing consultant.
You are responsible for ensuring all playground equipment, use zones, and surfacing comply with licensing rule 400.8170(11). Compliance is typically determined through a professional playground inspection, which has an estimated cost of $200-$900. More information on documentation and inspections can be found on the state's playground inspection webpage.
If your building was constructed prior to 1978, you must obtain a lead hazard risk assessment from a certified lead risk assessor. The Lead Hazard Risk Assessment Summary (BCAL-4344) form must be submitted with the assessment. The estimated cost for this assessment is $350-$600, with potential re-inspection fees of $250-$350.
Additional inspections are required for certain building systems. Fuel-fired furnaces must be inspected by a licensed mechanical contractor ($60-$100), and fuel-fired water heaters must be inspected by a licensed mechanical or plumbing contractor ($40-$60). If a boiler is used, it must be inspected by the boiler division at LARA.
Child care providers participating in the State of Michigan’s Child Development and Care (CDC) Scholarship program need to create a MiLogin for Citizens account to access the CDC I-Billing system. If you already have an account for other state services, you do not need to create a new one.
To create an account, go to milogin.michigan.gov and follow the eight-step process. This involves providing your email and phone number, verifying them with passcodes, creating a user ID and password, and agreeing to the terms and conditions. Your phone number can serve as a backup for account recovery.
Before a final licensing determination can be made, you must submit a comprehensive packet of materials and documents to your licensing consultant for review and approval. Crafting these documents is a core part of building your business, and the tools we provide can help you create professional and compliant materials.
You must submit documentation proving the Program Director meets the education and experience requirements detailed in Licensing Rule 400.8113. This typically includes official transcripts from an accredited college or university and, if necessary, verification of experience hours working with children.
Using the Staffing Plan: Child Care Centers (BCAL-5001) form, you must outline your staffing structure. The plan must include the number and ages of children, room locations, number of staff present throughout the day, and procedures for screening staff for criminal convictions or child abuse history. It must also include a staff training plan and documentation that all staff are TB-free, physically capable, and have completed required trainings like CPR and first aid.
Your Program Plan should detail planned daily activities for each age group and include a sample daily schedule. The Equipment List must be a detailed inventory of age-appropriate equipment on hand or ordered, organized into categories such as large and small muscle groups, sensory exploration, and creative experiences.
You must submit a sketch of your indoor and outdoor child use spaces with dimensions. Additionally, you must provide written policies covering admission, fees, discipline, parent notifications for incidents, medication, and child illness exclusions. If you plan to serve food or provide transportation, corresponding policies are also required.
An applicant must provide written detailed Emergency and Evacuation Plans for each of the emergencies outlined in the licensing rules. You must also submit your planned Schedule of Operations, including months, days, and hours of operation.
Once all your documents and inspection reports have been submitted and reviewed, the final phase of the licensing process begins.
A licensing consultant will schedule an on-site inspection at a mutually agreed-upon time. During this visit, the consultant will verify that your center complies with all rules and may take pictures to document their findings. Any necessary corrections identified during inspections must be completed before a license can be issued.
If the decision is to issue a license, you will receive a notification from licensing that indicates when your center may officially begin caring for children. An original license is a provisional license valid for six months. After this period, a renewal inspection is conducted, and if you are in compliance, a regular license will be issued. A regular license must be renewed every two years.
While licensed, your center will undergo annual inspections by a licensing consultant. Inspections will also be made if a complaint is received about your center. If an application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision in accordance with state law.
Opening a child care center involves significant start-up costs. While actual expenses vary, the total estimated cost for mandatory fees and inspections ranges from $1,470 to $4,830. This estimate includes the application fee, background checks ($70), and potential inspection costs.
Additional expenses to consider include employment costs, utilities, rent or mortgage, liability insurance, and equipment. It is highly recommended to get good estimates of expected costs before making a financial commitment. To help with this planning, you can use our calculator to find out how much you can make operating a child care business.
Starting and running a child care program is a rewarding venture, but navigating the administrative and business side can be challenging. At Wonderschool, we are dedicated to helping providers in Michigan launch, manage, and grow their businesses with less stress. We have partnered with MiLEAP to bring you user-friendly toolkits to assist you in starting your program, including the Caring for Mi Future, Childcare, Business Plans, and Licensing toolkits.
If you're just getting started, our Wonderschool Academy and business training programs can teach you the basics. We help you create a professional website in minutes, allowing you to get discovered by local families looking for care. Our platform streamlines your operations by helping you track family leads, tours, enrollments, and parent communications all in one place. With our administrative tools, you can manage billing, expenses, and student organization efficiently.
Whether you are looking to grow your existing program or start a new one, we provide the resources and support to help you succeed. Join thousands of other providers in our community and let us help you build a thriving child care business.
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