Michigan Daycare Licensing Checklist for Renewal

Renewing your Michigan daycare license is a critical process that ensures your program continues to meet state standards for safety, health, and quality. The state provides a 90-day window to prepare, but being organized is key to a smooth and timely renewal. A comprehensive Michigan daycare licensing checklist for license renewal can prevent delays and ensure your doors stay open.

This guide provides a detailed checklist and timeline to help you navigate the renewal process. From documentation and training to facility inspections and common pitfalls, we cover everything you need to know for a successful renewal.

The 90-Day Renewal Timeline and Process

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) initiates the renewal process by mail. Understanding the timeline is the first step in your preparation.

Receiving and Submitting Your Application

Renewal information will be sent to you approximately three months before your current license is set to expire. It is crucial that you wait to receive this information in the mail before attempting to submit an online renewal application. According to MiLEAP, applications submitted before the renewal packet is received will not be entered into the licensing database correctly and will require resubmission.

Once you receive your renewal packet, you must complete the online application as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days prior to your license's expiration date. If you have not used the online system before, you will need to create a MiLogin account to proceed. Failure to return the application and fee before your license expires will result in the closure of your license.

Online vs. Paper Applications

While the online portal is the primary method for renewal, certain situations require a paper application. You should submit a paper application with a check or money order if you:

• Do not have a credit or debit card to pay the fee online.
• Have a family or group home license with a Federal Tax Number ((F)EIN), as the online payment system does not recognize these for home childcare (DF/DG) licenses.
• Receive a message in the online system that instructs you to “pay at the shopping cart.”

Paper application materials for family and group homes should be sent to: Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, Child Care Licensing, Landmark Building, 105 W. Allegan St. - 2nd Floor, PO Box 30837, Lansing, MI 48909.

Renewal Fees

The renewal fee is a mandatory part of the application and is non-refundable. The fee amount depends on your license type.

• Family Homes: $25
• Group Homes: $50

If you submit a paper application for a child care home, you must include a check or money order made payable to the State of Michigan.

Required Renewal Documentation: A Comprehensive Checklist

All renewal applications require you to submit additional information. For family and group child care homes, the following items are mandatory. Gathering these documents is a core part of your Michigan daycare licensing check list for license renewal.

Application and Identification Forms

• Child Care Application (CCL-3970): This form must be completed and returned to licensing.
• Supplemental Application Information (CCL-3737): This supplemental form is also required.
• Valid Identification: You must provide a copy of a valid driver's license or a valid state or federal government-issued identification card for all licensees.

Medical Clearances and Health Records

Ensuring the health of staff and children is paramount. You must submit several health-related documents.

• Medical Clearance Request (CCL-3704-CC): This form is required for the licensee and all child care staff members and assistants. The Patient Information section must be filled out before giving it to a physician to sign.
• TB Test Results: You must provide proof of current TB test results for any child care staff, assistants, and new persons over 14 residing in the home who have not previously submitted this documentation.

Keeping track of medical clearances and other staff file requirements can be complex. At Wonderschool, we help providers establish systems to manage these critical records efficiently.

Training Verification

Ongoing professional development is a key component of licensing. You must provide verification for several types of training.

• CPR and First Aid: Proof of valid infant/child/adult CPR and first aid training is required for the licensee and any child care staff members. Child care assistants who have worked for 90 days or longer also need this certification.
• Infectious Disease Prevention: Proof of training in the prevention of infectious disease, including immunizations, must be submitted for any child care staff members if not previously provided. This is also required for assistants who have been employed for 90 days or longer. Information on this training must be on file at the facility.
• Annual Training Hours: You must submit the Training Record (BCAL-4590) form. This must verify 10 clock hours of training per year for the licensee and 5 clock hours per year for each child care staff member and assistant. Annual training is assessed by the calendar year, and verification must be available on-site.

For license-exempt providers, specific training is also required. Approved providers will not be paid until License Exempt Provider Preservice Training (LEPPT) is complete. Enrolled providers must take the Michigan Ongoing Health & Safety Training Refresher by December 16 each year. Reapplying providers who have already taken LEPPT must complete the Ongoing Health and Safety Training Refresher before enrollment.

Facility Inspections

Your home or facility must pass inspections to ensure it is a safe environment for children.

• Heating System and Water Heater: You must submit proof of inspection and approval of the heating system, which includes furnaces, wood-burning stoves, and other permanently installed heating devices, as well as fuel-fired water heaters. Electric heat does not require an inspection.
  • A licensed heating contractor must inspect a fuel-fired furnace.
  • A licensed heating contractor or a licensed plumbing contractor must inspect a fuel-fired water heater.
  • A mechanical inspector for the local jurisdiction or a licensed mechanical inspector must inspect a wood stove or other solid fuel appliance.
• Radon Testing: Proof of a radon gas test is required every 4 years at renewal. The test must be conducted in the lowest level of the home.

Official Michigan Daycare Licensing Checklists

The state of Michigan provides several official compliance records and checklists to help providers prepare for inspections and ensure they meet all licensing rules. Using the correct Michigan daycare licensing check list for license renewal is essential for a smooth process. You can find these forms on the MiLEAP website.

For Family and Group Child Care Homes:

• Family and Group Child Care Home Compliance Record (BCAL-4601): A comprehensive checklist available as a PDF.
• Preparing for Your License Renewal Fire Safety Inspection (BCAL-5048): A guide available as a Word document.
• Child Care Home Record Requirements (BCAL-5040): A checklist of required records, available as a Word document.

For Child Care Centers:

• Child Care Center Compliance Record, Part 1. General Provisions (BCAL-1888): PDF checklist covering general rules.
• Child Care Center Compliance Record, Part 2. Environmental Health Provisions (BCAL-4668): Word document checklist for environmental health.
• Child Care Center Compliance Record, Part 3. Fire Safety Provisions (BCAL-0722): PDF checklist covering fire safety.
• Child Care Center Compliance Record, Part 4. Transportation Provisions (BCAL-1891): Word document for programs that provide transportation.
• Child Care Center Compliance Record, Part 5. Swimming Provisions (BCAL-1890): PDF for programs with swimming activities.
• Child Care Center Record Requirements (BCAL-5041): A checklist of required records, available as a PDF.

Common Renewal Pitfalls to Avoid

Even well-prepared providers can face delays. According to MiLEAP, some common pitfalls can slow down your license renewal.

• Browser Incompatibility: Online applications submitted via MiLogin may fail if you are not using an updated version of Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or Google Chrome. You should also add "Michigan.gov" to your browser's compatibility view settings.
• Ignoring the Rules: A common mistake is failing to read the Licensing Rules for Family and Group Child Care Homes or the Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers and 1973 PA 116 before applying.
• Payment Processing Issues: If you anticipate payments from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) or the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), you must register with the Statewide Integrated Governmental Management Applications (SIGMA) Vendor Self Service (VSS). Failure to obtain a SIGMA Vendor ID will prevent MDHHS from processing payments for your services.

Recent Updates to Know

The state recently launched the new Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) Child Care Hub Information Records Portal (CCHIRP). This new system is designed to provide an enhanced experience for managing your child care license and simplify communication with the state.

How Wonderschool Can Help Your Michigan Daycare

Navigating the Michigan daycare licensing checklist for license renewal can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Wonderschool is a comprehensive platform dedicated to helping child care providers start, run, and grow successful businesses.

For those looking to start a new daycare, we provide expert guidance on the entire process, from creating a business plan to navigating complex licensing and insurance requirements. We connect potential and existing providers with government grants and offer business coaching and classes to build a solid foundation. Our tools are designed to help you understand your earning potential and set you up for success. Find out how much you can make operating a daycare in your area.

For existing providers, our platform helps you operate your childcare business more efficiently. We offer support with administrative tasks, policy manual updates, and staying on top of renewal requirements like the ones detailed in this guide. Our goal is to free up your time so you can focus on what matters most: providing high-quality care to children. We also provide resources to help you grow your program by connecting you with families in your community.

Conclusion

Successfully renewing your Michigan daycare license requires careful preparation, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of the state's requirements. By using a thorough Michigan daycare licensing checklist for license renewal and starting the process early, you can ensure a seamless transition and continued operation of your valuable community service.

Whether you are just starting out or are an established provider, Wonderschool is here to support you at every stage of your journey. We provide the tools, resources, and expert guidance to help your child care business thrive.