For child care providers in Michigan, staying current with state regulations is a fundamental part of running a compliant and successful business. The landscape of rules has seen significant shifts since the last major update in 2019, driven by public health emergencies, new legislation, and a continuous effort to improve safety and quality. This article tracks the evolution of michigan licensed daycare rules 2019 through the present day, covering emergency orders, training updates, background check enhancements, and proposed changes for 2025-2026.
Understanding these changes is crucial for both new and established providers. Navigating the complexities of state licensing can be a significant hurdle, which is why we offer comprehensive support to help you start and grow your child care program.
The foundation for current child care center regulations in Michigan was established in 2019. These rules were the last comprehensive update before a series of temporary and permanent changes began to take effect in the following years.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan issued Executive Order 2020-16, which temporarily altered daycare regulations from March 18, 2020, through April 15, 2020. These changes were designed to ensure that essential workers had access to child care while implementing necessary health and safety protocols.
The executive order suspended strict compliance with several key sections of the Child Care Organizations Act. This included the suspension of section 7a of the act (MCL 722.117a) and subsection (2) of section 5m (MCL 722.115m(2)). These temporary measures provided flexibility for providers during the initial state of emergency.
Changes to provisional licensing were also enacted. A child care organization could be issued a provisional license without submitting a complete plan to overcome deficiencies. These provisional licenses could be issued with an expiration date between one and six months from issuance and could be renewed at the discretion of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) until the state of emergency ended.
A major component of the executive order was the creation of disaster relief child care centers. These centers could be established and maintained by an employer or a school district without a traditional license from LARA during the emergency period. They were authorized to operate in any closed school facilities approved for student use.
Managing a program through sudden regulatory shifts can be challenging. Wonderschool provides business coaching and support to help providers adapt to new rules and maintain compliance.
LARA was tasked with issuing specific rules and orders for these temporary centers. These rules had to include, at a minimum, several key safety requirements:
These centers were required to notify LARA of any change in capacity or age groups served. Staffing was also made more flexible. Early childhood staff, teachers, student teachers, and individuals who provide before and after care were all permitted to work in these settings. The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) was authorized to credit the hours worked by student teachers in these centers toward their graduation and licensure requirements.
The order included significant protections for employees. School districts and nonpublic schools were instructed to first seek volunteers before reassigning other employees to work in disaster relief centers. Furthermore, they could not require an employee to work if the individual:
To ensure safety, disaster relief centers were mandated to perform a health evaluation of every individual each time they entered the facility. Entry was to be denied to anyone who did not meet the criteria, which included screening for symptoms of a respiratory infection (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat) and any contact within the last 14 days with a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
Disaster relief centers were required to give service priority to the essential workforce, though they could serve the general public if space permitted. Centers operated by a school district were designated as a "disaster relief force" under the Emergency Management Act, granting them and their employees certain legal immunities. These centers were also considered a pilot program under the Public Employment Relations Act and had the authority to charge for their services. A willful violation of the executive order was deemed a misdemeanor.
In 2021, Michigan rolled out a required training module for all child care providers, both licensed and license-exempt. The Michigan Ongoing Health and Safety Training Refresher 2021 was designed to reinforce key safety practices and was initially offered online only, with a face-to-face option planned for later in the year.
This training was the second in a series of three refreshers. Providers were required to complete either the online or face-to-face version and would only receive credit for one, as the content was identical. The training covered four critical topics:
While the training was for all providers, the licensing rules cited within it were mandatory for licensed providers (center and family-based) and considered recommendations for license-exempt providers. Staying on top of annual training requirements is a key part of operating a child care business, and we help our network of providers track and complete these essential courses.
Significant changes to Michigan's Central Registry for child abuse and neglect became effective on November 1, 2022. These changes narrowed the criteria for placement on the registry, impacting background checks for child care employees. Understanding these rules is a critical step for anyone looking to start a program, and our resources can help you navigate the process of getting licensed and insured.
Under the new rules, a case is only classified for the Central Registry if it involves:
This meant that individuals previously placed on the registry for offenses that no longer met the new criteria could have their status reviewed. Additionally, select criminal convictions involving children would now result in placement on the registry. For convictions occurring on or after November 1, 2022, trial courts must use the MDHHS-6023 form to request placement on or removal from the registry.
The Michigan legislature continues to consider new bills that could impact child care providers. The 2025-26 Michigan Early Childhood Bill Tracker, last updated July 29, 2025, outlines several proposed changes related to early learning and economic stability for families.
Navigating the evolving landscape of Michigan's child care regulations can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. At Wonderschool, we provide the tools, resources, and support to help you start, manage, and grow a thriving child care business in Michigan. We are dedicated to empowering providers to offer high-quality care while building a sustainable career.
Our support includes:
Curious about your potential earnings? Use our New Provider Calculator to estimate how much you could make by opening a child care program in your area. We are here to help you achieve your goal of becoming a successful child care provider in Michigan.
From the foundational 2019 rules to the emergency measures of 2020, the updated training in 2021, and the ongoing legislative proposals, Michigan's child care regulations are in a constant state of refinement. For providers, staying informed and compliant is paramount. By understanding this evolution, you can better position your program for success, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and legally sound environment for the children and families you serve.
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