Michigan.gov Daycare Licensing Portal Guide

Navigating the michigan.gov daycare licensing process is a critical step for every aspiring and current child care provider in the state. The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) has launched the Child Care Hub Information Records Portal (CCHIRP) to streamline licensing and simplify communication. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the portal, the licensing process, and the requirements for operating a michigan.gov licensed daycare.

Understanding Michigan's Child Care Licensing Portal (CCHIRP)

The new Child Care Hub Information Records Portal (CCHIRP) system was developed by MiLEAP to provide an enhanced experience for managing your license. It is designed to help streamline the entire child care licensing process. While the system simplifies many aspects, questions may still arise as you navigate its features.

To learn more about the CCHIRP system, users are encouraged to read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). For additional questions, you can reach out to your designated Consultant. You can also contact the main office by calling 517-284-9730 or via email at MiLEAP-CCLB-Help@michigan.gov.

The Michigan Daycare Licensing Process: An Overview

The Child Care Licensing Bureau (CCLB) is responsible for performing state licensing regulatory duties as required by state laws and federal requirements. It is illegal to provide child care services in Michigan without being licensed by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential Child Care Licensing Division. Understanding this process is the first step toward compliance. At Wonderschool, we help childcare entrepreneurs understand and successfully navigate complex state licensing processes.

New child care licensing rules were officially adopted on May 7, 2025. Providers will have at least 90 days from that date to meet the new requirements. During this transition period, the CCLB will offer training, updated technical assistance, and new rule books to support providers. The Technical Assistance and Consultation Manual and training slides for the new child care center rules are now available to help you prepare.

For entrepreneurs just starting, Our Strong Start has a team of trained Navigators ready to support you in understanding and navigating the state child care licensing process. These Navigators can answer questions and provide information about resources and training opportunities.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Licensed as a Child Care Center

The path to licensure involves several key stages, from initial preparation and application to inspections and document submission. A child care center license is issued to a specific person or organization at a specific location, is non-transferable, and remains the property of LARA.

Before You Apply

Before you begin the online application, you must read the Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers and the Child Care Organizations Act (1973 PA 116). Upon receipt of your application, a rule book and a copy of the Act will be sent to you. It is also critical to contact your local zoning authorities to determine if operating a child care center is permitted in your proposed location. You should also make an appointment with your licensing consultant to discuss the rules and the Act.

The Online Application

To complete the online application for a child care center license, you must use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Firefox. A credit or debit card is required to pay the non-refundable licensing fee online; note that Discover and American Express cards are not accepted for online payment.

The fee is based on the capacity of your center:

• $150 for 1-20 capacity
• $200 for 21-50 capacity
• $250 for 51-100 capacity
• $300 for 101+ capacity

By signing the application, you agree to operate your child care center in compliance with the Child Care Organizations Act and all Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers.

Required Inspections

As the applicant, you are responsible for arranging and ensuring compliance with several mandatory inspections. The issuance of a license depends upon final approval from these authorities.

• Fire Safety Inspection: You must arrange for a fire safety inspection by a qualified inspector and forward the completed report to your licensing consultant. If your plans involve new construction or remodeling, a set of plans must be submitted to the Bureau of Fire Services for review. Child Care Licensing has partnered with the Bureau of Fire Services to offer a pre-recorded webinar for providers regarding fire services plan review, which provides insights into when reviews are required and how to submit a plan.
• Environmental Health Inspection: You must arrange for an inspection with your local health department by sending them the Environmental Health Inspection Request (BCAL-1787-CC). The completed report will be sent directly to your consultant. If you are planning new construction, renovation, or modification of a kitchen, bathroom, or food storage area, you may need to submit plans to the health department for review. If the local health department will not conduct a plan review, you must provide documentation of this to licensing.
• Playground Safety: It is your responsibility to ensure all playground equipment, use zones, and surfacing in the outdoor play area comply with licensing rule 400.8170(11).
• Lead Hazard Risk Assessment: If the building was built before 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 included with the assessment.
• Other Inspections: You must also obtain inspections for any boilers, fuel-fired furnaces, and fuel-fired water heaters. New furnace and water heater installations must be inspected and approved by LARA inspectors or local authorities at the time of installation. Any work requested in these reports must be completed before a license can be issued.

Required Documents and Policies

Prior to a final licensing determination, a licensing consultant will conduct an on-site inspection. You must also submit a comprehensive set of documents and policies to your licensing consultant for review and approval. Crafting these documents can feel overwhelming, which is why Wonderschool offers business coaching and classes to guide you through creating the necessary plans and policies to run your daycare.

Personnel and Staffing

• Program Director Qualifications: You must submit documentation verifying the program director meets the education and experience requirements outlined in Licensing Rule 400.8113. This includes transcripts from an accredited college or university and, depending on their education, verification of experience working with children.
• Staffing Plan: Using the Staffing Plan: Child Care Centers (BCAL-5001) form, you must detail the number and ages of children in care, room locations, and the number of staff present throughout the day. The plan must also include procedures for screening staff for criminal history and substantiated abuse/neglect, methods of supervision for any staff with such histories, and a staff training plan.
• Staff Documentation: While the BCAL-5001 form summarizes staff information, the center must maintain documentation on-site that all staff are free from TB, are physically capable, have cleared background checks (which include fingerprinting), have signed the child abuse/neglect statement, and have obtained CPR, first aid, and blood-borne pathogen training.

Program and Operations

• Program Plan: This must include planned daily activities for each age group and a sample daily schedule that meets children's social, emotional, physical, and intellectual needs. If children are present for five or more hours, it must also include a plan for rest and outdoor play.
• Equipment List: You must submit a detailed list of age-appropriate equipment you have or have ordered for each age group. The list should be categorized to show equipment for large and small muscle groups; sensory exploration; social interaction and dramatic play; discovery and exploration; early math and science; and creative experiences through art, music, and literature.
• Food Service Policy: If most children will be in attendance for 2.5 hours or more, you must submit a copy of your written policy for the planned food service program.
• Child Use Space Sketch: Submit a drawing on 8 1/2 x 11 paper of all child use areas, with measurements rounded to the nearest foot. This sketch should label all hallways, bathrooms, kitchens, and storage areas. You also need a drawing of the outdoor activity space indicating its location relative to the indoor space and denoting nearby streets or parks.

Written Policies

You must submit copies of all the following written policies for review:

• Admission and Withdrawal Criteria
• Fee Policy: This must detail when and how payment is due, and policies for holidays, absences, or center closures.
• Discipline Policy: Indicate which child management techniques will be used and which will be prohibited.
• Parent Notification Plan: Detail how parents will be notified of accidents, injuries, incidents, or changes in a child's health.
• Child Illness Exclusion Policy: Detail when a child will be excluded from care due to illness.
• Medication Policy
• Transportation Policy (if applicable)
• Schedule of Operations: Detail your months, days, and hours of operation.
• Emergency and Evacuation Plans: Provide detailed written plans for each of the emergencies outlined in the licensing rules.

Specific Program Considerations

If your proposed center will provide care for specific age groups or offer certain program components, additional licensing rule areas will need to be discussed with your consultant. These areas include care for infants and toddlers, school-age children, night-time care, and transportation services.

Finalizing Your License and Post-Licensing Requirements

A final determination regarding your license will be made once all necessary materials, documents, and inspection reports have been submitted, reviewed, and approved, and after the on-site inspection is successfully completed. The issuance of a license depends on providing documentation of compliance with the Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers and the Child Care Organizations Act (1973 PA 116).

An original provisional license is valid for six months. After this period, a licensing consultant will conduct a renewal inspection. If your center is in compliance with the rules, a regular license will be issued. A regular child care center license must be renewed every two years.

While licensed, your center will be subject to annual inspections and any inspections resulting from a complaint. If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision in accordance with the Child Care Organizations Act.

Recent changes to PA 116 allow family and group homes to request an increase in capacity if certain conditions are met. The CCLB has developed a form for licensees to request this capacity increase and a variance for a ratio increase.

Training and Resources on the Michigan.gov Portal

The Michigan.gov portal offers several training resources to help providers meet state requirements. Licensed Provider Training resources are readily available.

To fulfill infant safe sleep training requirements, you can complete the "Online Training on Infant Safe Sleep for Child Care Providers." This can be found by going to www.miregistry.org, clicking "Search Training," and entering the course title. You must log in to your MiRegistry account to register.

New rules training for child care home providers is also completed in MiRegistry. To get a link, providers must email rubleyk1@michigan.gov. Note that due to high demand, it may take 2-3 business days to receive your access code, and you should only send one request. Completing this training and its assessment earns you 2 clock hours of professional development. New virtual training for child care centers is coming soon.

Other valuable resources available include a "Parent's Guide to Child Care Licensing," Filtered Drinking Water Guidance, a "Resource Guide to Licensure," Child Care Licensing Forms, and Licensing Rules Technical Assistance.

Start, Manage, and Grow Your Business with Wonderschool

Navigating the michigan.gov daycare licensing process is just the first step. Once you are licensed, the real work of running your business begins. That’s where Wonderschool can help. We empower center directors and home-based providers to run their businesses effectively, manage their programs with ease, and foster seamless collaboration between teachers and families.

If you're just starting, we can help you launch your childcare program. For existing providers, our platform offers a suite of tools to help you operate and grow your business. We provide a custom website with direct enrollments, attendance tracking, and online billing. You can create a listing in our marketplace to get discovered by families near you and gain access to valuable insights.

Beyond software, Wonderschool provides a supportive peer community, partner discounts, and ongoing professional development opportunities. Our business coaching and classes offer expert guidance on everything from navigating licensing to marketing your program. We are dedicated to helping providers succeed, whether you are just starting, managing daily operations, or looking to grow your center. Find out how much you can make by visiting our website and let us help you build a thriving child care business.