How to Start a Daycare in Michigan: A Step-by-Step Guide - post

Starting a #daycare in Michigan is both a meaningful way to support families in your community and an opportunity to build a fulfilling business. Because child care impacts children’s #safety and #development, Michigan has specific rules and licensing requirements you must follow. This guide walks you through the process in clear and easy-to-understand #language, with helpful checkpoints, lists, and resources to get you started.

1. Decide What Type of Daycare You Want to Open

Michigan offers several options for providing child care, and the type you choose affects how you apply for a license, what regulations you follow, and what capacity you can serve. The main categories include:

• Family Child Care Home: Care provided in your residence for a limited number of children.

• Group Child Care Home: Also #home-based but licensed to serve more children than a family child care home.

• Child Care Center: A larger facility outside of a private home serving more children and often with multiple #staff.

Each option has its own licensing rules and staffing standards. Take time to explore which setting fits your goals and space. 

2. Learn Michigan’s Licensing Requirements

Why Licensing Matters

In Michigan, it is illegal to operate a daycare serving unrelated children without being licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Child Care Licensing Bureau. 

Basic Requirements

To qualify for a licensed daycare, applicants generally must:

• Be at least 18 years old (higher for some center director roles).

• Have a high school diploma or GED (or meet education/training requirements for specific roles).

• Complete required health and safety training, including infectious disease control and child #abuse recognition.

• Maintain CPR and first aid certifications for infant, child, and adult.

• Provide background checks and fingerprinting for all providers, staff, and unsupervised adults.

• Submit to state and local inspections (fire, #health department, #playground-safety, etc.). 

For centers, additional education and experience requirements apply to the program director role. 

3. Complete the Required Trainings

Training You’ll Need

Michigan requires several trainings #before-and-after opening your daycare. Mandatory topics often include:

• Recognition and reporting of child abuse and neglect

• Prevention and control of infectious disease

• Safe #sleep practices

• CPR and first aid for #all-age-groups

• Additional #health-and-safety modules available through MiRegistry or approved training providers 

📚 Training Opportunity:
You can fulfill some of these requirements and boost your professional skills with programs from ChildCareEd.com. For example, the Preventative Health and Safety online training helps you understand key safety topics needed for Michigan licensing and ongoing compliance

Tip: Before enrolling in any course, check with Michigan’s MiRegistry or your licensing consultant to make sure it meets state requirements.

4. Choose a Location and Prepare Your Space

Location Considerations

Where you place your daycare affects zoning, design, and licensing success. Be sure to:

• Check local zoning laws to confirm child care is permitted at your chosen address.

• Ensure adequate indoor and #outdoor space for the number of children you plan to serve.

• Plan for safe entry/exit paths, sleeping areas, and age-appropriate activity zones. 

Facility Safety Readiness

Inspect your space for safety concerns such as hazards, electrical outlets, and sharp edges. Michigan’s licensing rules detail space requirements and water heater, furnace, and playground safety inspections. 

5. Prepare Your Policies, Documentation, and Business Plan

Successful #daycares are not just safe—they’re professional. Before applying, draft:

• Policies & Procedures (health, discipline, #emergency plans, nutrition, illness protocols)

• Operations Manual (hours, fees, enrollment requirements)

• Staff Qualifications Documentation

• Training and Background Check Records

Also, create a basic business plan covering startup costs (such as equipment, furniture, and licensing fees), expected revenue, and marketing ideas.

6. Submit Your Licensing Application

Michigan uses the MiLogin/CCHIRP online system for licensing applications and communications. Before you apply:

1. Read the Licensing Rules and Child Care Organizations Act carefully.

2. Gather all required documents, including #background-checks, certifications, and plans.

3. Complete the application on MiLogin and pay the appropriate fee (fees vary by type and capacity). 

Typical fees are non-refundable and may include:

• $50-$100 for home licenses

• $150-$300 for child care centers (based on capacity)

7. Schedule Inspections and Final Approvals

After submitting your application, Michigan child care licensing will work with you to schedule:

• Fire Safety Inspection

• Environmental Health Inspection

• Playground Safety Inspection (if applicable)

• Lead Hazard Risk Assessment (for older buildings) 

These checks ensure your facility meets safety and health standards.

8. Maintain Compliance After Opening

Once your daycare is licensed, staying compliant matters. You’ll need to:

• Renew your license regularly (e.g., every two years for many facilities).

• Keep staff training current and documented.

• Follow ongoing child-to-staff ratios and group size rules.

• Allow annual inspections and monitor safety at all times. 

Keeping meticulous records and staying informed about rule changes helps protect your license and your business.

9. Promote Your Daycare and Build Enrollment

Opening your doors is just the start. To attract families:

• Build an online presence with a website and social media

• Share photos and updates on Pinterest

• Join local business listings and participate in community events

• Create brochures and talk to #parents at schools, libraries, and community centers

Clear communication and engaging content build trust with families.

10. Helpful Resources for Michigan Providers

Here are some extra tools to support your journey:

Training & Professional Development

• 🎓 ChildCareEd Course Catalog (Michigan-relevant trainings)

Free Resource Materials

• 📘 ChildCareEd Child Care Resources

Related Reading

• 📰 ChildCareEd Article on Licensing in Michigan

Conclusion

Starting a daycare in Michigan takes careful planning, training, and dedication—but it’s also deeply rewarding. By understanding Michigan’s licensing system, completing the required training, preparing your space, and submitting a thorough application, you can build a safe, high-quality child care program that supports families and #nurtures children’s #growth.