Working in #early-childhood-education in Michigan comes with an important responsibility: meeting the state’s training requirements to ensure children are #safe, supported, and #learning in high-quality environments. Whether you are a child care center #staff member, a family child care provider, or a program director, understanding state-approved trainings in Michigan will help you stay compliant, confident, and professionally prepared.
This article explains what state-approved training means in Michigan, outlines required training topics, highlights ongoing professional #development expectations, and shows how online training providers like ChildCareEd.com can help you meet your goals.
What Are State-Approved Trainings in Michigan?
In Michigan, state-approved trainings are courses that meet the standards set by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and the Bureau of Child Care Licensing (BCCL). These trainings are designed to ensure child care professionals understand:
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Child #health-and- #safety
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Developmentally appropriate care
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Professional and ethical responsibilities
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State licensing rules and best practices
Many approved trainings are tracked through the MiRegistry, Michigan’s official system for recording professional development and credentials for #early-childhood- #educators.
When a training is “state-approved,” it means:
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The content aligns with Michigan licensing rules.
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The hours can be used to meet initial or annual training requirements.
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The training supports quality improvement in child care programs.
Why State-Approved Training Matters
State-approved training is more than a licensing requirement—it directly impacts the quality of care children receive.
Approved training helps providers:
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Maintain an active child care license
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Reduce safety risks and licensing violations
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Build confidence in handling challenging situations
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Stay current with child development research
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Advance professionally within the #early-childhood field
Completing approved training also demonstrates professionalism and commitment to families who trust you with their children.
Initial Training Requirements in Michigan
Orientation and Health & Safety Training
Before or shortly after starting work, child care providers and staff must complete specific training topics. These commonly include:
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Child care licensing rules
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Health and safety practices
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Safe #sleep practices for infants
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Prevention of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
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Shaken Baby Syndrome / Abusive Head Trauma
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Emergency #preparedness
These foundational trainings ensure that everyone working with children understands Michigan’s expectations from the beginning.
Ongoing Training Requirements
Annual Professional Development Hours
Michigan requires ongoing training each year to ensure providers continue learning and improving their skills.
While the exact number of hours may vary depending on role and license type, annual training generally includes:
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Health and safety topics
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Child development and behavior guidance
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Curriculum and learning environments
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Family engagement
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Professional #growth-and ethics
Ongoing training helps providers #adapt to new research, updated regulations, and changing needs of children and families.
Common Training Topics Approved in Michigan
Health and Safety
Health and safety training is a core requirement for all child care professionals. These trainings focus on:
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CPR and First Aid awareness
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Medication administration
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Illness prevention and sanitation
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Playground and indoor safety
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Emergency preparedness planning
These courses are essential for creating safe child care environments and responding effectively in emergencies.
Child Development and Behavior Guidance
Understanding how children grow and learn is key to quality care. Approved trainings often cover:
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Developmental milestones
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Positive guidance strategies
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Social-emotional development
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Supporting challenging behaviors
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Building strong caregiver-child relationships
These trainings help providers support children in age-appropriate and #respectful ways.
Curriculum and Learning
Michigan-approved training may also focus on learning and #classroom practices, such as:
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Early literacy and #language-development
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STEM concepts for young children
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Play-based learning
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Inclusive learning environments
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Observation and assessment
These courses strengthen educational quality and promote #school-readiness.
Professional Development
Professional growth trainings support long-term success in the field and may include:
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Communication and teamwork
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Stress management and self-care
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Leadership skills
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Program organization and documentation
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Career pathways in early childhood education
Online State-Approved Training Options
Online learning is a popular option for Michigan child care professionals because it offers flexibility and convenience. Online trainings allow you to:
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Learn at your own pace
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Complete courses outside of work hours
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Access training from anywhere
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Review materials as needed
Many online providers offer Michigan-approved courses that can be reported to MiRegistry when completed.
ChildCareEd.com: Supporting Michigan Providers
ChildCareEd.com is a trusted online training provider offering courses for child care professionals across the United States, including Michigan. Their platform is designed to make professional development simple and accessible.
Here are examples of useful links from ChildCareEd.com:
🔗 Training Offered at ChildCareEd.com
🔗 Resource Offered at ChildCareEd.com
🔗 Article Posted on ChildCareEd.com
Staying Connected and Informed
Following professional training organizations on social media is a great way to stay informed about new courses, tips, and industry updates.
📱 Follow ChildCareEd on Instagram
Tips for Choosing the Right Trainings in Michigan
When selecting state-approved training, keep these tips in mind:
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Check approval status: Make sure the training aligns with Michigan licensing requirements.
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Match training to your role: Directors, assistants, and providers may have different needs.
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Plan ahead: Spread training throughout the year to avoid last-minute #stress.
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Keep documentation: Save certificates and track completed hours.
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Balance topics: Include health & safety, child development, and professional growth.
Final Thoughts
State-approved trainings in Michigan #play a vital role in maintaining safe, high-quality child care programs. By completing required and ongoing training, providers strengthen their skills, meet licensing expectations, and support positive outcomes for children and families.
Online platforms like ChildCareEd.com make it easier to access training, resources, and articles that support your professional journey. With the right training plan, Michigan child care professionals can stay compliant, confident, and committed to excellence in early childhood education.
