In-home daycare requirements in Michigan: the complete guide

Last updated 2026-07-09

What are the basic in-home daycare requirements in Michigan?

Michigan regulates home-based child care under the Child Care Organizations Act (Public Act 116 of 1973), administered by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) ^[1]. The law creates two home-based license types. A Family Child Care Home license covers 1-6 children under 13 who are unrelated to the provider. A Group Child Care Home license covers 7-12 unrelated children ^[1].

Care for 3 or fewer unrelated children at one time and you are currently exempt from licensure under Michigan law. You are not exempt from local zoning rules, and you are not exempt from your homeowner's or renter's insurance requirements. That exemption is narrow. Exceeding it even for a single afternoon puts you in violation.

The core requirements that apply to both license types are:

• A completed application and nonrefundable application fee (currently $25 for a Family Home, $50 for a Group Home) ^[1]
• Criminal background check through the Michigan State Police for all adults in the home
• A child abuse and neglect central registry clearance
• CPR and first aid certification (infant/child level)
• Completion of LARA-required pre-licensure orientation
• A home inspection by a licensing consultant
• Proof of adequate indoor and outdoor space, fire safety, and sanitation

Michigan's Child Care Licensing Division processes applications and sends a licensing consultant to your home before issuing a license. Plan on at least 60-90 days from application submission to your first inspection, though timelines vary by region and current caseload.

How many children can you watch in your home in Michigan?

The answer depends on your license type and the ages of the children in your care ^[1]. A Family Home covers up to 6. A Group Home covers up to 12. Three or fewer needs no license at all.

License Type	Max Unrelated Children	Age Range
Exempt (no license)	Up to 3	Under 13
Family Child Care Home	1-6	Under 13
Group Child Care Home	7-12	Under 13

Within those caps, Michigan sets age-based capacity limits based on how many infants (under 12 months) or toddlers (12-30 months) are in care. A Family Child Care Home licensed for 6 children may care for no more than 2 infants at one time unless a second caregiver is present ^[2].

Your own children under age 13 count toward the total if they are present during care hours. Children ages 13 and older do not count toward the ratio.

Group Child Care Homes require a second caregiver on-site when more than 6 children are present. That second adult does not have to be a co-licensee, but must pass the same background clearance.

These ratio rules matter in dollars and square footage. A Group Home license costs more, requires more space, and demands a second cleared adult. Many providers find the Family Home license for up to 6 children fits best, especially starting out.

What are the background check requirements for Michigan home daycare?

Every adult who lives in the home, not only the provider, must clear two separate screenings before LARA will issue a license ^[1].

First is the Michigan State Police (MSP) criminal history check, which covers state records. Second is a check of LARA's own Child Abuse and Neglect (CAN) Central Registry, which flags individuals with a substantiated history of abuse or neglect in Michigan.

Michigan also requires a check through the national FBI fingerprint database (Identity History Summary Check) for applicants who have lived outside Michigan in the past 5 years ^[1]. If any adult in the household has spent time in another state, build extra time into your timeline for the federal clearance.

A felony conviction for certain offenses, including any crime against a child, sexual assault, or a violent felony within the past 10 years, is a disqualifying offense with no waiver process. LARA publishes the full disqualifying offense list in its licensing rules under R 400.1916 ^[1].

Background checks are not a one-time hurdle. Michigan requires providers to self-report new criminal charges within 24 hours of arrest, and LARA rescreens all household adults at each license renewal (every 1-2 years depending on your license history).

One cost that catches people off-guard: the MSP fingerprint-based background check fee runs roughly $30-$60 per person depending on submission method, and you pay for every adult in the household ^[3].

What training and CPR certification does Michigan require?

Michigan home daycare providers must complete pre-service training before a license is issued, then ongoing annual training to keep it ^[1].

The pre-service requirement includes:

• A LARA-approved orientation (currently offered online through Michigan's Child Development and Care program and LARA's licensing portal)
• Pediatric CPR and first aid certification from an approved organization (American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or equivalent)
• Safe Sleep training aligned with the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, which Michigan wrote into its licensing rules

Once licensed, Family Child Care Home providers must complete 16 hours of continuing education per year. Group Home providers meet the same minimum, and any additional staff must also complete ongoing training ^[1].

The Michigan Registry, a statewide professional development tracking system, is where providers log their training hours ^[4]. LARA licensing consultants check the Registry during renewals, so keep your profile current.

CPR certification must stay current at all times, which means re-certification every 2 years for most courses. LARA does not accept online-only CPR courses for the hands-on component. You need a blended or in-person course.

Training costs add up. A pediatric CPR/first aid course typically runs $40-$80. Continuing education courses through Michigan State University Extension or community colleges range from free to about $50 per session ^[4].

What does the home inspection cover and how do you pass it?

A LARA licensing consultant conducts an unannounced pre-licensure inspection of your home before your license is issued, then at least once per year after that ^[1]. The inspection is thorough.

Physical space requirements include:

• A minimum of 35 square feet of usable indoor space per child in the care area (this is a Michigan administrative rule requirement)
• A fenced outdoor play area or a plan for supervised outdoor play that meets safety standards
• Separate sleeping space with a crib or approved sleep surface for each infant
• Two usable exits from each room used for child care
• Functioning smoke detectors on every level and in every sleeping area
• Carbon monoxide detectors within 10 feet of each sleeping area
• A working fire extinguisher in the kitchen, inspected annually
• A posted emergency evacuation plan

The inspector also checks that medications and cleaning products are stored in locked cabinets out of children's reach, that firearms (if any) are locked in a separate safe with ammunition stored separately, and that swimming pools or water features meet fence and cover requirements.

Kitchen and bathroom sanitation gets examined. Water must come from a safe public or approved private source. Well water means you need a recent test showing it meets state standards.

Failing an inspection item does not automatically deny your license. Minor violations typically result in a corrective action plan with a follow-up inspection. Major violations, like an unsecured pool or missing smoke detectors, require correction before you can operate.

For a detailed cleaning protocol that meets health inspection standards, see daycare cleaning.

How much does it cost to get a Michigan home daycare license?

The state application fee is small: $25 for a Family Child Care Home and $50 for a Group Child Care Home ^[1]. The total startup cost runs much higher once you account for everything required before you open.

Here is a realistic breakdown:

Cost Item	Estimated Range
State application fee	$25-$50
Background checks (per adult in home)	$30-$60 each
Pediatric CPR/first aid course	$40-$80
Pre-licensure training (if paid course)	$0-$150
Home safety upgrades (locks, detectors, etc.)	$100-$500+
Liability insurance (annual)	$300-$700/yr
Furniture and equipment (cribs, gates, etc.)	$200-$1,500+

Startup costs typically run $700-$3,000 before you enroll a single child, with wide variation depending on your home's current condition and how many adults live there.

Liability insurance is not technically required by Michigan law to get a license. Operating without it is a serious financial risk. Most standard homeowner's policies exclude business activity, so you need a separate home daycare endorsement or a standalone commercial policy. Read more about what that covers at home daycare insurance and daycare liability insurance.

Michigan's Child Development and Care (CDC) subsidy program can help offset costs for eligible families once you are licensed, and being licensed is a prerequisite for accepting CDC payments ^[5].

What health and safety rules apply to Michigan home daycares?

Michigan's licensing rules (R 400.1901 through R 400.1978) cover health and safety in detail ^[1]. The areas providers miss most often are sleep safety, food handling, and illness policies.

Sleep safety: Michigan adopted Safe Sleep requirements consistent with the American Academy of Pediatrics policy. The AAP states that infants should be placed "on their back on a firm, flat, non-inclined sleep surface" in a safety-approved crib or portable crib with no soft bedding, bumpers, or positioners ^[6]. Swings and bouncers do not count as approved sleep surfaces. A licensing consultant will ask to see your cribs and inspect them for mattress fit and hardware integrity.

Food handling: Serve meals to children in your care and you must follow safe food handling practices. Michigan home daycares participating in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) must meet USDA meal pattern requirements ^[7]. Participating in CACFP is optional, but it provides reimbursement for meals and snacks, which meaningfully improves your margins.

Illness policies: You must have a written illness policy and give it to parents before enrollment. Michigan requires that children with certain communicable diseases be excluded from care, and providers must report specified diseases to the local health department.

Medication administration: Prescription medications can only be given with written parental authorization and a pharmacist label. Over-the-counter medications also require written parental consent. No medications may be stored within children's reach.

Pets: Pets in the home must be vaccinated (documentation required), kept away from areas where children sleep and eat, and free of any history of biting or aggression. LARA may require removal of a pet that poses a risk.

What is the Michigan Child Development and Care (CDC) subsidy and how does it affect your license?

Michigan's CDC program is the state's version of the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), which provides child care subsidies to low-income working families ^[5]. As a licensed home daycare, you can apply to become a CDC-authorized provider and accept subsidy payments.

Here is why it matters. According to Child Care Aware of America's 2023 data, the average weekly cost of center-based infant care in Michigan is roughly $270-$310 per week ^[8]. Family home care runs lower, typically $150-$220 per week. For many families in your area, CDC subsidies are what make your care affordable, so being authorized widens your potential client pool.

To become CDC-authorized you must:

• Hold a current, valid LARA license
• Complete a CDC provider application through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
• Agree to accept the state's reimbursement rates as payment in full for subsidy-eligible children

CDC reimbursement rates are set regionally and published by MDHHS. They often sit below private-pay market rates, so weigh that tradeoff. Some providers accept a limited number of subsidy slots to keep their income mix balanced.

Recent CCDF reauthorization debates have pushed states including Michigan to improve subsidy rates, but as of mid-2026 Michigan's rates still lag market costs in many counties. The CCDF Policies Database at the Office of Child Care tracks these figures annually ^[5].

How do you actually apply for a Michigan home daycare license, step by step?

Here is the process as LARA describes it, put into a practical sequence ^[1]:

1. Complete the pre-licensure orientation. LARA's licensing portal and the Great Start to Quality website both host the orientation. Do this first, because you cannot submit a full application without the completion certificate.

2. Schedule and complete your background check appointments. The MSP fingerprint-based check requires an appointment at a LiveScan location. Every adult in the home goes through this step independently.

3. Assemble your application packet. LARA's Family Child Care Home application (form DCH-0748) requires the completion certificate, background check receipts, CPR certification, a floor plan sketch of your home, and a written statement of your policies (including discipline policy, illness exclusion policy, and emergency procedures).

4. Submit the application with the fee. Submissions go to your regional LARA Child Care Licensing office. Check LARA's website for your regional contact, because Michigan has multiple district offices.

5. Wait for your licensing consultant to contact you. The consultant reviews your paper application, may request revisions, then schedules the home inspection.

6. Pass the inspection. The consultant issues a license certificate on-site if everything passes, or hands you a written list of corrections if items fail.

7. Post your license. Michigan law requires the license to be posted in a visible location in your care space.

Total timeline from submitting the application to receiving a license typically runs 60-120 days based on LARA's published estimates and common provider experience. High-volume periods can push it longer.

Other states run differently. North Carolina, for one, requires home daycares to register with the NC Division of Child Development and Early Education and meet separate fire and sanitation inspections (in-home daycare requirements NC differ from Michigan's single-agency model). Michigan is more centralized, which tends to make the paper trail simpler even when the timeline is similar.

What ongoing compliance requirements do Michigan home daycares face after licensing?

Getting licensed is the start, not the finish. Michigan requires ongoing compliance across several dimensions ^[1].

Renewal: Family Child Care Home licenses are issued for 1 or 2 years depending on your compliance history. A clean record earns a 2-year renewal. Violations push you to annual renewals. You must apply for renewal before expiration. Operating on an expired license is a violation.

Annual inspections: LARA conducts at least one unannounced inspection per year. Complaint-triggered inspections can happen at any time. If LARA receives a complaint about your operation, a consultant will typically visit within 24-72 hours depending on the severity of the allegation.

Record keeping: Michigan requires you to keep records for each child including emergency contact information, immunization records, signed enrollment agreements, medication authorization forms, and attendance logs. These records must be available for review during any inspection.

Immunization requirements: Children in licensed care must be age-appropriately immunized per the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services immunization schedule, or have a documented medical, religious, or philosophical exemption on file ^[9]. The provider is responsible for obtaining and keeping copies of immunization records.

Annual training: 16 hours of continuing education per license year, documented in the Michigan Registry ^[4].

Incident reporting: Serious injuries, hospitalizations, deaths, or allegations of abuse must be reported to LARA immediately. A serious injury report must be submitted in writing within 24 hours.

A compliance tracking system helps here. The ChildCareComp compliance toolkit, for example, tracks inspection deadlines, training hours, and renewal dates in one place, which matters more than it sounds once you are managing paperwork for 6 children across 6 families.

What are common reasons Michigan home daycare licenses get denied or revoked?

LARA publishes enforcement actions, and the patterns are consistent ^[1].

The most common denial reasons:

• Disqualifying criminal history for any adult in the household
• A substantiated child abuse or neglect finding in any state
• Operating over capacity before or during the application process (LARA takes prior unlicensed operation seriously)
• Failure to correct inspection violations within the stated corrective action period

The most common revocation or suspension reasons after a license is issued:

• Exceeding licensed capacity (even by one child, even temporarily)
• Unsafe sleep practices for infants, which Michigan inspectors flag aggressively since the Safe Sleep rule changes
• Failure to supervise resulting in injury
• Non-disclosure of a new criminal charge or household member
• Financial fraud related to CDC subsidy claims (this is a federal and state offense; see how these cases unfold at minnesota daycare fraud for a sense of the consequences)

Revocation does more than end your business. A substantiated abuse or neglect finding, or a fraud conviction, can result in permanent disqualification from working in any licensed child care setting in Michigan.

Get a notice of intent to deny or revoke, and Michigan law gives you a right to a hearing before the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. You have 15 days to request that hearing in writing. Get legal counsel immediately if you reach that stage.

How do Michigan's home daycare rules compare to other states?

Michigan's framework sits mid-tier for regulatory strictness. It is more demanding than some (Ohio exempts more children from licensing, for instance) and less demanding than others.

A few comparison points based on National Database of Child Care Licensing Regulations data ^[10]:

State	Exempt Threshold	Family Home Max	Background Check Scope
Michigan	3 unrelated children	6 children	State + FBI (if lived out of state)
Ohio	6 unrelated children	6 children	State + FBI
Indiana	5 unrelated children	12 children	State + FBI
Wisconsin	3 unrelated children	8 children	State + FBI
North Carolina	2 unrelated children	8 children	State + FBI + Sex Offender Registry

North Carolina's framework (home daycare requirements NC) gets cited as one of the more rigorous in the Southeast, with mandatory star-rated licensing and stricter training minimums than Michigan. The in-home daycare requirements NC providers face include a facility license tied to a quality rating, which Michigan does not require for home-based care (though Michigan's Great Start to Quality system offers voluntary quality ratings).

For your own planning, the takeaway is simple. Michigan's requirements are real and take meaningful time and money to meet, but they are not outliers. Background checks, CPR, safe space, a trained provider: those fundamentals are close to universal.

Frequently asked questions

Can I watch a neighbor's child without a Michigan daycare license?

Yes, if you care for 3 or fewer unrelated children at one time, Michigan law currently exempts you from the licensing requirement under the Child Care Organizations Act (PA 116 of 1973). Your own children under 13 who are present count toward that total. Exceeding 3 unrelated children even once puts you in violation and subjects you to LARA enforcement.

How long does it take to get a home daycare license in Michigan?

LARA estimates 60-120 days from complete application submission to license issuance. The biggest variables are how quickly background checks clear (FBI checks for out-of-state residents can add weeks) and your regional office's current caseload. Starting the pre-licensure orientation and background check appointments as early as possible cuts the wait significantly.

Do I need a license to watch kids in Michigan if I only take one or two?

No. Michigan law exempts providers who care for 3 or fewer unrelated children from the state licensing requirement. But check your local zoning rules and your homeowner's insurance policy. Many standard policies exclude business activity from coverage, meaning an injury to a child in your care could be uninsured. A daycare endorsement or separate policy is worth the cost even without a license.

What background check does Michigan require for home daycare providers?

Michigan requires a Michigan State Police fingerprint-based criminal history check and a LARA Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry clearance for every adult living in the home. Providers or household members who lived outside Michigan in the past 5 years also need an FBI national fingerprint check. The MSP check costs roughly $30-$60 per person depending on submission method.

Can I have an infant in my Michigan home daycare?

Yes, but with limits. A licensed Family Child Care Home (up to 6 children) may care for a maximum of 2 infants (under 12 months) at one time unless a second cleared caregiver is present. Infants must sleep on their backs in a safety-approved crib with no soft bedding, per Michigan's Safe Sleep rules. Violations of the infant capacity rule are among the most common inspection findings.

Does Michigan require a home inspection before issuing a daycare license?

Yes. A LARA licensing consultant must inspect your home before the license is issued and at least once per year after that. The inspection covers square footage per child, sleep surfaces, smoke and CO detectors, fire extinguisher, exits, secure storage for medications and cleaning products, and outdoor play safety. You cannot legally operate until the initial inspection is passed and the license is in hand.

How many continuing education hours do Michigan home daycare providers need?

Michigan requires 16 hours of continuing education per license year for Family Child Care Home and Group Child Care Home providers. Hours must be logged in the Michigan Registry. CPR and first aid re-certification counts toward the total. Failure to meet the training requirement is grounds for denial of license renewal, so track your hours throughout the year rather than scrambling at renewal time.

Can I accept Michigan CDC (child care subsidy) payments as a home daycare provider?

Yes, once you hold a valid LARA license you can apply through MDHHS to become a CDC-authorized provider. Authorization lets you accept subsidy payments for income-eligible families. State reimbursement rates are set regionally and are typically below private-pay market rates, so factor that into your rate structure. Being CDC-authorized significantly expands the pool of families who can afford your care.

What does a Michigan home daycare license cost?

The state application fee is $25 for a Family Child Care Home and $50 for a Group Child Care Home. Total startup costs are higher: background checks ($30-$60 per adult in the home), CPR/first aid ($40-$80), training ($0-$150), home safety upgrades ($100-$500+), and liability insurance ($300-$700 per year). Realistic all-in startup costs run $700-$3,000 before your first day of operation.

What happens if I operate a home daycare without a Michigan license?

Operating without a required license is a misdemeanor under Michigan's Child Care Organizations Act. LARA can issue a cease and desist order, impose fines, and refer the case for criminal prosecution. A substantiated violation also goes into the state's child care enforcement database, which can affect any future application. The risk is not worth it; the licensing process, while slow, is straightforward.

Are Michigan home daycare providers required to carry insurance?

Michigan law does not mandate liability insurance as a condition of licensure, but operating without it is a serious financial exposure. Standard homeowner's policies typically exclude business activity, meaning a child injury lawsuit could fall entirely on you personally. A home daycare endorsement runs roughly $300-$700 per year and is one of the better-value protections available. See the full breakdown at home daycare insurance.

How do in-home daycare requirements in Michigan compare to North Carolina?

Both states require background checks, CPR, and home inspections, but North Carolina's framework (in-home daycare requirements NC) includes a mandatory star-rated licensing system tied to quality levels and stricter baseline training hours. Michigan has a voluntary quality rating system (Great Start to Quality) but does not tie license issuance to a quality rating. North Carolina's exemption threshold (2 unrelated children) is also lower than Michigan's (3 children).

Do pets need to be vaccinated in a Michigan licensed home daycare?

Yes. Michigan licensing rules require that pets in a licensed home daycare be currently vaccinated, with documentation available for the licensing consultant. Pets must be excluded from areas where children sleep and eat, and a pet with any history of biting or aggression may be required to be removed from the home as a condition of licensure or continued operation.

What records do Michigan home daycares have to keep?

Michigan requires providers to keep a file for each child containing: emergency contact information, current immunization records or a documented exemption, a signed enrollment agreement, medication authorization forms, and daily attendance logs. Records must be available for review during any LARA inspection. Incident reports for injuries must be kept on file and copies submitted to LARA for serious incidents within 24 hours.

Sources

1. Michigan LARA, Child Care Licensing Division, Family Child Care Home and Group Child Care Home licensing rules (PA 116 of 1973 and Administrative Rules R 400.1901-R 400.1978): Michigan requires a Family Child Care Home license for 1-6 unrelated children and a Group Child Care Home license for 7-12, with background checks, CPR, pre-licensure orientation, and home inspection required for both; application fees are $25 and $50 respectively.
2. Michigan LARA, Child Care Licensing, Family Child Care Home Rules Summary: A Family Child Care Home with 6 children may care for no more than 2 infants under 12 months at one time unless a second caregiver is present.
3. Michigan State Police, ICHAT and Fingerprint-Based Background Check fees: MSP fingerprint-based background check fees run approximately $30-$60 per person depending on submission method.
4. Michigan Registry, Great Start to Quality professional development tracking system: Michigan providers log their 16-hour annual continuing education requirement through the Michigan Registry, which LARA licensing consultants verify at renewal.
5. Office of Child Care, CCDF Policies Database, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Michigan's Child Development and Care program is the state's CCDF implementation; licensed providers can apply through MDHHS to accept CDC subsidy payments, with reimbursement rates set regionally and published by MDHHS.
6. American Academy of Pediatrics, Safe Sleep Recommendations Policy Statement (2022): Infants must be placed on their backs on a firm, flat surface in a safety-approved crib with no soft bedding, bumpers, or positioners; Michigan incorporated these AAP guidelines into its licensing rules.
7. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): Michigan home daycares participating in CACFP must meet USDA meal pattern requirements and receive per-meal reimbursement for eligible children.
8. Child Care Aware of America, 2023 Demanding Change: Repairing Our Child Care System report: Average weekly cost of center-based infant care in Michigan is roughly $270-$310 per week; family home care typically runs $150-$220 per week.
9. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Immunization requirements for children in licensed child care: Children in licensed Michigan home daycares must be age-appropriately immunized per the MDHHS immunization schedule or have a documented medical, religious, or philosophical exemption on file with the provider.
10. National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance, National Database of Child Care Licensing Regulations (licensed to Child Care Technical Assistance Network, HHS/ACF): Comparison data on state-by-state exemption thresholds, family home capacity limits, and background check scope for Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, and North Carolina.