Michigan Childcare Licensing

Michigan Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)

Michigan childcare licensing is administered by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems. A licensed Michigan center must maintain a parent handbook covering 13 state-mandated policy areas, each tied to a specific administrative-code citation. Annual; complaint investigations; random unannounced visits

Licensing Agency

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems →

Last updated: April 2026

Researched by the TotReady Research Team

Michigan Licensing Requirements: The Specifics

Michigan childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5104.

Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5104

Michigan childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5163.

Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5163

Michigan childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5154.

Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5154

Michigan childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5155.

Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5155

Michigan childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5192.

Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5192

Michigan childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5104(c).

Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5104(c)

Michigan Licensing Requirements at a Glance

Hours of Operation	Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5104
Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy	Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5163
Illness and Exclusion Policy	Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5154
Medication Administration Policy	Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5155
Emergency Procedures	Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5192
Arrival and Departure Procedures	Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5104(c)
Nutrition and Meals Policy	Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5151
Parent Communication Policy	Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5104(a)
Grievance and Complaint Procedure	Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5104(b)
Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting	Michigan Child Protection Law MCL 722.623; MAC R 400.5161
Enrollment, Fees, and Payment Policy	Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5104(d)
Health and Safety Policies	Michigan Administrative Code R 400.5150
Nondiscrimination Policy	Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act MCL 37.2302; MAC R 400.5101

Go Deeper

All Michigan requirementsThe full Michigan licensing overview.Compare all 50 statesSee licensing requirements side by side.Read the guidePractical how-to for this topic.

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Michigan Licensing Requirements: Frequently Asked Questions

Which agency regulates childcare licensing in Michigan?

Childcare licensing in Michigan is regulated by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems. Official licensing information is published at https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bchs/child-care.

How many handbook policy sections does Michigan require?

Michigan requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.

How often does Michigan inspect licensed childcare centers?

Annual; complaint investigations; random unannounced visits

What happens if a Michigan center is out of compliance?

Fines; license refusal, suspension, or revocation under MCL 722.128

Michigan childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Michigan administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.