The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Michigan Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Michigan. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
MICHIGAN Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
Michigan Department of Human Services
7109 West Saginaw, 2nd Floor P.O. Box 30650 Lansing, MI 48909-8150
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/lara/BCAL_PUB_8_3_16_523999_7.pdf
(517) 241-2488
License renewal: Provisional license required for the first 6 months. Regular license renewal required once every 2 years.
Indoor Space Requirements: 50 sf per Infants and Toddlers/ 35 sf per preschoolers and school ages
|
|
0-33 Mos. |
30 Mos.- 3 Years |
3-4 Years |
4-5 Years |
6+ Years | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher: Child Ratio |
1:4 |
1:8 |
1:10 |
1:12 |
1:18
|
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
12 |
16 |
None |
None |
None | |
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
8 |
16 |
20 |
24 |
36 | |
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
600 sf. |
560 sf. |
700 sf. |
840 sf. |
1260 sf. | |
Outdoor Space Requirements: 1,200+ sf per child
- The play area must be enclosed by a 4 feet high fence or wall.
- A child care that operates for more than 3 hours a day, is required to have daily outdoor playtime, unless the weather is bad.
- The elevated playing surface of materials used on a natural playground can not exceed 30 inches.
- Trampolines are not allowed.
Building Code Requirement
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1: 15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
|
4 |
Each infant and toddler will not have more than 4 primary caregivers in a week. |
65 |
The minimum temperature in the child care’s must be at least 65 degrees and the maximum temperature is 82 degrees. |
20 |
Artificial light or natural light, or both need to provide a minimum illumination of 20 foot candles over the entire room. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
 |
To count in the staff member/ volunteer to child ratios, staff members need to be at least 16 years old and they need to be supervising the children. |  |
A sleeping infants breathing, sleeping position, and bedding will be monitored frequently for signs of distress. |  |
A child must be fed meals or snacks according to the schedule and how long the child is at the child care for. |
|---|
Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019