The State of Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) regulates child care. Follow these links to get licensed to care for children, including how to print an application packet, information about fees, and other child care rules and requirements.

Get Registered as a Family Child Care Home 

Get Licensed as a Group Child Care Home

Get Licensed as a Child Care Center

Visit DHS’s Licensing – Child Care home page to learn more about

·         Child care rules and regulations technical assistance
·         Information about inspections
·         License lookups
·         Forms you will be required to use once you are licensed
      or registered
·         Information, resources and links for parents and providers 

If you have any questions or need assistance about becoming registered or licensed to do child care, please contact the DHS’s Organizational Support Unit office, toll free, at 866-685-0006.

Is this the right career for me? What information can help me make my decision?

To help you decide if a career as a home child care provider is right for you, we invite you to attend the class “Thinking About Caring for Children?” at Kent Regional 4C, 233 E. Fulton, Grand Rapids on Tuesday, Janurary 12 or Tuesday, March 9 from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. To register, call 616-451-8281 ext. # 242.

An online resource explaining all the things to consider when starting a home-based or center-based child care business is at ChildCareAwares® GET STARTED.
 
Relative Care and Care in the Child’ Home:

You don’t have to be registered or licensed to do child care if you care for relatives or are providing child care in the child’s home. Please visit our Child Care Options page, to learn more about the different types of child care, including resources for relative care and In-home child care resources.