Prior to submitting an application you must contact local zoning authorities to see if operating a group home is allowed in a designated neighborhood.

Step I - You must print the  Original Application Packet .  Also, please print and read the Licensing Rules for Family and Group Child Care Homes and Act 116 of the Public Acts of 1973, as amended prior to submitting your application.

Step II - Application : The application must be filled out and returned, as a complete packet in the same envelope, with all of the items listed below to:

Department of Human Services
Cashier's Office
P.O. Box 30759
Lansing, MI 48909-8150

1.  Child Care Application (BCAL-3970)
2. Supplemental Information Form (BCAL-3737)
3. Zoning Approval for Child Care Form (BCAL-3748).
4. A $100.00 check or money order payable to the State of Michigan.
5. Proof of electronic fingerprint clearance for applicant only (BCAL-1326)
6.  Licensing Record Clearance Forms (BCAL-1326) - It is necessary to complete one for each non-applicant adult (18 or older) who resides in your home.
7. Licensing Medical Clearance Request (BCAL-3704) - for you and each assistant caregiver, signed by your physician or his/her designee which attests to your health and the health of any other person who will provide care.  You must complete the Patient Information section before submitting the form to your physician for completion.
8. Documentation of TB test results for all persons living in the home who are 14 years of age and older.  Assistant caregivers must also have documentation of TB test results.
9. Verification of valid infant/child/adult CPR and First Aid training from an approved trainer. (See DHS CPR and First Aid training website www.michigan.gov/dhslicensing.)      
10. Proof of inspection and approval of your heating system within the past 12 months signed by a licensed heating contractor. This includes wood-burning stoves and any other permanently installed heating devices if used at any time in your home. Electric heat does not require an inspection.
11.  Proof of recent inspection and approval of your fuel-fired water heater by a licensed heating contractor or licensed plumbing contractor.
12.  If you plan on using your basement to care for children, you must provide documentation that the level of radon gases does not exceed 4 picocuries per liter of air.

Step III - Orientation: After review and approval of your application materials you will be invited to attend a required orientation session arranged by your local licensing office. The purpose of the orientation is to review the licensing rules and statutes and prepare you for the licensing inspection.
--The orientation will last approximately 6 hours..
-- Additional information will be provided which will help you to be successful in the business of caring for children.
-- Time will be provided for you to ask questions.

Step IV - Inspections:
1. An environmental health inspection and approval are required if your application indicates that your home has a private well and/or septic system.  The inspection, requested by the Licensing Unit and paid for by this office, is done by your local health authority prior to becoming licensed. 
2. Once all required application materials have been submitted and are complete, a licensing consultant will inspect your home to assess compliance with the licensing rules. It is your responsibility to be in compliance with the rules and statute at the time of the inspection and at all times thereafter.  Some of the items you must have available during the on-site inspection are:
--At least 1 functioning multipurpose fire extinguisher, with a rating of not less than 2A-10BC, properly mounted on each floor level that will be used by children in care. [R 400.1944(3)]
--A working smoke detector on each floor of your home. [R 400.1944(1)]
--A carbon monoxide detector on each floor that is used by children in care. [R 400.1944(1)]
--A posted evacuation and care plan for tornado, fire, and serious accident or injury. [R 400.1944(1)]
--A written discipline policy. [R 400.1913(1)].

Step V - License Issuance: Once it has been determined that you are in compliance with the rules and the statute you will be issued a 6 month provisional license.

Prior to the expiration of the 6 month provisional license you will receive a renewal application packet. After you submit a complete renewal application packet an on-site inspection will occur. If you continue to remain in compliance with the rules and the statute, you will then be issued a regular license that is valid for 2 years.

General Information:
1.  As an applicant, you can expect the licensing process to take 3 to 6 months to complete after you sumbit a complete application packet. Individual circumstances may effect the actual time required to issue your license.
2 . 10 clock hours of training must be completed each year by the applicant [R400.1905(1)] and 5 clock hours of training each year must be completed by each assistant caregiver [R400.1905(2)].
3. A license is issued to a specific person at a specific address. If you plan to move, contact the Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing Unit prior to the move so that you can apply for a license at your new address.
4. If a complaint about your family child care home is received by the Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing in investigation will be conducted, which may include an inspection of your home.
5. If you decide to no longer care for children, contact your local licensing office to request closure of your license.

Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing
Licensing Unit
PO Box 30759
Lansing, MI 48909-8150