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 1973 PA 116 prior to submitting your application.  Upon receipt of your application, a rule book adn PA 116 will be sent to you.

Step II - 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. A $50.00 check or money order payable to the State of Michigan.
4.  Proof of electronic fingerprint clearance for applicant only through L1 Identity Solutions (BCAL-1326).
5.  Licensing Record Clearance (BCAL-1326) - It is necessary to complete one for each non-applicant adult (18 or older) who resides in your home.  If you or a member of your household has been convicted of a criminal offense, or has a record of substantiated child abuse or neglect, further assessment will be done by the Bureau.  The purpose of this assessment is to determine your ability to care for children and meet the family child care home rules.
6. 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.
7. Documentation of TB test results for all persons in the home who are 14 years of age and older.  Assistant caregivers must also have documentation of TB test results.
8.  Documentation of valid infant/child/adult CPR and First Aid training.
9. Proof of inspection and approval of your heating system within the past 12 months 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.
10.  Proof of recent inspection and approval of your fuel-fired water heater by a licensed heating contractor or licensed plumbing contractor.
11.  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 - 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 Organizational Support Unit and paid for by this office, is done by your local health authority prior to registration. 

Step IV - 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.

At the end of the orientation session, you will be given a Statement of Registration. This is a legal document on which you certify that you are in compliance with the family child care home rules and the child care licensing law (1973 PA 116).  You will be asked to take it home with you and check your home to be sure that you are in compliance with all of the rules and the law before signing and returning it. When you have determined you are in compliance with all of the rules and the law and have returned the signed Statement of Registration, you will be issued a Certificate of Registration and you may begin caring for children. Note:  This registration is in effect for 3 years, provided you continue to meet the rules and reside at the same address.

Step V - Within 90 days from being registered, 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.  This checklist  summarizes the rules you must follow.

GENERAL INFORMATION
1.  A Certificate of Registration is issued to a specific person at a specific address. If you plan to move, you must contact the Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing Unit prior to the move so that you can be registered at your new address. If you move to a new address and do not contact this office, your Certificate of Registration is no longer valid at the new address.
2.  After being registered for 3 years, you will have to renew your registration.  This is a process that is done through the mail.  A renewal application packet will be sent to you prior to the expiration of your certificate of registration so that you may renew in a timely manner.  The cost to renew is $25.  You may need to update some of your documents at this time.
3.  If a complaint about your family child care home is received by the Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing, an investigation will be conducted, which may include an on-site inspection of your home.
4.  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)].
5.   If, at any time, you decide to no longer care for children, you should mail your written request to close your certificate of registration to:

Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing
Licensing Unit
PO Box 30650
Lansing, MI 48909-8150