If a playground inspection is done, it must be completed by a Certified Playground Safety Inspector (CPSI) approved by the Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing, Division of Child Care Licensing. View the list of approved CPSIs.  The CPSI Service Area Map outlines the different areas in Michigan the inspectors cover.

When a playground inspection is completed, the CPSI will provide the center a report of the inspection. The CPSI must also complete the Playground Inspection Certification Summary (BCAL-5047) and provide it to the center. The center must maintain a copy of this form on file at the center as documentation of compliance with this rule.

Information on the List of CPSIs Approved by Child Care Licensing

For an inspector to be the list of CPSIs approved by the Child Care Licensing Division, the inspector must:

• Be certified by the National Playground Safety Institute (www.nrpa.org) or the National Program for Playground Safety (www.playgroundsafety.org).   
• Attend a mandatory meeting held by the Child Care Licensing Division.

The mandatory meeting covers the requirements for the outdoor play area in the Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers and how these requirements differ from the certification training (using the 1997 Edition of the Handbook for Public Playground Safety instead of the most recent edition). This list does not serve as an endorsement of any particular CPSI.

Choosing a CPSI from the List

When selecting a CPSI, centers may want to consider the following: 

• Experience of the CPSI.
• Fees (initial and re-inspection).
• If the CPSI insured.
• Recommendation from other centers.
• If the CPSI works for a playground equipment manufacturer.

Complaints

Complaints should be directed to the organization that certified the inspector. The National Playground Safety Institute (NPSI) can be contacted at http://www.nrpa.org/Content.aspx?ekfrm=896and the National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS) can be contacted at www.playgroundsafety.orgor (800) 534-PLAY. When looking at the CPSI list, if the inspector has a three digit certification number, they have been certified by NPPS and if they have a 9 digit certification number, they have been certified by NPSI.