The Child Care Licensing Bureau (CCLB) performs state licensing regulatory duties as required by state laws and federal requirements.
The new child care licensing rules were officially adopted on May 7, 2025. Providers will have at least 90 days from that date to meet the new requirements.
For a look at the new child care center rules please click the link: First Look - Child Care Center Rules
During this 90-day transition period, the Child Care Licensing Bureau will offer training, updated technical assistance, and provide new rule books to support providers with the changes. The training schedule for child care providers will be released in June 2025.
To stay informed about upcoming trainings and resources, sign up for the Child Care Licensing Bureau listserv:
The new Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) Child Care Hub Information Records Portal (CCHIRP) system has launched. This new system provides an enhanced experience for managing licenses and simplifying the way you communicate information with MiLEAP and the State of Michigan.
MiLEAP is excited to bring you this new tool to help streamline the Child Care licensing process. We understand that navigating new systems can take some time, and our goal is to support you through this transition so you can confidently complete your actions in the system.
We encourage you to read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to learn more. If you have additional questions, please reach out to your Consultant or contact our main office by calling 517-284-9730 or via email MiLEAP-CCLB-Help@michigan.gov.
Child Care Licensing has partnered with the Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Bureau of Fire Services to offer a pre-recorded webinar for child care providers. This informative session provides valuable insights into when plan reviews are required and guides you through the essential steps involved in submitting a plan review. Additional resources on the plan review process can be found here: Fire Safety Inspections.
Our Strong Start has a team of trained Navigators ready to support child care entrepreneurs in understanding and navigating the state child care licensing process. They are available to answer questions and to provide information about resources and training opportunities within the child care system.
The Child Care Background Check Program is specifically for the comprehensive background check of licensed child care providers in the state of Michigan.
Michigan AEYC programs to support Directors and new program staff: Director Network and Early Foundations Program.
The Michigan AEYC Early Foundations program assists with staffing challenges and provides onboarding support for busy directors. New staff and/or staff in new positions will gain immediate skills needed to feel supported and be successful in the classroom even before achieving a CDA or degree.
Directors statewide are invited to join a network of their peers and receive group and individual coaching on personalized topics relevant to their needs. Participants will engage in monthly synchronous and asynchronous meeting opportunities.
For more information about eligibility and the application process, contact miaeyc@miaeyc.org or visit www.miaeyc.org to live chat with a specialist.
Requesting Increases to Capacity and Ratio for Homes
The recent changes to PA 116 allows family and group homes to request an increase in capacity if the licensee meets certain conditions. To help streamline the process, the Child Care Licensing Bureau has developed a form for licensees to request the increase in capacity and a variance to allow for a ratio increase.
Rule Exception Requests
Child care staffing shortages throughout the state have made it difficult to find caregivers for our youngest Michiganders. With over 9,000 vacancies, shortages of staff are impacting the industry’s ability to serve children and families. To help meet this need the Child Care Licensing Bureau is now accepting requests for exceptions to the rules, “rule variances”, identified by child care professionals as barriers to bringing on new staff members.
