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Apply for a Child Care Center License
Before you apply
- The licensing process takes 3 to 12 months on average.
- Review the step by step guide to licensure which provides detailed steps with tasks, general information, and requirements that must be completed to become licensed.
- Read Licensing Rules for Child Care Centers and Public Act 116 of 1973 before submitting your application.
- Review this important notice regarding reimbursement from MDHHS.
How to apply
To apply for a new license or renew a license, select the link applicable to you below for more detailed instructions.
When you’re ready to apply, go to MiLogin to begin your application. MiLogin Registration Instructions will be helpful to navigate the website.
Only updated Microsoft Edge, FireFox or Google Chrome browsers are compatible with MiLogin. You may be required to add "Michigan.gov" to your compatibility view settings for the application to be submitted successfully.
Child Development and Care (CDC) Scholarship
- Once you are a licensed provider, if you wish to accept any MDHHS CDC scholarship-eligible children into your program, you will need to complete the Provider Verification for, (DHS-4025), selecting you as their provider. They will submit the form to MDHHS.
Corporations Division
- The Corporations Division provides services that enable corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability companies, and limited liability partnerships to be formed, submit filings online, perform searches, and request certificates and copies.
Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Use this tool to get an EIN directly from the IRS in minutes for free.
- If you are forming a legal entity (LLC, partnership, corporation, or tax exempt organization) form your entity through your state before you apply for an EIN.
Inspections
- Child Care center providers must complete applicable inspections before their license is issued. More information can be found on the Inspections page.
SIGMA: Statewide Integrated Governmental Management Applications
- SIGMA accounts are required if accepting grants or CDC scholarships. Standardizes statewide budgeting processes, accounting activities, payment processing, bids and grant opportunities.
Start Up Costs
- Please review the estimated center start-up costs to prepare a healthy budget and avoid any unforeseen costs affiliated with starting a new child care center.
| THE FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE. The fee is based on the capacity of the child care center |
|
| Capacity | Original Application Fee |
| 1 - 20 | $150 |
| 21 - 50 | $200 |
| 51 - 100 | $250 |
| 101+ | $300 |