“It’s not an easy field, that’s for sure. Having the support of people who help you in every area makes it a lot easier.”

WELCOME

Step-by-Step Process to Become a Licensed Child Care Provider
in Benzie or Grand Traverse County

The Infant & Toddler Child Care Start-Up Expansion initiative is ready to walk you through the process. We are pleased that you want to know more about opening a quality child care business in Benzie or Grand Traverse County. If you have questions, visit our F.A.Q. page.

There are many things to consider in becoming a new child care business. Are you ready? This is a career move that can result in tremendous fulfillment, knowing that you are influencing the development of future adults.

Here are some personal and professional considerations as you contemplate this new journey:

• Do you enjoy being with young children and have the patience to care for them for many hours each day?

• Do you have the physical and emotional stamina to run a child care business?

• Are you comfortable working with the licensing requirements and government regulations needed to assure the health and safety of the children in your care?

• Are you comfortable with the potential professional, legal, financial, and personal risks associated with starting a new business?

If you answered YES to each of the above, then we are ready to coach you through the entire licensing process, help with a variety of start-up costs, support you in setting up your business financials and help you accomplish all that is necessary to become a professional, quality childcare provider in Grand Traverse or Benzie County.

LET’S BEGIN 

Are you eligible to be a licensed child care provider? The State of Michigan has outlined the basic requirements that you must meet, including:

• Behave in a manner that is beneficial to the welfare of children

• Successfully pass a required comprehensive background check and finger printing

• Demonstrate a willingness and ability to comply with Michigan child care acts and requirements including education, health and safety, primary care, physical space and equipment, and specific record-keeping

Interested and excited to know more? Then take the first step, below!

Step 1. - Interested?

Complete and submit this Infant & Toddler Child Care Start-Up 2025 Interest Form online.

Step 2. - Contact

You will be contacted to discuss the initiative and address any questions you may have. This phone conversation will determine your eligibility. If there is mutual agreement to move forward, you will be asked to complete an Application Form. Note that you are free to contact us with additional questions at any time.  

Step 3. - Apply

Upon receipt of your completed Application Form, you will be contacted again to arrange an interview. You will be asked to participate in the interview via recorded Zoom.

Step 4. - Approvals

Application materials and the recorded Zoom interview will be reviewed by the initiative advisory team. If approved, you will be asked to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which outlines what we expect of you and what you can expect of us.

Step 5. - Support

You will be assigned two coaches:

1) A licensing coach will guide you through the process of applying for and attaining a State of Michigan child care license, required first aid and safety courses and other training to assist you in operating your new business.

2) A personal coach will help you with the details of starting a child care business, including facility needs, choosing the developmental program you will utilize and planning and purchasing age-appropriate equipment and food.

Step 6. - Business Boot Camp

In addition, you will be required to participate in a seven week Business Bootcamp. The Bootcamp will help you write a Business Plan. It will also cover Legal, Regulatory and Business best practices, Financial Planning, Operation, Management and Child Care best practices, Licensing, Marketing and many more topics.

Step 7. - Approved

Once you have been approved by the State of Michigan Child Care Licensing Bureau and have received your child care license authorizing you to care for children in your residence or another facility, you will be ready to advertise and open your child care business!