Michigan Childcare Licensing
Michigan Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Michigan sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Infant (0-12 months) must be supervised at no looser than 1:4. Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Michigan licensing condition.
Licensing Agency
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamMichigan Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Michigan, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Infant (0-12 months) age group is 1:4.
In Michigan, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Toddler (12-30 months) age group is 1:4.
In Michigan, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool (2.5-3 years) age group is 1:8.
In Michigan, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool (3-4 years) age group is 1:10.
In Michigan, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Preschool (4-5 years) age group is 1:12.
In Michigan, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the School Age (5+ years) age group is 1:17.
Child care centers have maximum group sizes of 12 (birth-30 months, 1:4), 24 (30 months-3 years, 1:8), 30 (3-4 years, 1:10), 40 (4 years-school age, 1:12), and 54 (school-age, 1:18) per Mich. Admin. Code R 400.8222 (small capacity centers use a minimum 1:6 ratio with a maximum group size of 20)
per Mich. Admin. Code R 4
family and group child care homes have no separate statewide group-size cap beyond their total capacity limits.
per Mich. Admin. Code R 4
Michigan Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Infant (0-12 months) | 1:4 |
|---|---|
| Toddler (12-30 months) | 1:4 |
| Preschool (2.5-3 years) | 1:8 |
| Preschool (3-4 years) | 1:10 |
| Preschool (4-5 years) | 1:12 |
| School Age (5+ years) | 1:17 |
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Michigan Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Michigan?
Michigan requires a staff-to-child ratio of 1:4 for the Infant (0-12 months) age group.
Does Michigan cap maximum group size?
Child care centers have maximum group sizes of 12 (birth-30 months, 1:4), 24 (30 months-3 years, 1:8), 30 (3-4 years, 1:10), 40 (4 years-school age, 1:12), and 54 (school-age, 1:18) per Mich. Admin. Code R 400.8222 (small capacity centers use a minimum 1:6 ratio with a maximum group size of 20); family and group child care homes have no separate statewide group-size cap beyond their total capacity limits.
How many staff do I need for my Michigan classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Michigan ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Michigan childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Michigan administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.