Genesee County, MI Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- License
- State-issued (MiLEAP/CCLB)
- Governing law
- 1973 PA 116, MCL 722.111+
- Family home
- 1–6 children
- Group home
- 7–12 children
- County role
- None: state licenses
Summary
A home daycare in Genesee County must be licensed by the State of Michigan (child care licensing, formerly LARA, now MiLEAP) under the Child Care Organization Act. Local zoning cannot be more restrictive than state law.
A person, partnership, firm, corporation, association, nongovernmental organization, or governmental organization... shall not establish or maintain a child care organization unless licensed by the department.
Full Breakdown
Michigan requires a state license to operate a family child care home (1–6 children) or group child care home (7–12) under the Child Care Organization Act, 1973 PA 116 (MCL 722.111–722.128). Licensing is handled by the state (historically LARA, now MiLEAP's Child Care Licensing Bureau), not by Genesee County. State law also caps how far local zoning can go: a county or township ordinance cannot be more restrictive than the Act for a licensed family or group child care home. Beyond the state license, follow any local building, fire, and home-occupation requirements your Genesee County city or township applies to the residence.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unlicensed child care organization violates MCL 722.115 and is enforced by the state, which can order the operation to cease and pursue penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license for a home daycare?
Can my township ban a licensed home daycare?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Genesee County
Compare Genesee County to another location·View the Michigan home business overview
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