Kent County, MI Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Licensing agency
- State of Michigan (LARA/MiLEAP)
- Family home
- 1 to 6 children
- Group home
- 7 to 12 children
- Governing law
- 1973 PA 116, MCL 722.111
- County role
- None
Summary
In-home childcare is licensed by the State of Michigan (LARA/MiLEAP), not Kent County. A family child care home cares for 1 to 6 children; a group home cares for 7 to 12. Local zoning cannot be more restrictive than state law.
a private home in which 1 but fewer than 7 minor children are received for care and supervision for compensation for periods of less than 24 hours a day
Full Breakdown
Michigan licenses in-home childcare under the Child Care Organizations Act (1973 PA 116, MCL 722.111 et seq.). A 'family child care home' is a private home caring for 1 to fewer than 7 minor children for less than 24 hours a day for compensation; a group child care home covers 7 to 12 children. The Michigan Zoning Enabling Act bars a local ordinance from being more restrictive of a family or group child care home than the state act, so cities and townships must treat family homes as a residential use. Kent County does not license or zone home daycares.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unlicensed childcare home violates state law and can bring LARA/MiLEAP enforcement, fines, and closure; local zoning must still comply with the state limit on restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kids can a home daycare have?
Can my township ban a home daycare?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kent County
Compare Kent County to another location·View the Michigan home business overview
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