Licensing regulations in Michigan require directors to have a minimum of a CDA, at least 18 semester hours in early childhood education, 3 CEU’s in child care administration, and relevant experience. Annual training requirements for licensing include sixteen clock hours. There is no director credential in Michigan. Principals are required to have a master’s degree, however pre-K coursework or experience is not required. The statewide QRIS is based on a points system ranging from one point awarded for meeting director qualifications required in licensing (CDA and at least 18 semester hours in early childhood education) to a graduate degree with a major in Early Childhood or Child Development or a related field. There is one early childhood leadership degree program in the state. Administrators in state Pre-K programs are called Early Childhood Specialists. An Early Childhood Specialist must have a graduate degree in early childhood education or child development.
