Michigan

Overall Policy Lever Score

2

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 are two early childhood leadership degree programs 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.

Policy Levers Rating

  1. 1 Administrator Qualifications in Child Care Licensing 3
  2. 2 Administrator Credential 0
  3. 3 Principal Licensure 2
  4. 4 Administrator Qualifications in QRIS 2
  5. 5 Administrator Qualifications in State Pre-K Programs 4

Interesting Facts: Michigan

  • Licensing requirements for directors include 16 clock hours of professional development annually.

  • Muskegon Community College offers a certificate in Family Child Care that builds skills in operating a business.

  • The Great Start to Quality (QRIS) provides a detailed description of indicators, intent, and ways to meet qualifications indicators in its 2020 guidance document.