Michigan Daycare Ratios and Maximum Group Sizes

Michigan child care center ratios

Source

These figures come from Michigan Administrative Code R 400.8222 (Capacity, ratio and group), administered by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential, Child Care Licensing Bureau. This rule replaced the former R 400.8182.

Last verified: October 2026

Rules that can change these numbers

In mixed-age groups, the ratio and group size for the youngest child apply unless each group is clearly separated. With written parental permission, a child who has reached 33 months may join a 3-year-old classroom when developmentally appropriate. Group sizes may vary during outdoor play if ratios are maintained. Small capacity centers follow a separate ratio.

Track staff-to-child ratios in Caredence

Caredence compares the children checked in to each classroom with the staff checked in to that room, using the children-per-staff limit your center sets for the room, and shows an over-ratio warning when there aren't enough staff. It doesn't apply state rules automatically, so use the figures above to choose each room's limit.

Check another location with the state ratio calculator, or see how Caredence supports daycare compliance.

For a national overview, read the staff-to-child ratios by state guide.