Ordinance for Child Care

If you are interested in starting up a child care home in the City of Jackson, please read the following information. Child care homes are allowed in residential zoning districts, in accordance with the State of Michigan laws.

City of Jackson Ordinance

Day care facility means a facility for the care of children under eighteen (18) years of age, as licensed and regulated by the state under Act Number 116 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 1973 (MCL 722.111 et seq), as amended, and the associated rules of the state department of social services. Such organizations are further defined as follows:

1. Family day care home means a private home in which one (1) but not more than six (6) minor children are received for care and supervision for periods of less than twenty-four (24) hours a day, unattended by a parent or legal guardian, except children related to an adult member of the family by blood, marriage, or adoption. It includes a home that gives care to an unrelated child for more than four (4) weeks during a calendar year.
2. Group day care home means a private home in which more than six (6) but not more than twelve (12) children are given care and supervision for periods of less than twenty-four (24) hours a day unattended by a parent or legal guardian, except children related to an adult member of the family by blood, marriage or adoption. It includes a home that gives care to an unrelated child for more than four (4) weeks during a calendar year.
3. Child care center means a facility, other than a private residence, receiving more than six (6) preschool or school age children for group care for periods of less than twenty-four (24) hours a day, and where the parents or guardians are not immediately available to the child. It includes a facility which provides care for not less than two (2) consecutive weeks, regardless of the number of hours of care per day.

The facility is generally described as a child care center, day care center, day nursery, nursery school, parent cooperative preschool, play group, or drop-in center. "Child care center" does not include a Sunday school conducted by a religious institution or a facility operated by a religious organization where children are cared for during short periods of time while persons responsible for such children are attending religious services.