Child Care Licensing

The agency is responsible for licensing and monitoring family child care homes.  In the State of Minnesota, a person may do unlicensed care if they provide services to relatives and one family.  This includes the caregiver’s own children.  If a person is providing child care for more than one family, they are required to be licensed. “Related" means any of the following relationships by marriage, blood, or adoption: parent, grandparent, brother, sister, stepparent, stepsister, stepbrother, uncle, aunt, child, niece, nephew. Related also includes a legally appointed guardian.

Child care providers need to follow through with the State regulations for licensure.  These rules set limits on the number and ages of children allowed in care, set safety standards, and explain caregiver qualifications and training needs.  Information about Child Care providers is available to the public. This information consists of licensure status, variances, complaints and outcomes of those complaints, and correction orders issues.