Become a family child care provider

Have you ever imagined yourself caring for children in your own home? Does the idea of partnering with families in the raising of their children interest you? 

If you're exploring whether owning a licensed family child care business is right for you, we have resources that can help.

• Family Child Care Orientation video modules provide an overview of the licensing process.
• Guide to Becoming a Licensed Family Child Care Provider (PDF) provides general information about the license application process and an overview of what is required of licensed family child care programs. 

Additional resources

• Frequently asked questions about licensed family child care
• Background study requirements
• Training requirements
• Child Care Wayfinder - one-stop navigation network for starting and growing child care programs.

Role of counties in licensing

Minnesota counties perform the major functions related to licensing of family child care programs. County responsibilities include:

• Accepting and processing family child care license applications
• Conducting, inspecting, studying and evaluating license applications
• Recommending to the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families the approval or denial of license applications
• Processing requests for variances from rules
• Monitoring compliance with applicable rules
• Investigating allegations of license violations
• Issuing correction orders
• Recommending forfeiture orders and licensing sanctions
• Enforcing orders of the DCYF commissioner
• Representing DCYF in contested hearing cases conducted under Minnesota's Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 14)