Capacity and ratios for family child care: Revised standards

New license classifications

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What will happen to my current license classification under the new licensing system?

Providers can generally expect to transition to the new license classification that most closely aligns with their current licensed capacity and operations. For example, a provider currently licensed as a Class C1 would likely transition to the new Class C2 license. 

Will I need to submit a new application when the new license classifications take effect?

Not necessarily. Providers who wish to continue operating at a capacity and staffing level comparable to their current license classification are not expected to complete a full relicensing process.

However, providers seeking to move to a different license classification with a different capacity or staffing structure may be required to apply for that classification. For example, a provider currently licensed as a Class C1 who wishes to operate as a Class C4 under the new system would likely need to complete a new application for that switch.

I plan to transition to a Class C5 license with a capacity of 18 children. Can I begin enrolling additional children now for July 1, 2027?

Not yet. Before a program can operate under a new license class with a higher capacity, it must meet specific requirements that will need to be verified by the licensor. These requirements may include indoor and outdoor square footage, training, and other health and safety standards.

This applies to any license class change that would increase a program's capacity. Programs seeking to increase capacity will need to work with their licensor before implementation to ensure they meet the requirements of the new license class before enrolling additional children. 

The chart below summarizes capacity and ratios for each license type under the revised standards.

Capacity and caregiver ratios

Class A licenses – No change

Under the revised licensing standards, Class A capacity and ratios will remain the same as outlined in the current MN Rule 9502.0367.

Class C licenses – Updated

Additional requirements for C5 licenses

Under the revised licensing standards, programs licensed as a class C5 will have additional requirements beyond capacity and ratios. Before operating as a class C5 program, the provider must:

• Complete the required large group family child care training,
• Meet additional experience or education qualifications established in the new licensing standards, and
• Always operate at the level of exit discharge. A Class C5 program must operate on a level of the home that has a door leading directly to the outside at or near ground level. The intent is to ensure that programs serving up to 18 children have a direct exit to the outdoors and are not located in a basement that only has an emergency escape window. Walkout basements may meet this requirement. The State Fire Marshal division will determine which areas of the home are at the level of exit discharge. Additional guidance for split-level homes will be shared before implementation.

A family child care program with a class C license may operate as a lower C-class level family child care program on days when the adult-to-child ratios allow it to operate at a lower capacity.

You can read the updated rules related to capacity and ratios on the state Revisor’s website. Later this year, the revised statute will be codified as MN Statutes, section 142I.07.