Title

Family Child Care Licensing

Intro

In Minnesota, counties have delegated responsibility for most licensing activities for family child care programs, including inspections, investigations, and issuing correction orders. The state issues licenses based on county recommendations and provides guidance and forms to support the licensing work. This support enables county staff to effectively help family child care providers obtain and maintain their licenses. Family child care providers may also be licensed directly by their Tribal Nation.

Banner
Mom and toddler play with colorful wooden blocks
Sections

News and updates

Family child care licensing transition to DCYF

In June 2025, family child care licensing transferred to the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Existing license certificates remain valid, and license holders do not need to reapply or take any action. Learn more about this transition.

2025 Legislative changes affecting family child care

New laws passed by the 2025 Legislature include several provisions that impact family child care. Learn more in DCYF's 2025 Implementation Plan for Legislative Changes (PDF).

News archive 


Teacher playing with toddler

Resources for providers

For help with licensing questions, contact your county or Tribal licensing agency or email us at DCYF.fccproviderquestions@state.mn.us.


Review licensing standards

Minnesota rules and statutes outline the requirements licensed family child care programs must follow related to health and safety, training, annual reviews, and other areas. Learn more about regulations for licensed family child care. Additional resources:

Kids playing outdoors on ropes equipment

Child care teacher reading to kids in tent

Become a family child care provider

Are you interested in opening a family child care business? DCYF has developed resources to help you understand what is required and guide you through the process of applying for a license. Learn more about becoming a licensed family child care provider.


Project updates

Child Care Regulation Modernization

The multi-year effort to improve and modernize Minnesota's child care licensing standards is nearing another milestone as DCYF prepares to submit a final draft of the proposed revised standards to the state Legislature by January 1, 2026. Learn more about the Child Care Regulations Modernization project.

Transition to Provider Hub

The Provider Hub team continues to make progress on preparing for family child care to begin using the Hub for licensing functions, including applying for new licenses and managing existing licenses. Read more in the latest Provider Hub email update. (November 2025)