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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.

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Sections

News and updates

Honoring you during Family Child Care Provider Week

Since 1995, the Friday before Mother's Day has been dedicated as Family Child Care Appreciation Day. In Minnesota, we honor our more than 5,400 family child care providers for their loving dedication to Minnesota's children. Governor Walz has honored the occasion with an official proclamation, highlighting family child care providers as "compassionate, dependable, and highly skilled professionals who understand child development, create nurturing and safe learning environments, and support children and their families as they grow and thrive." Read the full message from Bharti Wahi, Assistant Commissioner for Early Childhood at DCYF.

DCYF launches Provider Link newsletter: We're excited to introduce our quarterly Provider Link newsletter, which provides updates on topics affecting family child care licensing. The February 2026 newsletter addresses topics including the use of baby gates, the most frequently cited violations, and understanding prorated training.

Recent news: Licensing moves to DCYF  |  2025 Implementation plan available for Legislative changes affecting family child care

 

News archive 



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:

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Child care provider reading picture book to three children

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

DCYF has released a legislatively mandated report as part of its multi-year effort to modernize child care licensing. The report outlines proposed licensing standards, highlights key changes from current requirements, and identifies considerations for implementation. Learn more about the Child Care Regulation 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)