Title

Child Care Center Licensing

Intro

Licensed child care centers offer care and early learning in a nonresidential setting, such as a school or dedicated facility. These centers serve groups of children and are staffed by trained professionals who follow the state's health, safety and education standards. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is responsible for licensing child care centers and monitoring them for compliance with licensing requirements.

Button
Report a concern at a licensed child care center
Banner
Teacher in a child care setting learning and playing with three children
Sections

News and updates

Child care center licensing transition to DCYF

In June 2025, child care center 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 licensed child care centers

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

Child care teacher working with preschoolers on art projects

Apply for a child care center license

Operating a child care center can be a rich, rewarding experience. There are many things to consider when deciding whether operating a child care center is right for you. DCYF has developed resources to help you understand the application process, pre-licensing visits, and key considerations for the first year of operation. Learn more about applying for a child care center license.

Review licensing standards

Minnesota rules and statutes outline the requirements child care centers must follow related to health and safety, training, annual inspections, and other areas. Learn more about regulations for licensed child care centers.

Three children playing with recorders
Teacher and children's arms playing with blocks on table

Resources for providers

Learn about:

Contact Child Care Center Licensing

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.

Provider Hub

The Provider Hub is the online system to apply for new licenses and manage existing licenses, including requesting changes, adding users and submitting information for the annual licensing review. Visit the Provider Hub webpage to learn how to log in or begin an application in the Provider Hub.

Quick links