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DCYF is tracking federal actions that may affect programs serving Minnesota children and families. Get verified facts, current status, and how services continue.

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Become a family child care provider

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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.

Additional resources

Steps to get licensed

  1. Contact your county or Tribal child care licensing agency.
  2. Complete your county/Tribal orientation process.
  3. Complete the Family Child Care Licensing Application and the Certificate of Compliance Minnesota Workers' Compensation (PDF).
  4. Send your application and Workers' Compensation materials to county licensor.
  5. Review the Age Group Definitions (PDF) for Family and Group Family Child Care.
  6. Obtain a background study form from your county licensor and complete it.

Special Family Child Care Homes and related documents

There are several types of programs licensed under Minnesota Rule 9502 designated as Special Family Child Care Homes. These programs include employer and church-based programs, community collaborative and not-for-profit agency programs, and programs operated in a commercial space. Specific requirements for these programs are found in Minnesota Statutes, section 142B.41, subd. 4. Contact your county licensor for more information about applying for a license under this special regulation.

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)