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Child care licensing standards and other legislative updates
New licensing standards signed into law - effective July 1, 2027
During the 2026 legislative session, the Legislature passed updated licensing standards for licensed child care centers and family child care programs. The new standards take effect on July 1, 2027. Until then, providers must continue following current licensing requirements. The licensing standards will be organized into two new statutory chapters: Chapter 142H for licensed child care centers, and Chapter 142I for family child care. DCYF will use the coming year to share information, guidance, and training to help programs prepare.
DCYF will share updates, answers to common questions and more in monthly newsletters from the Licensing team. You may subscribe to the newsletter and view past newsletters at the Child Care Regulation Modernization Project page.
2025 legislative changes: Updated implementation plans now available
DCYF updated its implementation plans summarizing the 2025 legislative changes for licensed child care centers and family child care programs, including what each change means for your program. Find them via these links:
2026 implementation plans coming later this year
DCYF will share new implementation plans later this year on legislative changes that were passed by the 2026 Minnesota Legislature that impact licensed and certified child care.
Stay informed
DCYF will continue to communicate with license holders about legislative changes as more information becomes available. For questions related to the newly updated child care licensing standards, reach out to the project team at ccregmodernization.dcyf@state.mn.us. Every email is read to inform implementation, but the team may not respond to each email.