Child Care Licensing

Orientation

Potential child care license applicants must attend an initial orientation meeting to learn if this may be the right business for you. For more information or to register, call 651-266-KIDS (5437).

• You will receive application materials at the initial orientation meeting.
• If you need an interpreter while attending an orientation meeting, please call 651-266-4166.
• People arriving 15 minutes beyond start time of the session may not be allowed attendance.
• If school and after school activities are closed due to inclement weather, our training/orientation will also be canceled. Cancellations for reasons other than the weather will be posted on this web page. 
• Children are not allowed to attend orientation sessions.

Upcoming orientations

Fees

A new and enhanced background study is required for all new applicants. Applicants must pay processing fees of $50 for a one-year license and $100 for a two-year license. These fees must be paid before a license is issued. For more information about the new background study requirements, please visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services website.

Resources​

• Minnesota Department of Human Services Family Systems Table of Contents
• Minnesota Department of Human Services Child Care Licensing

People who provide childcare in Minnesota must have a license from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. It is a misdemeanor to provide childcare without a license. However, under state law there are two exceptions to this rule:

• You may provide unlicensed child care for children who are related to you, and children from one single unrelated family. 
• You may provide unlicensed childcare for a cumulative total of less than 30 days in any 12-month period.

Both licensed and legal unlicensed family child care providers may be “registered” to provide care to children whose parents are eligible to receive childcare subsidy. Such registration allows providers to receive payment from the Child Care Payment Department based on state and county guidelines. For more information contact the Child Care Payment Unit at 651-266-4019.

The State of Minnesota defines minimum standards a child care provider must meet to be recommended for licensure. The rules and statutes also specify guidelines for caregiver qualifications, caregiver training, license capacity, age distribution restrictions, behavior guidance, provider records, activities and equipment, safety of the physical environment, sanitation and health, and nutrition.

• Minnesota Administrative Rule - Chapter 9502, Licensing of Day Care Facilities
• Minnesota State Statute - Chapter 245A, Human Services Licensing
• Minnesota State Statute - Chapter 245C, Human Services Background Studies

Forms required to seek or maintain a child care license are available through the Minnesota Department of Human services. For more information, contact your licensing worker at 651-266-3781.

Download child care license forms

• Consumer recalls from the Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Crib regulations from Consumer Product Safety Commission
• Child care provider directory
• Department of Human Services Online Licensing Lookup
• Fire extinguisher testing
• Minnesota Poison Control safety tips
• Poisonous plants and family child care guidance
• Ramsey County Family Child Care Association
• State Fire Marshal fire safety
• State of Minnesota Training Registration 
• Think Small classes