Getting Started
If you are thinking about getting started in child care, whether it's doing child care in your home, watching a relative's child, or opening a child care center, call us. Child Care Choices has resources to help make your decision about becoming a caregiver easier. For more information about getting started:
Types of Child Care
Family Friend and Neighbor Care (FFN): Child Care provided by a family member, friend or neighbor to related children and/or one unrelated family. This type of care does not require a child care license. Anyone caring for more than one unrelated family is required by the State of Minnesota to be licensed.
Family Child Care: Offer care in a home setting. Family child care provides an environment where children, infant through school-age, can be together. Click here for more information on family child care child to adult ratios.
Child Care Centers: Offer care for larger groups of children in public or private buildings, churches, or schools. Children are separated by age. Click here for more information on center child to adult ratios.
Preschool Programs: Offer part-time educational and socialization experiences for children 2 1/2 years to kindergarten. These program may or may not be licensed depending on the setting. For more information contact your local Child Care Resource & Referral.
School-Age Programs: Offer services exclusively to school age children before and/or after school. Some programs provide care during school holidays and summer vacation. Programs offered in public schools do not require a license.