Family Child Care - Licensing Information
The purpose of licensing is to provide standards which protect the health and safety of our children. In Minnesota, licensing rules are minimum standards; providers must meet standards for caregiver qualifications, physical environment, number of children per caregiver, behavior guidance, required policies and records, activities, and equipment. Family Child Care homes are licensed by the county of residence and Child Care Centers are licensed by the state of Minnesota. For more information about becoming a family child care provider contact county social service agency.
When do I need to become licensed?
In Minnesota you may care for the children of one unrelated family plus the children of related family members (such as nieces, nephews, grandchildren) without needing a child care license. Anyone caring for more than one unrelated family is required by the State of Minnesota to be licensed. There are several types of family child care licenses in Minnesota. Click here to view the list.
The licensing process includes a background check, a safety inspection of your home, and some training. A family child care provider must be 18 years of age or older, physically able to care for children, with a physical exam within 12 months of obtaining their initial license.
For a full copy of the Minnesota Family Child Care Rule (#90502) visit: http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/arule/9502/
Other Information
- Eight hours of specified training must be completed each year.
- Must be Infant/Child CPR and First Aid certified before caring for children.
- Need to complete SIDS and Shaken Baby Training prior to caring for infants (Some counties may require Shaken Baby Training for all providers).
- If planning to transport children need to take the Car Seat Safety course.
- A minimum of 35 square feet of usable indoor space is required for each child.
- There must be an outdoor place space of at least 50 square feet per child, adjacent to the residence for regular use, or a park or playground within 1500 feet of the residence.
- Family Child Care providers are required to have written policies and procedures for the parents of children in care and for the licensing agency.
- You are also required to obtain several pieces of information from the parents before serving their children.
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.