Child Care Licensing

The state of Minnesota has rules governing those who care for children to protect their health, well-being, and safety.

Family child care homes have one set of licensing rules and child care centers have another. You can read the complete set of rules for home and centers at the licensing websites.

A child care license does not guarantee a program is providing the best care for children. Licensing covers the basics and sets minimal requirements, such as:

  • Inspects facilities to identify and correct health and safety hazards
  • Verifies that family child care and center staff meet training requirements
  • Conducts criminal background checks
  • Sets and monitors standards for the number of adults caring for children (adult-child ratio) and the maximum number of children allowed in a group

Important!

It is important to check the licensing status of the program before you make a decision. You can find information by clicking here. You should also contact the licensing agency by phone.

For centers and preschool programs, call state licensing: 651-431-6500.

For family child care homes, contact the county licensing agency in which the family child care professional lives:

  • Anoka: 763-323-6102
  • Carver: 952-361-1714
  • Dakota: 952-891-7400
  • Hennepin: 612-348-3883
  • Ramsey: 651-266-3781
  • Scott: 952-445-7751
  • Washington: 651-430-6455

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