Family Child Care Licensing

The State of Minnesota requires an individual to hold a license to provide childcare if he/she is caring for children from more than one family that is not related to them. It is a misdemeanor to provide childcare without a license! Under Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.03, subdivision 2, there are 2 exceptions and a license is not required if:

Licensed Family Childcare Providers are considered professionals in their field. They are expected to take continuing education and maintain compliance with the standards set forth in Minnesota Statutes and Minnesota Administrative Rules. Childcare licensure promotes a safe and nurturing environment and  regular monitoring to ensure licensed caregivers:

• Provide a healthy and safe physical environment for children in care
• Follow practices for safe sleep of infants and children in care
• Follow the allowed licensed capacity and age distributions of children in care at one time
• Follow standards for provision of water, food and nutrition to children in care
• Offer age appropriate equipment and activities-both indoors and out, that provide for the child’s physical, intellectual, emotional and social development
• Provide positive methods to guiding behavior for children in care
• Meet caregiver qualifications and ongoing continuing education requirements
• Keep accurate records regarding their program and children served

Minnesota Rule and Statute Summary for Family Child Care
Rule - Licensing of Daycare Facilities (also known as Rule 2) www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/9502
Minnesota Statutes 245A – Human Services Licensing Act www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/245A
Minnesota Statutes 245C- Human Services Background Studies Act www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/245C
Minnesota Statutes 260E.03- Reporting of the Maltreatment of Minors Act www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/260E.03

A Guide to Becoming a Licensed Family Child Care Provider is a plain-language handbook for people interested in becoming a licensed family child care provider in Minnesota.  This guide provides information about the initial licensing process  and licensed family child care program requirements.

Kandiyohi County Family Child Care Licensing Variance Request Policy 

For variance requests related to age distribution and capacity, complete #1, 1a and 1b. For all other requests, print and complete #1 only:
   1.    Variance Request: Family Child Care (DHS-7297)
   1a.  Variance Request:  Family Child Care Weekly Attendance Schedule (DHS7297A)
   1b.  Variance Request: Notice for Parents (DHS 7297B)

Mandated Reporting Form
Travel and Activity Authorization Form
Serious Injury Form
Family Child Care Licensing Checklist
Child Enrollment Form - Family Child Care

Develop, a Minnesota Department of Human Services website
DHS Family Child Care Provider Forms and Other Documents (link to MN DHS)
Searchable DHS Document Database (EDOCS)  (link to MN DHS)
DHS Licensing Page—Provider Questions and Answers   (link to MN DHS)

Minnesota Department of Health Schools and Child Care:  COVID-19
Information for Child Care Providers - Responding to COVID19
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Guidance for Child Care Programs
DHS Licensing COVID 19-Related Information

For more information about becoming a licensed family childcare provider in Kandiyohi County,  or if you have questions or concerns about a licensed family childcare program in Kandiyohi County,  please contact the Kandiyohi County Family Childcare Licensing Worker at 320-231-7800.