Minnesota Childcare Daycare Inspection Prep (2026)

At least one unannounced licensing inspection of each licensed child care center once per calendar year (statutory authority Minn. Stat. 142B.10, subd. 11 ('Inspections

per calendar year (statutory authority Minn. Stat. 1

predecessor Minn. Stat. 245A.04/245A.16).

predecessor Minn. Stat. 2

New centers in their first year receive four DCYF 'Early and Often' visits: an initial scheduled technical-assistance visit approximately 3 months after the license is issued, with the remaining first-year visits unannounced.

statutory authority Minn

For child care centers under the DCYF chapter, the commissioner may issue a correction order or conditional license (Minn. Stat. 142B.16), and may suspend or revoke a license, impose a fine, or seek other sanctions (Minn. Stat. 142B.18, 'SANCTIONS').

Minn

Fine schedule (Minn. Stat. 142B.18, subd. 4(c)(4)

Fine schedule (Minn. Stat. 1

parallel/predecessor Minn. Stat. 245A.07, subd. 3(c)(4)): $1,000 for each determination of maltreatment of a child under ch. 260E

predecessor Minn. Stat. 2

$5,000 for each determination of serious maltreatment

Minn

$200 for each occurrence of a violation of law or rule governing health, safety, or supervision (including staff-to-child ratio violations and background-study noncompliance)

including staff-to-child ratio violations and background-study noncompliance

and $100 for each occurrence of any other violation.

Minn

In lieu of a correction order, the commissioner may issue a 'fix-it ticket' for eligible non-imminent-danger violations correctable at inspection or within 48 hours (Minn. Stat. 142B.17, 'Child Care Fix-it Ticket'

inspection or within 48 hours (Minn. Stat. 1

Failure of a mandated reporter to report suspected child maltreatment is a misdemeanor (Minn. Stat. 260E.08

Minn. Stat. 2

reporting duty under 260E.06).

Minn

During a Minnesota childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Infant (6 weeks up to 16 months; per 9503.0040, subp. 4 may extend up to 18 months) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:4 (maximum group size 8).

During a Minnesota childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Toddler (16 months up to 33 months; per 9503.0040, subp. 4 may extend up to 35 months) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:7 (maximum group size 14).

During a Minnesota childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Preschooler (33 months to first day of kindergarten) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:10 (maximum group size 20).

During a Minnesota childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the School-age (attending kindergarten and older) age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:15 (maximum group size 30).

Minnesota inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Hours of Operation policy (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0045, subp. 1 (Child Care Program Plan); disclosed to parents under part 9503.0090, subp. 1, item B ('hours and days of operation').

Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0045, subp. 1 (Child Care Program Plan); disclosed to parents under part 9503.0090, subp. 1, item B ('hours and days of operation')

Minnesota inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy policy (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0055 (Behavior Guidance).

Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0055 (Behavior Guidance)

Minnesota inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Illness and Exclusion Policy policy (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0080 (Exclusion of Sick Children).

Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0080 (Exclusion of Sick Children)

Minnesota inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Medication Administration Policy policy (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0140, subp. 7 (Health — Administration of medicine).

Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0140, subp. 7 (Health — Administration of medicine)

How often does Minnesota inspect licensed childcare centers?

At least one unannounced licensing inspection of each licensed child care center once per calendar year (statutory authority Minn. Stat. 142B.10, subd. 11 ('Inspections; waiver'); predecessor Minn. Stat. 245A.04/245A.16). New centers in their first year receive four DCYF 'Early and Often' visits: an initial scheduled technical-assistance visit approximately 3 months after the license is issued, with the remaining first-year visits unannounced.

What do Minnesota inspectors check during a childcare inspection?

Minnesota childcare inspectors typically verify: (1) staff-to-child ratios are met for every age group, (2) staff CPR/First Aid certifications and background checks are current, (3) each child's file contains required enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records, (4) fire-drill logs are complete, (5) the parent handbook covers all required policy sections, and (6) the physical environment is free of hazards such as unsecured cleaning supplies and missing outlet covers.

What happens if a Minnesota childcare center fails an inspection?

For child care centers under the DCYF chapter, the commissioner may issue a correction order or conditional license (Minn. Stat. 142B.16), and may suspend or revoke a license, impose a fine, or seek other sanctions (Minn. Stat. 142B.18, 'SANCTIONS'). Fine schedule (Minn. Stat. 142B.18, subd. 4(c)(4); parallel/predecessor Minn. Stat. 245A.07, subd. 3(c)(4)): $1,000 for each determination of maltreatment of a child under ch. 260E; $5,000 for each determination of serious maltreatment; $200 for each occurrence of a violation of law or rule governing health, safety, or supervision (including staff-to-child ratio violations and background-study noncompliance); and $100 for each occurrence of any other violation. In lieu of a correction order, the commissioner may issue a 'fix-it ticket' for eligible non-imminent-danger violations correctable at inspection or within 48 hours (Minn. Stat. 142B.17, 'Child Care Fix-it Ticket'; predecessor 245A.065). Failure of a mandated reporter to report suspected child maltreatment is a misdemeanor (Minn. Stat. 260E.08; reporting duty under 260E.06).

How can I prepare my Minnesota childcare center for an unannounced inspection?

Use the /inspection-check tool on TotReady to run a pre-inspection self-audit. Key areas: confirm all staff ratios are met and documented, verify CPR and background-check expiration dates, audit every child file for completeness, check that fire-drill logs are current, and walk the facility for physical hazards (unsecured chemicals, missing outlet covers, blocked exits).

Which handbook sections do Minnesota inspectors verify?

Minnesota inspectors check that the parent handbook includes these required sections: Hours of Operation, Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy, Illness and Exclusion Policy, Medication Administration Policy. Each must be present and comply with the cited Minnesota administrative code.