Minnesota Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)

Minnesota childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (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 childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (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 childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (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 childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (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)

Minnesota childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0110 (Emergency and Accident Policies and Records).

Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0110 (Emergency and Accident Policies and Records)

Minnesota childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per No dedicated childcare-rule part; verified umbrella = Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0125 (Children's Records), item D (names/telephone numbers of persons authorized to take the child from the center) and item I (the hours and days of the week the child will attend the center).

No dedicated childcare-rule part; verified umbrella = Minnesota Rules, part 9503.0125 (Children's Records), item D (names/telephone numbers of persons authorized to take the child from the center) and item I (the hours and days of the week the child will attend the center)

Which agency regulates childcare licensing in Minnesota?

Childcare licensing in Minnesota is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), Child Care Centers Licensing. Note: child care center licensing transferred from the Department of Human Services (DHS) to DCYF effective June 18, 2025. Existing DHS-issued licenses remain valid and license holders need not reapply; the governing rules (Minn. Rules ch. 9503) remain in force, and the licensing statutes formerly in Minn. Stat. ch. 245A have been recodified into Minn. Stat. ch. 142B (licensing) and ch. 142C (certification).. Official licensing information is published at https://dcyf.mn.gov/child-care-center-licensing.

How many handbook policy sections does Minnesota require?

Minnesota requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.

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 happens if a Minnesota center is out of compliance?

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).