How to start a home daycare in Minnesota.
Minnesota Department of Children oversees home daycares in Minnesota. These are the kinds it allows and the steps, each with the state's own page.
Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.
The kinds of home daycare Minnesota allows
Family day care
Up to 10 children
No more than 6 of the 10 may be under school age.
Source: 9502.0315 DefinitionsGroup family day care
Up to 14 children
This is the largest home license under the family day care rules.
Source: 9502.0315 DefinitionsSpecialized infant and toddler family day care
Up to 6 children
One adult may care for 5 or 6, depending on how many are infants.
Source: 9502.0367 Child/Adult Ratios; Age Distribution RestrictionsSpecialized infant and toddler group family day care
Up to 9 children
Two adults care for the group, and no more than 4 may be infants.
Source: 9502.0367 Child/Adult Ratios; Age Distribution Restrictions
Starting a home daycare in Minnesota, step by step
Contact your county licensor
Your county licensor is the first place to go with licensing questions.
Source: Guide to Becoming a Licensed Family Child Care Provider (DHS-8013)Attend an orientation
Your county may ask you to attend an orientation before you get an application.
Source: Guide to Becoming a Licensed Family Child Care Provider (DHS-8013)Apply in your county
Fill out the state application form. Apply in the county where you live.
Source: 9502.0335 Licensing processComplete background studies
You and many people who live with you need background studies before you are licensed.
Source: Guide to Becoming a Licensed Family Child Care Provider (DHS-8013)Finish your pre-licensing training
Meet the initial training requirements before you can be licensed.
Source: Guide to Becoming a Licensed Family Child Care Provider (DHS-8013)Get a fire marshal inspection if needed
Your home may need a state or local fire marshal inspection.
Source: Guide to Becoming a Licensed Family Child Care Provider (DHS-8013)Allow the licensing study
Let your county agency into your home to check that it meets the rules.
Source: 9502.0335 Licensing process
At a glance
- Who oversees home daycares
- Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Licenses family child care. County agencies act as its representatives.Source: 142B.01 Definitions
- Your own children
- Caregivers' children count when they are in the homeSource: 9502.0315 Definitions
- Fingerprints
- You, adults in your home and anyone who works for youSource: Guide to Becoming a Licensed Family Child Care Provider (DHS-8013)
- Who applies
- The person who will give the care and be there during open hoursSource: 9502.0335 Licensing process
- Zoning
- A licensed home for 14 or fewer children counts as a single-family useSource: 142B.41 Special conditions for nonresidential programs
- Transfer
- A license cannot pass to another providerSource: 9502.0335 Licensing process
Good to know
- County agencies act for the DCYF commissioner on home child care licensing.Source: 142B.01 Definitions
- Some programs for 14 or fewer children away from the provider's home use family child care rules.Source: 142B.41 Special conditions for nonresidential programs
Run a program in Minnesota? Bloomily handles enrollment, billing, check-in and family messages. See how it works
Plan your program
- How to start a daycare in Minnesota
Opening a child care center: the steps and the agency.
- Minnesota licensing guide
Ratios, trainings and the checklist the state asks for.
- Child care grants in Minnesota
Grants the state runs for providers.
- Daycare startup costs in Minnesota
Revenue, staff pay and rent from your own numbers.
- Daycare business plan
How to write a plan for funding and licensing.
- Tuition calculator
Typical rates by state and age group.
- Ratio calculator
Staff needed for each age group, by state.
Questions, answered
How do I start a home daycare in Minnesota?
The first step: Contact your county licensor. All 7 steps are on this page, each with the state's own link.
Who oversees home daycares in Minnesota?
Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Licenses family child care. County agencies act as its representatives.
How many children can a home daycare in Minnesota care for?
Family day care: Up to 10 children. Group family day care: Up to 14 children. Specialized infant and toddler family day care: Up to 6 children. Specialized infant and toddler group family day care: Up to 9 children.
About this page
Steps checked on the state's own pages, November 4, 2026.
This page is a summary of the state's own pages. It is not legal advice, and rules change.
See it with your name on the door.
Get startedor see it work
Sign up today, free, and set up in an afternoon.