How to Start a Daycare in Minnesota: A Step-by-Step Guide - post

Starting a daycare in Minnesota can be a rewarding way to support families in your community while building a meaningful business. Whether you want to open a #home-based family child care or a licensed child care center, there are clear steps and requirements you must follow under Minnesota state law. This guide breaks down the process in easy-to-understand #language with helpful tips and resources. 

1. Understand What Type of Daycare You Want to Open

Before you begin, decide what kind of daycare you plan to operate. In Minnesota, the most common types are:

• Family Child Care (Home-Based): Care provided in your home for a small group of children.

• Child Care Center (Facility-Based): A larger, licensed program meeting more children in a dedicated space. 

Each type has different licensing rules and space requirements. Knowing your model helps you plan better and understand what trainings and inspections you’ll need.

2. Meet Licensing Requirements

Do You Need a License?

In Minnesota, most #daycares must be licensed by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). If you care for children unrelated to you or from more than one family regularly, you typically need a license. There are limited exemptions (e.g., care for relatives only). 

What Licensing Involves

To get a license, you’ll usually need to:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Pass state and federal #background-checks for you and any adults in your home or program.

• Complete required health, #safety, and child #development training.

• Maintain adequate indoor and #outdoor space for children.

• Complete first aid and CPR training.

• Provide proof of liability insurance.

• Pass inspections ( #health, fire, facility safety). 

Officials will review your application and conduct inspections. Once approved, your daycare will receive a license that must be renewed annually. 

3. Complete Required Training and Professional Development

Pre-Service and Ongoing Training

Minnesota requires all child care providers to complete certain training before opening and as part of annual licensing requirements. These trainings include:

• Child development and behavior guidance

• Health, safety, and #emergency procedures

• Active supervision and risk management

• CPR and first aid certification

For family child care providers and #staff, Minnesota law specifies annual training hours that must be completed to stay compliant. 

📚 Training Opportunity:
You can meet many of these requirements and gain useful professional skills through approved online courses. One example is the CDA Family Child Care Credential with Portfolio Review — a comprehensive training program designed to satisfy state coach and professional development requirements and help you run a high-quality #home-daycare. 

💡 Pro Tip: Always check with your licensor or county office to confirm which trainings count toward Minnesota’s licensing requirements before enrolling.

4. Prepare Your Facility or Home Space

Your daycare environment should be safe, clean, and designed with children’s needs in mind. Some key areas to address include:

Safety and Space

• Provide minimum indoor space per child (usually around 35 square feet).

• Ensure outdoor #play-areas meet safety standards.

• Remove hazards (sharp edges, toxic materials, unprotected stairs).

• Maintain temperature and ventilation standards. 

Facility Systems and Supplies

• Functional handwashing stations and toilets.

• Age-appropriate toys and learning materials.

• Plans for emergencies, including fire safety and evacuation routes.

After you finish preparing your space, a licensor will inspect the site before officially approving your license.

5. Understand State Rules, Policies & Child Care Laws

Minnesota childcare licensing follows state laws and rules to protect child safety and ensure quality care. These standards cover everything from staffing qualifications to physical space and daily routines.

You should:

• Read the Minnesota childcare licensing rules and statutes.

• Understand staff-to-child ratios and group size limits.

• Review health and safety regulations for childcare settings.

• Familiarize yourself with record keeping and reporting requirements. 

Being informed helps you stay compliant and provides peace of mind when running your program.

6. Build Your Business Plan and Policies

Starting a daycare isn’t just about licensing — it’s also a business. Creating a clear plan and written policies will make your operation smoother and more professional.

Key Elements to Include

• Mission Statement: Why you’re starting your daycare and what families can expect.

• Hours of Operation: Your daily schedule and holiday closures.

• Tuition and Fees: What you’ll charge and how families pay.

• Enrollment Policies: Age ranges, registration process, and waiting list.

• Health Policies: Illness exclusion, medication administration, and immunization requirements.

• Emergency Plans: Procedures for fire, #weather, and medical emergencies.

Having thorough policies can help with licensing, clarify expectations, and protect your daycare legally.

7. Marketing, Enrollment, and Community Engagement

Once you’re licensed and ready to go, you’ll want families to know about your daycare. Some effective strategies include:

• Creating a website or social media presence

• Listing your daycare in local business directories

• Visiting community events and networking with #parents and schools

• Asking #happy families to refer others

Engaging with parents and the community helps build trust and keeps your program full.

👉 Stay connected with industry insights and updates via Instagram — a great place for tips, news, and inspiration!

8. Helpful Training, Resources & Reading

Starting a daycare is an ongoing learning process. Here are a few valuable links you can explore for more help:

Training Offered

• 📖 ChildCareEd Course Catalog (Approved Minnesota Courses)— access online trainings that can prepare you for licensing requirements and professional #growth. 

Resources for Providers

• 🧰 Free Resources from ChildCareEd — #free tools and guidance to help support your daycare operation and access funding information. 

Related Article

• 📰 A Complete Guide to ChildCareEd Courses for Providers in Minnesota— an article explaining how courses support your #career and licensing needs in Minnesota. 

Conclusion

Opening a daycare in Minnesota takes careful planning, training, licensing, and a passion for child care. While the rules can feel detailed, having a step-by-step approach and the right resources makes the process manageable. From completing required training to creating a #safe-environment and developing a solid business plan, you’re building something important for families and your community.

If you take it one step at a time, focus on compliance and quality, and continue learning through approved training programs and helpful articles, you’ll be on your way to running a successful and rewarding daycare program in Minnesota.