Day care center
Get your license
Review the steps to receive and maintain a license.
You can find information from the City about:
Connect with a small business consultant
Building a relationship with a small business consultant can be a crucial step in your journey as an entrepreneur. The Minneapolis Business Technical Assistance Program (B-TAP) is able to connect you to business training, support and advice for opening your business.
Access the Small Business Technical Assistance Program (B-TAP)
Know the state's basic rules for licensed care centers
The Minnesota Department of Human Services has regulations for child and adult care.
Provide adult day care in a location that is not a home
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) sets the license requirements. To complete the license application, you must submit all required documentation to the county or the state for approval.
You can apply for the following:
- Adult day care license
- Food license
- Food plan review
- Certified Food Protection Manager
- Sewer Availability Charges (SAC)
Provide family day care for children from your own or someone else’s home
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) sets the license requirements. To complete the license application, you must submit all required documentation to the county or the state for approval.
View MDH information for home care providers
Complete the MDH family systems licensing application
Operate a day care center for children from a location other than a home
The State of Minnesota will provide your license. To complete the license application, you must submit all required documentation to the county or the state for approval.
Complete the state's license universal application (DHS-7118)
Apply for a food license
Commercial day care centers must have a license to serve food in Minneapolis.
See the institutional food application
Be prepared for health inspections
If you will be serving food, your first routine inspection will be scheduled within 60 days of opening. Inspectors will arrive unannounced. Be sure you are always following food safety practices by regularly completing a self-inspection.
Federal resources
The Child and Adult Care Food Program is a federal program that offers education on nutrition and pays providers monthly for some of the cost of the food they serve to children. Most licensed family child care providers are eligible for this program.
See if you are eligible for the Child and Adult Care Food Program
Request Sewer Availability Charge (SAC)
You may have to pay a fee for the waste water from your day care business.
Apply for your SAC fee early. This fee can be expensive.
After you apply, the Met Council will send you a SAC determination letter in 10 – 15 days. This letter will tell you your SAC fee.
Find out if you qualify for the City's SAC deferral program for small businesses.
Complete required training
Prior to obtaining your license, any caregiver must complete specific training approved by the Minnesota Department of Professional Development.
Complete a background check
The MDH requires a background check for all of these people in your business:
- Owners
- Managers
- Staff
See if a study of your background is required
Gather required documents and fees for your license
Your license will require documents, such as:
- Tax ID information
- Workers compensation insurance policy information
- Three references for family day care
Additional documents for a day care center are listed in the checklist at the end of the license application.
More information
Review and consider all requirements when starting your business.
See information about your operating your business
Tell your new neighbors about your business
Contact your council member, neighborhood organization, and business association where your business will be located.
- Promote and create interest in your business
- Network with local residents and leaders
- Learn about resources they may offer small businesses
Send an email to your:
In case of emergency
Make sure you have an emergency plan in place for your day care to keep kids safe.
Read the MDH emergency planning guide
Provide transportation
You must comply with all transportation policies.
Know the Minnesota administrative rules
Make sure your space stays safe
Stay informed about common safety issues.
After you open
Find out what to do once your business is open and running.
Join a professional association
Connect with other child care providers and grow your network by joining a professional association.
Visit the Minnesota Licensed Family Child Care Association
Expand your business
The City offers financing to help you cover costs of expansion, such as equipment.
Renew your license
Stay up-to-date on all required training.
Request accessible format
If you need help with this information, please email 311, or call 311 or 612-673-3000.
Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.
Contact us
Small Business Team
Community Planning & Economic Development
Phone
Address
Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 320
Minneapolis, MN 55415