Definition

Family child day care

Provided in the caregiver’s home with no more than 14 children at any one time. You may be required to make changes to your home after fire or licensing inspections.

Child day care center

Located outside the caregiver’s home and can serve larger numbers of children or adults. 

Family adult day care

Provided in the caregiver’s home with not more than eight adults with functional impairments.  

Adult day care center

Located outside the caregiver’s home and can serve larger numbers of adults.  

Get your license

Review the steps to receive and maintain a license.  You can find information from the City about:  

• How to start a new business
• Tips for opening your business 

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.

• Get licensing help for child care providers
• Get licensing help for adult day providers

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.

Apply online for your SAC fee

Find out if you qualify for the City's SAC deferral program for small businesses.

Read about SAC basics

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

Apply for a background report

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:

• City council member
• Neighborhood organization
• Business association

See a sample letter

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. 

Read about child care safety issues

After you open

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. Contact your Development Coordinator who can guide you through city requirements.

If you change equipment or add seating to your business, you may need to:

• Update your SAC determination
• Submit a new food plan 
• Get an additional license 

Look at the City’s business resources

Renew your license

Stay up-to-date on all required training.

Contact 311 if you have questions