Minnesota Daycare Regulations
Staff-to-Child Ratios
| Age Group | Ratio |
|---|---|
| Infants (0-12 months) | 1:4 |
| Toddlers | 1:7 (16-33 months) |
| Preschool | 1:10 (33 months - 5 years) |
Staff Qualification Requirements
| Position | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Director | BA in related field or equivalent |
| Lead Teacher | CDA or qualifying experience |
| Annual Training | 24 hours annually (one of highest in nation) |
State-Specific Notes
Parent Aware is the quality rating system. Strong focus on professional development. Separate rules for licensed centers (Rule 3) and family child care (Rule 2).
Background Check Requirements
Minnesota requires comprehensive background checks including:
- State criminal history check
- FBI fingerprint check
- National Sex Offender Registry check
- Child abuse/neglect registry check
Key Resources
- Official licensing website
- Contact your local licensing specialist for specific questions
- Review current regulations before applying for or renewing your license
Keep Current
Regulations are updated periodically. Sign up for notifications from Department of Human Services (DHS) to stay informed of changes.