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Information for Prospective Child Care Providers
It’s exciting that you’re considering entering the child care profession!
Types of Child Care
There are many types of child care.
Child care rules are designed to increase high-quality care for children. They govern health and safety issues, how many children you can care for, what type of training you must have, and much more. Protecting yourself as a provider and protecting the children in your care must be a high priority in child care. Child care programs are periodically inspected by a licensor to ensure that the provider is in compliance with the rules.
Licensed family child care homes
A licensed family child care home is one in which the caregiver has met the requirements for a license to care for children in her/his home. Minnesota Rules, parts 902.0300 to 9502.0445 (or Rule 2) govern the licensing of family child care. Licensing is done by the county.
Child care centers
Child care centers are licensed by the state to care for larger groups of children in their own building, community centers, places of worship or in other facilities. Centers may provide care for infants through school-age. Minnesota Rules, Chapters 9503.0005 to 9503.0175 (or Rule 3) govern the licensing requirements of child care centers.
Unlicensed Care
Under Minnesota Statutes, section 245A.03, subdivision 2, you do not need a license if:
- You are caring for children who are relatives and/or for the children of one unrelated family. Unlicensed child care providers may charge a fee for caring for children.
- You may provide unlicensed child care for a cumulative total of less than 30 days in any 12 month period while you are in the process of becoming licensed.
Benefits of Becoming a Licensed Family Child Care Provider
- Eligibility for the U.S.D.A. Child Care Food Program.
- Referrals from the local resource and referral agency.
- Technical assistance from regulatory staff.
- Tax deductions for business use of home.
- Access to professional childcare associations. This benefit can improve a provider's self-image and allows for networking with other providers in their area.
- Participation in financial and/or resource equipment incentive programs. Various agencies offer grants and loans to providers at various times. We will notify providers when these opportunities are available.
- Access to other community resources such as training opportunities.
- Ability to earn an income at home, being at home with your own children, and being your own boss.
- Regulated providers usually make more money than unregulated providers. (Completion of additional training—such as getting a CDA credential or accreditation—is another way to increase your earning potential.)
- Greater likelihood of obtaining liability insurance.
First steps you might take:
- Contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency (CCR&R).These agencies help parents find child care in their local communities by keeping up-to-date information on providers. They also train providers, provide technical assistance, consultation and local demographic data and offer access to other community resources, such as grants. You can get contact information for your local CCR&R by using this map.
- Contact your licensor.
If you are interested in opening a center, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services at (651) 296-3971.
If you are interested in becoming a family child care provider, contact your county. Our list of county licensing contacts includes phone numbers as well as links to more detailed information on County Web sites, where it is available.
- Join a professional association.
Family child care associations are groups of providers who help each other and improve the child care profession. They can offer monthly support meetings, professional growth, discounts on products and services, newsletters, public policy advocacy, and much more.
The Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children's mission is to serve and act on behalf of early childhood (birth to age 8) care and education professionals in Minnesota.
- Join the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).
This federal program offers education on nutrition and pays providers monthly for some of the cost of the food they serve to children. All licensed family child care providers are eligible for this program. Depending on where you live and your household status, you will be paid about $400 or $850 a year per child.
Other Resources:
- Family and group family child care licensing page at the Minnesota Department of Human Services
- Getting Started—things to consider before you decide to open a child care business from NACCRRA's Child Care Aware® Web site.
- How to Start a Child Care Center—PDF from the Minnesota Child Care Resource & Referral Network.
- Minnesota Department of Education's Food & Nutrition
Services
- Small Business Administration:
- CHILD DAY-CARE SERVICES MP-30: An overview of the industry, including models of day-care operations.
- HOW TO START A QUALITY CHILD CARE BUSINESS: This comprehensive manual developed by child care professionals in both private and public sectors, explains the business and academic dimensions of operating a child care center
The Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network is a member of the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and is funded in part by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. |
To connect to your local Resource and Referral agency: (888) 291-9811 Minnesota Child Care Resource & Referral Network Email: info@mnchildcare.org © 2010 Minnesota Child Care Resource & Referral Network
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