To be considered for licensure, you must complete online training
- Sign in or create an account
- Select Health and Human Services, scroll down to Learn, then CCL Online Orientation, and click Launch
You can also read about how to become licensed:
Application process
The licensing process will take a minimum of 6 to 9 months. Completed applications are processed in the order they are received.
Application packet
Complete and mail the packet with a check for $150 made out to Hennepin County. Incomplete packets including those with no check will be returned. A complete application includes:
- Child care licensing application
- Background study notice and consent forms (for everyone living or working in the day care)
- Safety checklist
- Landlord permission form (if you don’t own the property)
- Check or money order for $150 made out to Hennepin County
Training for applicants
Prior to obtaining your license, any caregiver must complete specific training approved by the Minnesota Department of Professional Development. The following training is required:
- Child Growth and Development Behavior Guidance (4 hours)
- Supervising for Safety (6 hours)
- Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- First Aid
- Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID, formerly SIDS)
- Abusive Head Trauma (AHT)
- Child Passenger Restraint (car seats) if going to transport children
- Health and Safety 1 and Health and Safety 2 – for initial applicants the Health and Safety content has been added to the Supervising for Safety (6-8 hour) training as long as you took the class after 2017. The class will need to be taken every five years after that. Sign in and follow these steps:
- Select Health and Human Services
- Scroll down to Learn
- Click on CCL Online Orientation
- Click Launch
CPR - Twin Cities
Think Small
Small group meeting
You'll learn about many of the specific child care licensing requirements and have the opportunity to ask questions. You will receive a second packet of forms to complete and return. You will also receive instructions on completing a child care licensing fire inspection.
Background study
This is a process that includes everyone living and working in the child care home and reference checks.
Complete these items for your first home visit:
- Three references
- Fire inspection
- Small group packet forms
- Background checks done by Hennepin County Child Care Licensing
Home visit by a licensor
The licensor will visit you at your home and will determine any necessary corrections before you're eligible to be licensed. Multiple home visits might be required.
License recommendation
Once you and your home are in full compliance with child care licensing rules, the county will recommend that the Minnesota Department of Human Services issue your license.
Barriers to licensure can include:
- Background checks - everyone in your household or working in the day care must receive clearance. The Minnesota Department of Human Services processes disqualifications, which will take more time.
- Fences - locations near heavy traffic, railroads, or water hazards such as ponds, marshes, or lakes may require a fence that meets city code and licensing requirements.
- Pools and water features - swimming pools or water features in your yard must be separated from children’s outdoor play space by fencing that meets city code and licensing requirements.
- Fire inspections and safety requirements - you may need to make changes to your home after fire or licensing inspections.
- Your house - we will check all areas of your house and property for certain safety items.
Public information about you
With the exception of personal information and personal financial data, information classified as public will be shared with others upon request such as your name, address, phone number, licensed capacity, and type of children preferred, as well as any information about complaints filed about your child care, disqualifications or negative actions. We are required by law to share public information with interested persons who call to inquire about your business.
Your day care file may be used in several ways:
- Information about you that is classified as private will be shared with the Department of Human Services to assist it in granting or denying your license.
- Public information about you can be shared with parents considering placement of their child in your day care home.
- Information about you may be used for studies related to family day care, but your name or any identifying information would not be revealed.
- Information about you can be shared with community child care referral sources, with your permission.
- No information will be given to any other agency or individual without your consent; however, state and federal law can have exceptions including a court order for release of information, or a criminal or civil investigation about you as a day care provider.
- After a limited period of time when you are no longer licensed, your file will be destroyed.
Your rights
You have the right to view your licensing file (except for information that is legally classified as confidential, or private information collected on other household members). You also have the right to have its meaning explained to you if you wish.
If you want to see your file:
- Talk to your licensing worker. Ask about seeing your day care file, and request the form to see it.
- Complete the written request provided by your worker. A time will then be arranged for you to review your file within 10 business days.
- At any time, you can request copies of any papers in your file. You will then be required to pay copying costs.
Your right to challenge
If you find inaccurate information in your file, notify your licensing worker in writing. Within 30 days the county must correct the information and attempt to notify anyone who has received inaccurate information in the past, including anyone you name. If the county maintains that the data is correct, it must notify you. After that, to use any data you challenge, the county must attach your explanation.
In general, if you have questions about your data privacy rights or believe they may have been violated, please contact our licensing staff. If you are not satisfied with the response, you can contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner.
Your privacy and others
During the licensing study, you will also receive a copy of our brochure entitled "Your Rights to Equal Access and Privacy." This will give you more details about your privacy rights. If you have any questions about these rights, please discuss them with your licensing worker. Your privacy is a legal right, but respect and concern for personal privacy is an important consideration for everyone. As a day care provider, we expect you will keep private any information that you may learn about children in day care and their families. This contributes to the essential atmosphere of trust and respect among day care providers, Hennepin County, and families. Respect for privacy means respect for people. And, that goes beyond legal rights.