Licensing New Child Care Providers

If you are a Dakota County resident and interested in operating a family child care within the county, contact family ​​c​hild care licensing at 952-891-7400 or childcare@co.dakota.mn.us.

The county licensing team will:

• Provide a video introduction
  
• Answer questions
• Send you an electronic application packet

Complete the application packet and return it along with a $50 application fee. Check or money order, payable to the Dakota County Treasurer, are accepted. We will contact you with next steps.

The complete licensing process takes 4–6 months.

Guiding family child care rules and regulations

Minnesota Statue 142B
Minnesota Rule 9502

More information

• Guide to Becoming a Licensed Family Child Care Provider
• Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families – Become a Child Care Provider
• Child Care Wayfinder – Thinking About Starting a Child Care Program?
• Backgr​ound Studies