Scott County Child Care Information

The Scott County Child Care Licensing Unit currently oversees more than 400 licensed family child care providers. Although each providers decision to become licensed is different, there are many benefits of being a family child care provider.

For instance, as a business owner you can set your own hours, be home to raise your children, you can use your teaching skills to help children learn and grow, all while making a difference in your community. Below are a few helpful links to get you started:

• Information on Scott County's Child Care Licensing Process (PDF)
• Information from DHS on how to start a child care business in my home
• Information from DHS regarding Licensed family child care

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Scott County licensed family child care provider.  
 
Scott County Child Care Licensing Unit is responsible for licensing and monitoring family child care homes within the county. 
 
Child Care Centers located within the Scott County are licensed directly by the State of Minnesota. If you have any questions regarding Child Care Centers, please call the State of Minnesota at 651-431-6500.

Please review the following requirements and steps to move forward with your goal to be an in-home child care provider.

• You must be a Scott County resident.
• You must view all seven initial Informational Modules in their entirety below. 
• The seven Information Modules below contain information to help you decide if being a child care provider is the right business for you.
• The seven Informational Modules give directions on how to get started and instructions on requesting an electronic application packet. (Applications are not mailed out.) See information in Module 7 for more details.
• Complete the application packet you receive per email and return it to: [email protected] or mail it to:
  
  Scott County Health & Human Services
  Government Center 300
  200 Fourth Ave West
  Shakopee, MN 55379
  
  
• Someone will contact you to register for the Child Care Orientation Meeting.
• Complete the Child Care Orientation Meeting.
• Provide additional paperwork as needed.

Child Care Wayfinder is your one-stop navigation network for starting and growing child care program. They offer personalized support and resources to help you succeed.

Looking for help? Think Small is a non-profit organization that can guide you through the process. Read: Think Small: Building Your Own Child Care Program Brochure (PDF)

Looking for more information regarding Licensed Family Child Care? Learn more from MN DHS: Licensed Family Child Care.

Watch our YouTube Video to learn more about how becoming a Child Care Provider is a rewarding career: Video - Interview with a current Licensed Child Care Provider

Please complete all seven of the following video modules in order to complete the course. 

Module 1 of 7: Child Care Providers are helping to raise our future so this module provides things to consider in becoming a licensed child care provider. It gives guidance on law, fees, and the “business vs. fun” side of providing licensed child care.

Module 2 of 7: It is the law that you must be licensed to provide care for children in your home. There are licensing rules and statues around providing licensed child care. This module lists the rules and exemptions from licensure. 

Module 3 of 7: There are maximum capacity standards set for licensed child care. The ages as well as capacities are defined here in this module. Supervision is two parts: 1) within side or hearing and 2) capable of intervening. You will learn about age, capacity, and supervision in this module. 

Module 4 of 7: There is cost in running your own child care. You will be required to take training before opening your child care and on-going annual training. 

Module 5 of 7: There will be two separate inspections on your home prior to becoming licensed. A fire marshal inspection and a licensor’s inspection. This module provides guidance on home safety items.

Module 6 of 7: Additional information on home safety is given in module 6 along with fencing and pets. 

Module 7 of 7: Next steps are provided here. Collect all 7 code words given throughout modules 1-7 and email them to [email protected] to request the application packet. Complete the entire packet and email return it to [email protected].

The Minnesota Legislature webpage holds the Rules and Statues that govern Family Child Care Licensure:

• Minnesota Rules, parts 9502.0300 - 9502.0445 
• Minnesota Statutes, Chapters 245A.02 & section 245C.03