The Minnesota Prairie County Alliance licensing team is responsible for licensing family child care homes in Dodge, Steele and Waseca counties. The licensing team also monitors licensed family child care homes for ongoing compliance with Minnesota rules and statutes regarding health and safety and provider training.

The MNPrairie family child care licensing team:

• Serves as a resource to learn more about licensed child care
• Assists families in locating resources to search for licensed child care providers
• Provides public information to families about licensed child care providers
• Holds regular information/orientation sessions for anyone interested in becoming a licensed child care provider
• Supervises the licensing process; conducts background studies on childcare applicants,family members and anyone assisting in the care of children; and makes a recommendation for licensure to the Minnesota Department of Human Services
• Conducts home visits and safety checks of applicants and licensed family child care programs
• Provides ongoing support to licensed family child care providers
• Investigates licensing complaints

Minnesota rules and statutes that govern child care licensing

MN Rule 9502 Licensing of Day Care Facilities
MN Statute 245A Human Services Licensing
MN Statute 245C Human Services Background Studies

New provider licensing
Current child care providers
Finding a child care provider

Contact us

For more information or to speak to a child care licensor, please call 507.431.5600 and your call will be directed to the licensor assigned to your area.

​Child care assistance program providers

The child care assistance program helps families pay for child care, so parents can work, look for a job or attend school. The program is available for children younger than 13 and for children with special needs who are younger than 15. If you are or are interested in becoming a child care assistance program (CCAP) provider, please click here to be directed to the CCAP web page.