Social Services

Day Care - How to become licensed

You've decided to open a day care business in your home, so what do you do next? In Sherburne County, the next step is to get licensed. In order to become licensed, you must do the following:

  1. Contact Sherburne County's day care licensing department
    In Minnesota, you are licensed by the state through the county office. Call 763-241-2600 to schedule a date when you will attend an orientation session. A confirmation letter with directions to the site will then be mailed to you.
  2. Attend Orientation
    You will learn more about becoming licensed and the resources and services available for day care providers at the orientation session. You will receive a copy of the Licensing Rule, application materials, and directions for making changes to your home to meet requirements. All orientation sessions take place in the Sherburne County Government Center Board Room at 8:00 am.

    Daycare Licensing Orientations for 2010
    • Thursday, January 7, 2010
    • Thursday, March 4, 2010
    • Thursday, April 29, 2010
    • Tuesday, June 22, 2010
    • Thursday, August 19, 2010
    • Monday, October 11, 2010
    • Monday, December 6, 2010

  3. Complete and return Application materials
    These will be explained in detail at the orientation session, and includes:
    • Application
    • Background Check Consent
    • Initial Licensing Evaluation
    • Fact Sheet
    • Privacy Rights Notice
    • Either a Certificate of Occupancy, or a $50 money order/cashier's check made out to "DPS – State Fire Marshal."
    • Licensing inspection and Background Study fee of $150 made payable to Sherburne County Social Services (this can be a personal check, unlike the Fire Marshal Check)
    • Licensing Fee Policy (pdf)
  4. Make changes to meet requirements set forth by the Day Care Rule
    In some instances, you will need to make some adjustments to your home, but for the most part, you will only need to check and update safety measures and purchase equipment. You may need to put smoke detectors on all levels of your home, have a fire extinguisher in cooking areas, unload and store firearms and ammunition in a separately locked, inaccessible area, keep knives and sharp objects as well as poisons and medications in inaccessible areas, and have a first aid kit, among other things. You will also need to provide appropriate equipment for children in your care, such as toys, places to nap, outdoor equipment, etc. Toys and equipment may be new, used, commercial, or homemade as long as they are appropriate for the ages of the children and activities for which they will be used. Equipment must also be safe, in good repair, and lead-free. A safety/sanitation checklist will be provided at orientation.
  5. Have a physical exam
    An adult caregiver shall be physically able to care for children. The applicant shall supply documentation to the agency with the license application that the applicant has had a physical examination from a licensed physician within 12 months prior to initial licensure and is physically able to care for children. The applicant shall supply documentation to the agency with the license application that all adult caregivers who are assisting with care on a regular basis (more than 30 days) have had a physical examination from a licensed physician within 12 months prior to employment. Forms to document this will be supplied at orientation.
  6. Maintain pets
    All household pets housed within the residence shall be maintained in good health and limited to dogs, cats, fish, guinea pigs, gerbils, rabbits, hamsters, rats, and mice. Birds who are clear of chlamydia psittaci are also acceptable.
  7. Fire Marshal Code Inspection
    In some cases, a Fire Marshal will need to inspect your home prior to the licensor coming out. Please note that there is a $50 fee for this inspection. Minnesota State Fire Marshall
  8. Call to request a licensing home visit
    Once the necessary paperwork has been submitted to Sherburne County, you have received your background check clearance letter, and you feel your house will meet day care requirements, then you must call the licensor to schedule a home visit. The licensor will inspect your house, review your application for licensing, and discuss any relevant issues or concerns.