Daycare center
City resources
Review and use the City's resources for planning, launching and growing a business.
Step-by-step help
Training, consulting and financing
- Get free training and consulting services
- Explore small business financing
- Explore financing for real estate developers
In-person services
Minneapolis Zoning
Check with our zoning staff before you sign a lease.
Make sure you open your business in a area that is zoned for that business.
Our zoning maps show the zoning classification of a property.
Child daycare licensing
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) sets the license requirements.
State regulations
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (MDH) has regulations for child care.
Family daycare for children from your own or someone else’s home
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) sets the license requirements. To complete the license application, you must submit all required documentation to the county or the state for approval.
View MDH information for home care providers
Complete the MDH family systems licensing application
Daycare center for children from a location other than a home
The State of Minnesota will provide your license. To complete the license application, you must submit all required documentation to the county or the state for approval.
Complete the state's license universal application (DHS-7118)
Minnesota Department of Human Services (MDH) resources
State policies
Administrative rules for providing transportation
Networking
Adult daycare licensing
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) sets the license requirements.
State regulations
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (MDH) has regulations for adult care.
Adult daycare in a location that is not a home
To complete the license application, you must submit all required documentation to the county or the state for approval.
You can apply for the following:
Related resources
Find resources to help you operate your daycare business.
Food-related licenses and inspections
Food license
- Commercial day care centers must have a license to serve food in Minneapolis.
See the institutional food application
Health inspections
- If you will be serving food, your first routine inspection will be scheduled within 60 days of opening.
- Inspectors will arrive unannounced.
- Be sure you are always following food safety practices by regularly completing a self-inspection.
The Federal Child and Adult Care Food Program
- Offers education on nutrition
- Pays providers monthly for some of the cost of the food they serve to children
- Most licensed family child care providers are eligible for this program
See if you are eligible for the Child and Adult Care Food Program
Trainings and background checks
- Before you can get a license, caregivers must finish training approved by the Minnesota Department of Professional Development.
- The MDH requires a background check for daycare owners, managers and staff.
Sewer Availability Charges (SAC)
Ask the Met Council to determine the amount of your SAC fee.
Details
Residents and business have to pay to use the regional sewer system.
The Met Council determines your SAC fee.
Apply early. Fees can be expensive.
Related links
Promotion
After you open, introduce local residents and leaders to your business.
Use these resources to find the contact information for local leaders and organizations.
Contact us
Small Business Team
Community Planning & Economic Development
Phone
Address
Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 320
Minneapolis, MN 55415