Becoming a Licensed Daycare center in Olmsted County

There are over 500 licensed child care providers in Olmsted County, and you're ready to join the ranks. The following steps will give you all of the information you need to obtain your child care license:

1. You must go to two child care orientation sessions. You'll be given an application packet that includes the licensing fee at the first orientation session.
2. Fill out the information in your packet and return it with the licensing fee within 12 months of attending both orientation sessions. If you fail to do so, you'll need to repeat the orientation.
3. You'll also need to collect and complete forms that require your personal information and details about your day care location. This will include:
   • A health report from your doctor
   • A home safety checklist
   • Authorization to run a home day care from your landlord

Your licensor may send a written request for you to complete missing and/or additional paperwork. Be sure to follow instructions carefully when filling out your forms. After your packet is returned, your licensor will schedule a time to visit your home for the customary inspection.

Provide Documentation:

The next step involved in the child care license process is to submit your completed training documentation to the licensor. This will demonstrate your proficiency in the following areas:

1. Infant/child CPR
2. Sudden Unexpected Infant Death
3. First Aid
4. Abusive Head Trauma
5. Supervising for Safety (six-hour class)
6. Developmentally Appropriate Behavior Guidance (four-hour class)
7. Child Passenger Restraint Systems (mandatory before you transport children)

A license is likely to be issued to you after all paperwork, background checks, and filed references have been processed. In addition, your home compliance check will need to pass inspection.

Your Role as a Licensed Child Care Provider:

Although it is very demanding work, child care offers you a deep satisfaction in knowing that your daily interaction with young children will help advance their learning ability, social skills, and emotional development.