Child Care Licensing

Traverse County is responsible to license and monitor family/group family/specialized child care homes.

The licensing process includes signing an application form, a criminal background study, letters from references, a fire and safety check of the home and discussion of the State licensing guidelines and standards. A person must be 18 years of age and residing in Traverse County. A variety of training requirements are also mandatory. Normally the licensing process can take from three to six months to complete. Please contact the agency for more information at (320) 422-7777.

Traverse County Licensed Child Care Providers

Licensing Lookup (search for licensed providers)

MN Department of Human Services

Office of the Ombudsperson for Family Child Care Providers

Guide to Becoming a Licensed Family Child Care Provider

Thinking About Starting a Child Care Program

Resources for Licensed Family Child Care

Age Definitions and Ratios

Forms:

MN Department of Human Services Licensing Forms for Providers and Parents

Serious Injury Reporting Form

Release for Providers for Photos, Etc.

Possible Funding Resources:

Start up, emergency, and regional grants are available through CAPLP (Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership), not all grants are available at all times, to cover items or training that are required by licensing or the Minnesota State Fire Marshal.

First Children’s Finance provides loans and business development assistance to child care businesses serving low and moderate income families.

West Central Initiative has the Child Care Loan Fund which offers loans of up to $3,500 for home based child care providers. The loan must be used to open or retain child care slots.

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides reimbursement for nutritious meals and helps develop positive eating habits in our young children. MN Rule states that food served in child care must includes services from each of the basic food groups. Meals and snacks must be documented. (USDA Program administered by the Department of Education). Possible programs: Providers Choice, Milestones, Adults’ & Children’s Alliance, Child Care & Nutrition, Inc.

Traverse County Policies & Guidelines:

Fence Policy

Pool Policy

MN DHS Pool Forms

Trampoline Use Permission 521

Variance Guidelines: Variance Policy 2021

Variance Forms to be Completed:

Variance Request Family Child Care

FCC Weekly Attendance Schedule

Variance Request Notice for Parents

Minnesota Rules, Statutes & State Fire Marshal Requirements:

MN Rules 9502 (Licensing)