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
Forms:
MN Department of Human Services Licensing Forms for Providers and Parents
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:
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 Statutes Chapter 245A (Licensing)
MN Statutes Chapter 245C (Background Studies)
MN Statutes Chapter 299F.51 (Carbon Monoxide)