Licensed Daycare in Minnesota
Find the right daycare in Minnesota in under 5 minutes. 2,808 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against Minnesota Department of Human Services — Licensing Division. Free, no signup.
Minnesota Childcare Licensing
In Minnesota, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Minnesota Department of Human Services — Licensing Division. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:4 for infants under 12 months, 1:7 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
Verify a license at Minnesota Department of Human Services — Licensing DivisionWhat's distinctive about Minnesota: Minnesota has tight regulations and high-quality QRIS (Parent Aware) ratings. Costs run above national median, especially in Twin Cities. CCAP eligibility tops at 85% state median.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- Minnesota Department of Human Services — Licensing Division
- Infant ratio
- 1:4
- Toddler ratio
- 1:7
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg infant cost
- $1,380/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $1,020/mo
Top Cities for Daycare in Minnesota
View all cities →Minnesota Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
Minnesota families can apply for Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Local intake line: (651) 431-3809
Recently Verified Centers
View all 2,808 →St. Cloud Early Learning Center
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St. Cloud Primrose School #8
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La Petite Academy St. Cloud #9
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Daycare in Minnesota — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in Minnesota is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Minnesota?
How much does daycare cost in Minnesota?
Are subsidies available for childcare in Minnesota?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Minnesota daycare?
Search 2,808 Licensed Minnesota Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.