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.
Listings updated May 2026 from official Minnesota licensing records.
Minnesota childcare by the numbers
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.
What'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
Minnesota Daycare Costs by Age (2026)
Infant care in Minnesota runs about $16,560/year. Family daycare homes typically cost 10–30% less than centers; Head Start is free for income-eligible families. Toddler & school-age figures are estimates derived from Minnesota center averages.
Estimate your exact costHow to Get Childcare Help in Minnesota
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Check eligibility for Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Most Minnesota families earning up to ~85% of state median income qualify for childcare subsidy assistance.
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Apply early — waitlists are common. Quality infant programs in Minnesota often have 3–12 month waitlists. Start during pregnancy if you can. Intake line: (651) 431-3809.
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Stack federal help. The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (20–35% of up to $6,000) and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 pre-tax) apply regardless of state subsidy.
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Verify the license before you sign. Confirm current status in the Minnesota Department of Human Services — Licensing Division database and tour during operating hours.
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
Official Minnesota & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
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?
Where to get childcare help in Minnesota
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programMinnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(651) 431-3809 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Minnesota Department of Human Services — Licensing Division.
Official license searchHow this data is sourced. Listings for Minnesota are compiled from official Minnesota Department of Human Services — Licensing Division licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 2,808 Licensed Minnesota Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.