Overview of Licensing Duties

Our agency licenses around 65 family childcare providers within Faribault & Martin Counties. Each daycare is required to meet a minimum standard for licensing that relies on MN Rule 9502, MN Statute 142B and MN Statute 245C. The county is responsible for licensing prospective providers, completing annual visits for existing providers to ensure compliance, and investigating any complaints and/or licensing violations.

Rules & Regulations

The State of Minnesota regulates licensed family childcare. The laws and rules may change; for the most current information about childcare licensing and related laws, please visit the Minnesota Revisor’s Office website:

Visit the Minnesota Revisor’s Office website

For reference, childcare licensing information can be found in these sections:

• Minnesota Rules, Chapter 9502: Licensing of Day Care Facilities
• Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 142B: Children, Youth, and Family Licensing
• Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 245C: Human Services Background Studies

The Minnesota Department Children, Youth, and Families posts recent legislative changes as well as other important news and updates on their website:Visit the Minnesota Department of Children Youth, and Families website

Becoming Licensed

Human Services of Faribault and Martin Counties is responsible for licensing family childcare homes where children from more than one family and/or non-related children are cared for in a provider's home. The agency conducts background studies for prospective childcare providers, completes in-home interviews and safety reviews, recommends qualified applicants for licensure, and provides ongoing support to licensed providers.

For residents interested in becoming a licensed childcare provider in Faribault or Martin County, the first step is to request a family childcare licensing application packet from Faribault Martin County Human Services. Applicants should carefully review the packet, complete all required forms and documentation, and return the completed application packet to Audrey Schultz, Licensing Worker.

After the completed application packet is received, licensing staff will review the materials and guide applicants through the remaining licensing requirements, which may include background studies, required training, a Fire Marshal inspection, home safety inspections, and in-home interviews.

As part of the licensing process, applicants are required to complete a Fire Marshal inspection of the home. The inspection helps ensure the residence meets applicable fire safety standards for family childcare programs. A $50 inspection fee is required and is the responsibility of the applicant.

Once all requirements have been met and the home is determined to be in compliance with applicable licensing standards, qualified applicants may be recommended for licensure.

Orientation Videos

Please view these videos prior to requesting a licensing packet.

Training Requirements

Training for Applicants

• Child Growth & Development/Behavior Guidance (one of the following ways):
• One 4-hour course: Developmentally Appropriate Behavior Guidance
• Two 2-hour courses in Knowledge and Competency (KCF) area II.C.
• Two 2-hour courses (1 KFC I + 1 KFC II.C.)
• Supervising for Safety (6 or 8 hours)*
• Pediatric CPR
• First Aid
• SUID - Sudden Unexpected Infant Death*
• AHT - Abusive Head Trauma*
• C.A.R.S. - Child Passenger Restraint (if going to transport children)

*Department of Human Services approved trainings only. Trainings can be completed in-person or online and can be accessed on the Develop website.

Pediatric CPR /First Aid and C.A.R.S. classes are offered locally on a rotating basis through Sheila Denton. Please contact Audrey Schultz, Licensing Worker, to obtain contact information for Sheila.

Training for 2nd adult caregivers, substitutes, and helpers

For training requirements for co-applicants, assistant caregivers, substitutes and helpers, please refer to the Additional Caregiver Definitions and Requirements.

Prorated Training Requirements for first year of licensure

When a provider becomes licensed there are additional training requirements outside of the initial training. Guide to the prorated training requirements based on when an applicant is licensed. 

Provider Requests for Variance

Licensed family child care providers have the right to request a variance of capacity or age distribution under MN Rules 9502.0367. The goal of Faribault and Martin Counties variance policy is to meet the needs of parents and providers while keeping the safety and well-being of children the very priority.

Effective January 1, 2021: Counties must use a uniform application form developed by the commissioner for variance requests made by family child care license holders. Counties must publish their policies and criteria for issuing variances on their public websites and also distribute those policies to all family child care license holders annually.

For more information see Documents or call the Martin County Center at (507) 238-4757 or the Faribault County Center at (507) 526-3265 and ask to speak to the licensing worker.