Finding a Provider Becoming a Provider FAQ Licensing Laws Legislative Updates Other Helpful Resources Provider Forms Provider Handbook Newsletters Schedules/Training Dates Licensed Capacity Need More Information?

Finding a Provider

Day Care Provider List

Call or e-mail one of Wright County's day care licensors to obtain public information on a provider you are considering.  Please include the name of the day care provider you are inquiring about.

back to top

Becoming a Provider

You’ve decided to open a day care business in your home, so what do you do next?  In Wright County, the next step is to get licensed.  In order to become licensed, you must do the following:

1.  Contact Wright County's day care licensing department
In Minnesota, you are licensed by the state through the county office.  First, you must either call 763-682-7485 or e-mail rebecca.domjahn@co.wright.mn.us to discuss the licensing process.  Please include your complete mailing address and phone number.  A packet of information about starting day care will then be e-mailed to you.

2.  Read the Day Care Licensing Rule
This document contains the rules and regulations you must follow in order to receive and maintain a day care license. The rule will outline Physical Environment, such as fire exits in your home, stairways, outlet covers, etc.; Sanitation and Health, such as reporting illness, transporting children, household pets, etc.; Caregiver Qualifications, such as training requirements, age requirements, etc.; and much more.

3.  Attend Orientation
Plan to attend an orientation meeting where you will learn more about becoming licensed and the resources and services available for day care providers. The rule must be read before attending the orientation.

4.  Make changes to meet requirements set forth by the Day Care Rule
 In some instances, you will need to make some adjustments to your home, but for the most part, you will only need to check and update safety measures and purchase equipment. You may need to, if you haven’t already, put smoke detectors on all levels of your home, have a fire extinguisher in cooking areas, unload and store firearms and ammunition in a separately locked, inaccessible area, keep knives and sharp objects as well as poisons and medications in inaccessible areas, and have a first aid kit, among other things. You will also need to provide appropriate equipment for children in your care, such as toys, places to nap, outdoor equipment, etc. Toys and equipment may be new, used, commercial, or homemade as long as they are appropriate for the ages of the children and activities for which they will be used. Equipment must also be safe, in good repair, and lead-free. 

5.  Complete and return Background Consent Forms
The Human Services Licensing Act requires that licensing agencies conduct a background study (investigation) on the applicant and on all members of the applicant’s household who are 13 years of age and older and others who might have unsupervised access to day care children. There is a fee of $100 payable to Wright County Human Services for this process. Enclose the payment, complete the forms, and return them promptly as the process can be time-consuming.

6.  Complete a course in child-related first aid/CPR
Providers are required to complete six to nine hours of child-related first aid and CPR provided by an individual approved to provide CPR and First Aid instruction. On-line CPR and First Aid are not allowed. The training must be completed prior to becoming licensed. CPR must be repeated every three years. 

7.  Complete eight(8) hours of training
Providers must complete eight hours of approved training, including two hours in the category of early childhood development, within one year of or one year prior to initial licensure. Providers must also complete eight hours of training annually after the initial year of licensure.

Required trainings include:

• SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) training before providing care for infants. Training must be provided every five years.
• Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) training before providing care for children under school age. Training must be repeated every five years, and an approved video must be watched annually.
• Child Passenger Restraint Systems training for providers transporting children under the age of nine. Training must be repeated every five years.

Helpers and back-up providers are also required to have some training. They are required to receive SIDS and Shaken Baby training. They are required to complete Child Passenger Restraint Systems training if they will be transporting children. Caregivers caring for children more than 30 hours in a 12 month time period must have CPR and First Aid.

8.  Have a physical exam
An adult caregiver shall be physically able to care for children. The applicant shall supply documentation to the agency with the license application that the applicant has had a physical examination from a licensed physician within 12 months prior to initial licensure and is physically able to care for children. The applicant shall supply documentation to the agency with the license application that all adult caregivers who are assisting with care on a regular basis (more than 30 days) have had a physical examination from a licensed physician within 12 months prior to employment. 

9.  Maintain pets
All household pets housed within the residence shall be maintained in good health and limited to dogs, cats, fish, guinea pigs, gerbils, rabbits, hamsters, rats, mice, and birds if the birds are clear of chlamydia psittaci. 

10.  Fire Marshal Code Inspection
In some cases, a Fire Marshal will need to inspect your home prior to the licensor coming out. Please note that there is a $50 fee for this inspection. 

11.  Call to request a licensing home visit
Once the necessary paperwork has been submitted to Wright County, and you feel your house will meet day care requirements, then you must call the licensor to schedule a home visit. There is a fee of $50 payable to Wright County Human Services for the visit. The fee must be received at the Human Services office before the visit is conducted. The licensor will inspect your house, review your application for licensing, and discuss any relevant issues or concerns.

Upon successful completion of the requirements, you will be licensed to do day care! You can expect to receive your license from the Department of Human Services (DHS) in approximately two to four weeks. Be sure to post your license in a prominent area in your house.

back to top

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What do I have to do to become a licensed provider?
You must attend an orientation session, get a physical, submit three references, and prepare for a licensing visit by "kiddie proofing" your home and making necessary preparations for emergencies. Background checks must be completed on you, any other person living in the household who is age 13 or older, and alternative care providers. In some cases there must be a fire marshal inspection. To begin the licensing process, call 763-682-7485 or 1-800-362-3667, extension 7485.

Additional information on becoming a licensed day care provider is available on our website at Becoming a Provider.

How long does it take to become licensed?
It shouldn't take longer than two to four months.

How do I get a list of day care providers for my city?
Go to the Day Care Licensing main web page and click on the Finding a Provider link.

How do I make a complaint regarding a licensed provider?
To make a complaint, you can contact the general intake office at Wright County Human Services. The intake social worker will gather relevant information and pass it on to a licensing investigator. Reporters are kept confidential.

Reports can be made by calling 763-682-7481 or via e-mail to michelle.porras @co.wright.mn.us.

How do I report an illegal un-licensed provider?
If you suspect that someone is providing illegal child care, please contact the initial day care licensor at 763-682-7485 or via e-mail to dclicensing@co.wright.mn.us.

Am I able to use another product other than bleach and water to disinfect the diapering surface?
Yes, with an approved variance.
Variance for Disinfectant
Use of Disinfectants in Day Care Home

back to top 

Licensing Laws

Current Legislation
National CACFP Forum

back to top

Legislative Updates

1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009

back to top 

Other Helpful Resources

Department of Human Services (DHS)
Information on Special Needs/Disabilities
Information on Infectious Diseases in Child Care Settings and Schools

Training Resources
MNStreams
Eager-to-Learn - Online day care training.

General Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - a list of developmental milestones and a developmental checklist.
Babycenter - a great resource for all things related to babies and small children.Consumer Product Safety Commission - check recalls on products including toys and cribs.
Child Care Parent Provider Information Network - a Cyber Center for Family Home Child Care Advocates.
Zero To Three - provides a wealth of information including an interesting section that answers questions on brain development in young children and what providers can do to help with brain development.
FoodSafety - an informative website containing information on food safety, diet, and breast feeding.
Web Sites for the Smaller Ones - contains activities children can do on the computer and a unique online story book.
TlcDaycare - provides hundreds of links for child care related businesses.
Preschool Printables - provides activities, games, and folder book games for children.
Choosing Child Care Parent Toolkit - a helpful resource for parents choosing child care which offers ideas for questions to ask and how to choose a quality child care setting.
Wright County Family Child Care Association
Midwest Child Care Resource & Referral - includes information on starting your business, including grant information.
Child Care Choices - the local child care resource and referral site for the 4-county area, Wright, Stearns, Sherburne, and Benton counties.
Child Welfare Information Gateway - The Role of Professional Child Care Providers in Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect.

back to top

Provider Forms

Accident Report Form - provider sends this completed form to their licensor when a child is hurt in day care.
Admission and Arrangements - information sheet on family and child.
Background Study Documentation - provider should keep this form to write the date the background studies were mailed to the licensor. It will be reviewed at relicensing visits.
Background Study Notification - to obtain a background check on provider, any other person living in the household who is age 13 or older, and alternative care providers.
Child Care Chicken Pox (Varicella) Reporting - form required to report a case of chicken pox to the Minnesota Department of Health.
Crib Safety Inspection Form - monthly and annual documentation log to be used for all cribs in day care. 
Emergency Medical Authorization - gives provider authorization to obtain medical care for the child.
Enrollment Forms Checklist - for provider to use to ensure all enrollment forms are obtained for each child. 
Floor and Escape Plan - to diagram provider's home.
Immunization Record - to list dates of immunizations.
Monthly Fire and Storm Drill Log - to document provider's fire and storm drills.
Notification of Non-Coverage by Insurance - to notify parents that provider carries no day care liability insurance.
Parent Directive for Infant Sleep Position - to be completed by parents if they request an alternate sleep position for infants other than on their back.
Permission to Administer Prescription and Non-Prescription Medications - parental permission slip for provider to use sunscreen, suntan lotion, non-prescription drugs, etc.
Physician's Report Form - required for adult caregivers working 30 days or more a year in a child care home. 
Provider Policies - provider policies to be discussed with parent of enrolling family.
Reporting Policy - where to report suspicions of abuse or neglect.
Rule Summary for Parents - summary of family and group family day care rules given to parents.
Request for Variance - for provider to use when asking to be over capacity.
Shaken Baby Syndrome Post-Test - to document that the provider has watched annually the required shaken baby syndrome video.
Training Record - to keep track of provider's training.
Travel and Activity Authorization - permission slip to be signed by parent allowing child to travel in a car or participate in activities away from the provider's home.
Variance for Disinfectant - for a provider to request to use a disinfectant other than bleach and water.
Wading Pool Consent Form/Fact Sheet - to be able to use wading pool with parent's permission.

NOTE: Forms are in Adobe Acrobat format.  If necessary download the free Reader from Adobe's website.

back to top

Newsletters

back to top

Schedules/Training Dates 

50 Frequently Asked Questions
Child Passenger Safety Seat Classes
Day Care Orientation Schedule
SBS (Shaken Baby Syndrome) and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Training
Supervision: Understanding Your Role

50 Frequently Asked Questions
The cost is $18 (non-refundable). Instructors: Wright County Licensors. To register, contact Tammy Romer, Wright County Human Services, at 763-682-7488 or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7488, or tamara.romer@co.wright.mn.us.

This training will address the most frequently asked questions from child care providers to licensing staff. Everything from: When do I need to exclude a child due to illness, to how often do we need to view the SBS video? This training is an excellent opportunity for new providers to get their questions answered, and for seasoned providers to clarify licensing rules that they may not be sure about.

Child Passenger Safety Seat Classes
To make sure there is available space in each class, you must pre-register by calling Terri Burkhart at 763-682-7516 or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7516, or e-mail Terri.Burkhart@co.wright.mn.us.. Class fee is $15 for Wright County Day Care providers and $20 for providers outside of Wright County. Class is free for Wright County Foster Care providers. Pay fee prior to class by calling Terri Burkhart at 763-682-7516 or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7516. Class fees are non-refundable unless you reschedule. A minimum of ten participants need to be registered in order to hold class. Class will be canceled one week prior to class if the minimum is not met. No admittance to class after 6:05 p.m.

More child safety seat information is available at Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety. Available trainings elsewhere in the state.

Day Care Orientation Schedule
For more information, contact Becky Domjahn at 763-682-7485, or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7485, or e-mail Rebecca.Domjahn@co.wright.mn.us.

SBS (Shaken Baby Syndrome) and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) Training
Please register by calling Terri Burkhart at 763-682-7516 or e-mail Terri.Burkhart@co.wright.mn.us. If you are not familiar with the training location, please ask for directions and plan extra travel time. Training does not have to be taken in the county in which you are licensed. Registration is required one week prior to class in order to make sure that enough materials and space are available. Total cost for both classes is $15.00. Payment can be taken over the phone. Class fees are non-refundable unless you reschedule. A minimum of ten participants need to be registered in order to hold class. Class will be canceled one week prior to class if the minimum is not met. It is mandated to view the SBS video during this class. Because of this requirement, there is no admittance to class after 6:05 p.m.

SIDS is the leading cause of death for infants one month of age to one year. During this training, you will learn ways to reduce the risk of SIDS. Shaken Baby Syndrome is a form of physical child abuse. During this training, you will learn SBS injuries that can occur when a child is violently shaken, characteristics of infant crying, and how to cope with crying and difficult stages of development.

Supervision: Understanding Your Role
Rebecca Domjahn and Kris Carlson, county licensors, are the instructors. The cost of the training is $18.00. To register, contact Tammy Romer, Wright County Human Services, 763-682-7488 or 1-800-362-3667, ext. 7488.

This is an opportunity to review the rules re: supervision and to gain a clear understanding how to provide adequate supervision in your environment. Liability issues will be addressed as well as proactive measures to take to ensure proper supervision for all ages of children in your care.

back to top

Licensed Capacity

Child/Adult Ratios and Age Restrictions

Class	Licensed Capacity - All Children 10 & Under	Adults	Total Children Under Kindergarten	Total Infants (6 weeks to 12 months) and Toddlers (12 months to 24 months)
Family Day Care
A	10	1	6	Of the total children under Kindergarten, a combined total of no more than three shall be infants and toddlers.  Of this total, no more than two shall be infants.
Specialized Infant and Toddler Family Day Care
B1	5	1	3	No more than three shall be infants.
B2	6	1	4	No more than two shall be infants.
Group Family Day Care
C1	10	1	8	Of the total children under Kindergarten, no more than three shall be infants and toddlers.  Of this total, no more than two shall be infants.
C2	12	1	10	Of the total children under Kindergarten, no more than two shall be infants and toddlers.  Of this total, no more than one shall be an infant.
C3	14	2 A helper may be used in place of a 2nd caregiver when there is no more than one infant or toddler present.	10	Of the total children under Kindergarten, a combined total of no more than four shall be infants and toddlers.  Of this total, no more than three shall be infants.
Specialized Infant and Toddler Group Family Day Care
D	9	2 Both caregivers shall be adults.	7-tod	Of the total children, no more than four shall be infants.

back to top

Need More Information?

You can contact us in a variety of ways:

E-Mail: 
Initial Licensing - dclicensing@co.wright.mn.us
Relicensing (last names A-L) - dclicensingA-L@co.wright.mn.us
Relicensing (last names M-N) - dclicensingM-N@co.wright.mn.us
Relicensing (last names O-Z) - dclicensingO-Z@co.wright.mn.us

Telephone:
Initial Licensing - Becky Domjahn - 763-682-7485
Relicensing (last names A-L) - Kathy DeMars - 763-682-7487
Relicensing (last names M-N) - Kris Carlson - 763-684-2311
Relicensing (last names O-Z) - Becky Domjahn - 763-682-7485

Office:  Our office is located in Buffalo in the Human Services Center. A map and address to the office are available online for your convenience.

back to top