Family child care training & resources

Per MN Statute 245A.5, licensed family child care providers, caregivers, and substitute caregivers must fulfill several training requirements.

Provider training

    16 hours of training is required each year for licensed providers, and must include:

    • Child Growth and Development/Behavior Guidance (every year)

    • Active Supervision (two hours each year)

    • CPR (every two years, in-person only)

    • First Aid (every two years)

    • SUID (every two years, videos on the off year)

    • AHT (every two years, videos on the off year)

    • Health and Safety, I and II (every five years)

    • Child Passenger Restraint (if transporting, every five years)

    The course must focus on one or more of the training subjects outlined in MN Statutes 245A.50 to be approved.

    Ongoing training subjects shall be selected from the following areas:

    • Child Growth and Development

    • Learning Environment and Curriculum

    • Assessment and Planning for Individual Needs

    • Interaction with Children

    • Families and Communities

    • Health, Safety, and Nutrition

    • Program Planning and Evaluation

    • Behavior Guidance

    • Cultural Dynamics

    County Licensing staff will accept training approved by the Minnesota Center for Professional Development including:

    • Face-to-face classroom training

    • Online training

    • Relationship-based professional development, such as mentoring, coaching, and consulting

    Training options

    Approved trainings

    Trainings approved by the Minnesota Center for Professional Development (MNCPD) are available at developtoolmn.org or by contacting MNCPD at 855-378-3131.

    DHS Family Child Care Orientation >

    Networking Conference

    Helping ensure your success, Sourcewell proudly offers local providers opportunities to grow themselves and their family child care businesses.

    Fall of 2024

    Eager-to-Learn by Child Care Aware

    Child Care Aware of Minnesota also offers many online trainings through the Eager-to-Learn website. These courses offer an online format called Anytime Learning that allows for flexible, self-paced learning.

    SUID and AHT training

    Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and Abusive Head Trauma (AHT) training must be approved by the Minnesota Center for Professional Development. Both online and classroom formats are accepted, and must be completed at least once every two years. On the years training is not required, providers must receive video training developed or approved by the commissioner.

    Access SUID and AHT training videos via MN DHS website >

    Additional tools & resources

      Providers must request a registration packet specific to their license (Family, Center, License Exempt) from the county of residence.

      Once you receive the packet, complete the enclosed forms:

      • W-9 Form

      • Direct Deposit Banking Form (optional)

      • Provide a copy of your policy for hours and cost of care

      When the required paperwork is returned to the county, they will enter you into the system.

      Note: Providers must renew their registration every two years and report changes when they occur.

      Becker County Child Care Assistance
      MAHUBE-OTWA Community Action Partnership, Inc.
      311 Jefferson Street South, Wadena MN 56482
      218-632-3600

      Cass County Health, Human & Veterans Services
      400 Michigan Ave., PO Box 519 Walker, MN 56484
      218-547-6888 or 218-547-1340

      Crow Wing County Community Services
      204 Laurel Street, Baxter, MN 56401
      218-824-1140

      Douglas County Child Care Assistance
      Douglas County Social Services 
      809 Elm St., Suite 1186, Alexandria, MN 56308 
      320-762-2302 or 1-844-204-0012 

      Morrison County
      Providers will be contacted by Morrison County once information from the family seeking assistance is received.

      As a provider, you have the option to submit invoices to Morrison County Social Services or jamess@co.morrison.mn.us. If you would like to utilize direct deposit, contact the Morrison County Fiscal Supervisor at 320-632-0243.

      To access these forms please go here:

      Stevens County
      Stevens County Social Services
      400 Colorado Ave, Ste. 104, Morris, MN 56267
      320-208-6600

      Todd County
      If you are providing care for someone eligible for assistance, the family must contact Todd County Child Care Assistance: 320-732-4536.

      Wadena County Child Care Assistance
      MAHUBE-OTWA Community Action Partnership, Inc.
      311 Jefferson Street South, Wadena MN 56482
      218-632-3600

      First Children's Finance
      This organization provides financial and business-development assistance to child care businesses. Learn more at FirstChildrensFinance.org.

      USDA food program 
      The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a program of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It provides reimbursement to child care providers to support nutritious meals and snacks. Learn more on the USDA food program website.

      Child Care Wayfinder
      Child Care Wayfinder is your one-stop navigation network for starting and growing child care programs. Learn more on the Child Care Wayfinder website.

      Help Me Grow  works with the Minnesota Departments of Education, Health, and Human Services to provide resources on the development of young children for parents and professionals, including:

      If you are interested in meeting with other providers, consider joining the local daycare association. For more information, please contact:

      Crow Wing County

      • Crow Wing County Licensed Family Childcare Association
        Jamie Sloth – 218-764-2824

      Morrison County

      • The Licensed Family Child Care Association of Morrison County
        Patty Orth – 320-749-2100

      • The Pierz Area Child Care Providers Support Group
        Joelle Lucking – 320-468-6237
        Rebecca Dehler – 320-468-6654

      Becker County

      • Becker County Child Care Association
        Vanessa Piekarski – 218-298-1295 or vcomo_19@yahoo.com

      Douglas County

      • Lakes Area Professional Child Care Association (LAPCCA)
        Lynn Barten – 320-219-7733

      Stevens County

      • Jenna Kidder – 320-287-1667 or Darcy Fuhrman – 320-589-2580

      Questions

      Contact licensing@sourcewell-mn.gov or call 218-895-4120.

      Please include your county of residence in all communications.