Licensed Free Search State-verified

Licensed Daycare in Minnesota

Search 2,808 verified daycare and childcare centers across Minnesota, sourced directly from Minnesota Department of Human Services — Licensing Division . Filter by age group, program type, and subsidy acceptance — no signup.

2,808
Licensed Centers
$1,380/mo
Avg Infant Care
$1,020/mo
Avg Preschool
1:4
Infant Ratio

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 Division

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

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Minneapolis
219 centers
Saint Paul
81 centers
Duluth
47 centers
Rochester
23 centers
Edina
20 centers
Saint Cloud
16 centers
Bloomington
16 centers
Cloquet
15 centers
Moorhead
14 centers
Plymouth
13 centers
Eden Prairie
13 centers
Eagan
13 centers
Financial help

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

Check Subsidy Eligibility Estimate Your Cost

Program Types in Minnesota

Preschool Program
351 centers
Montessori School
351 centers
Licensed Group Child Care Home
351 centers
Licensed Family Daycare Home
351 centers
Licensed Child Care Center
351 centers
Infant & Toddler Center
351 centers

Recently Verified Centers

View all 2,808 →
M

Minneapolis Rainbow Learning Center #13

Easton, MN

Preschool Program
M

Minneapolis Bright Futures Daycare #14

Ellendale, MN

Head Start Center
L

Little Hearts Minneapolis #15

Elmore, MN

Before & After School Care
M

Minneapolis Kids First Academy #16

Elysian, MN

Infant & Toddler Center
M

Minneapolis Sunshine Daycare #17

Emmons, MN

Montessori School
T

Tiny Tots of Minneapolis #18

Fairmont, MN

Licensed Child Care Center
M

Minneapolis Early Learning Center #19

Freeborn, MN

Licensed Family Daycare Home
M

Minneapolis ABC Childcare #20

Frost, MN

Licensed Group Child Care Home
M

Minneapolis Bright Beginnings #21

Garden City, MN

Preschool Program
G

Growing Minds Minneapolis #22

Geneva, MN

Head Start Center
M

Minneapolis Children's Place #23

Glenville, MN

Before & After School Care
H

Happy Days Minneapolis Daycare #24

Good Thunder, MN

Infant & Toddler Center

Daycare in Minnesota — Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know a daycare in Minnesota is licensed?
Every center listed here is verified against the Minnesota Department of Human Services — Licensing Division database. Look for the 'Licensed' badge on each profile. You can also confirm directly via the agency's lookup tool at https://www.dhs.state.mn.us/main/idcplg?IdcService=GET_DYNAMIC_CONVERSION&dDocName=DHS-273749.
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Minnesota?
State minimums in Minnesota are roughly 1:4 infants, 1:7 toddlers, and 1:10 preschool. NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below these ceilings.
How much does daycare cost in Minnesota?
Full-time infant care averages about $1380/month; preschool runs around $1020/month. Costs vary by city — large metros like Minnesota trend higher than rural areas.
Are subsidies available for childcare in Minnesota?
Yes. The primary state program is Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), reachable at (651) 431-3809. Federal options like Head Start, the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, and Dependent Care FSA also apply. See our subsidies guide for eligibility rules.
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Minnesota daycare?
File a complaint with the Minnesota Department of Human Services — Licensing Division via their website. Inspections are public record; severe violations result in license suspension.

Search 2,808 Licensed Minnesota Centers

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