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Office of Inspector General - January 28, 2026
You are receiving this email because you are a family child care license holder or the authorized agent or center operator of a licensed or certified child care center.
Dear Child Care Providers,
We recognize that many child care providers, families, and communities throughout Minnesota are experiencing uncertainty and stress at this time. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) recognizes the challenges this creates for those who care for children every day, and we deeply appreciate the essential role you play in supporting children and families.
We are sharing the information below to help clarify what providers can expect regarding DCYF licensing visits, program oversight visits, CCAP compliance checks, and recent questions about immunization requirements.
DCYF Licensing and Program Oversight Visits
DCYF continues to carry out required licensing inspections and program oversight visits to help ensure the health, safety, and well-being of children in care. These visits are a routine part of our responsibilities and will continue to be conducted unannounced, consistent with state requirements.
When DCYF staff and county licensors conduct onsite licensing or oversight visits, they will:
- Identify themselves by name and agency;
- Explain the purpose of the visit; and
- Present official agency identification.
Our goal during these visits is to conduct our work professionally and respectfully while minimizing disruption to your program whenever possible.
Access to Child Care Programs
Minnesota law requires licensed and certified child care providers, as well as providers participating in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) or other publicly funded programs, to allow the Commissioner of DCYF and authorized representatives reasonable and immediate access to the child care program. This includes access to the premises, records, staff, and program operations for purposes related to licensing reviews and investigations, and program oversight investigations.
This access is a condition of licensure and of participation in CCAP or other publicly funded programs. DCYF staff will exercise this authority only for licensing and compliance-related purposes as authorized by law.
CCAP Compliance Checks and the Role of BCA
Some providers may experience CCAP compliance visits, which are separate from routine licensing visits. On some CCAP compliance visits, agents from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) may accompany DCYF investigators. On these DCYF-initiated visits, BCA agents are present to support DCYF’s lawful investigative activity and must be granted access under the same authority as a DCYF investigator.
How do I know if it is a BCA agent and not an ICE officer? DCYF staff and any accompanying BCA agents will always identify themselves as state employees and present state-issued identification. A BCA agent supporting a DCYF compliance visit will always be accompanied by a DCYF Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigator.
Will BCA agents be accompanying licensors on licensing visits? No, BCA agents will not be accompanying licensors on licensing visits. BCA agents may be accompanying DCYF Office of Inspector General investigators as a part of CCAP compliance checks that are separate from the regular annual licensor visits.
How often will these CCAP compliance checks be happening? Will this be a reoccurring check in addition to the licensor visits? These on-site compliance checks are part of broader, ongoing program integrity and anti-fraud efforts carried out daily by state and county staff. Due to increased attention on CCAP functions, we are conducting additional compliance checks. Future checks, including any follow-up reviews, will continue as needed.
Will the CCAP compliance check be unannounced? Yes, similar to unannounced licensing visits, providers will not be notified ahead of time.
What should providers expect during a CCAP compliance check? The DCYF OIG investigator will walk through the child care center or family child care home when they arrive. The investigator will also request the records they are looking for to complete the compliance visit.
Interactions With Other Law Enforcement
Providers may receive requests for access from other local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies. DCYF does not have authority to advise providers on how to respond to those requests. Providers should make decisions consistent with applicable law and, if desired, seek guidance from legal counsel.
The Office of Minnesota Attorney General has additional information related to this matter.
Update on Immunization Requirements (MDH)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its childhood vaccine recommendations, which has led to questions about child care immunization requirements in Minnesota.
Minnesota’s immunization requirements are set by state statute and administrative rules. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is currently reviewing the CDC changes to determine whether they affect Minnesota requirements. It is important to note that vaccine recommendations are not the same as legal requirements, and not all recommended vaccines are required for child care attendance.
For more information, please see MDH’s guidance here: CDC Vaccine Changes and Minnesota Immunization Requirements (https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/immunize/ed/changevmnreq.pdf)
Thank you for your commitment to providing support to children and families in Minnesota during these challenging times.
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