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January 31, 2026
This newsletter is intended for delegated county FCC licensing workers and supervisors. It includes important updates and a summary of information from the monthly FCC Licensor Call.
Welcome to new DCYF Licensing Consultant - Kevin Feldt
Hi, my name is Kevin Feldt. I’ve spent the past 12 years working at the county level, with more than seven of those years in licensing—supporting both child care and foster care providers. The rest of my time was spent in child protection case management.
Outside of work, life is busy in the best possible way as my wife, and I raise our four boys and shuttle them around Northern Minnesota for their many sporting events. We also have two dogs, Remy and Scout, who happily contribute to the chaos at home.
My seven-plus years in child care licensing have been incredibly rewarding and have shown me just how important family child care is for children and families across Minnesota. I’m truly excited to step into this new role as a licensing consultant, and I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you and working together.
A note from Alison Rahn
To everyone in the Family Child Care Licensing community,
I’ve accepted a new role as a DCYF Child Foster Care Licensing Supervisor and have been serving in the role on an interim basis since September.
My five years with DHS/DCYF FCC Licensing flew by. Whether we’ve interacted through training or ELICI needs, county reviews or triage, listening sessions or office hours, I’ve enjoyed getting to know you and the communities you serve. While I’ve moved away from FCC licensing directly, I’ve delighted in continuing to see many of you in the CFC capacity. Thank you for all you do. It’s been a privilege and honor to work with you.
Best, Alison
Temporary work out of class – BreeAnn Bothun
Hello, my name is Bree Bothun, I will be the interim supervisor in the family child care licensing unit. I wanted to take this opportunity to re-introduce myself. I have worked at DCYF as a family child care licensing consultant for the past three years. Prior to working at DCYF, I worked in Chippewa County for 14 years. I did licensing for 10 of those years for multiple counties. My early years at the county were spent doing child protection/child welfare work. I absolutely love my job in the family child care unit here at DCYF and I look forward to continuing to work with you all in this interim supervisor role.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) released the legislatively mandated Child Care Regulation Modernization Legislative Report. The report summarizes proposed child care licensing standards and highlights notable differences between the proposed standards and current rule and statute. It also provides an overview of the project, recent developments, stakeholder engagement efforts, and anticipated implementation considerations.
The proposed standards included in the report are intended for the Minnesota Legislature’s consideration. New standards will not go into effect until they are passed into law by the legislature. If you have questions, please email ccregmodernization.DCYF@state.mn.us.
We have recently had discussions in the licensor call about how providers should correct missed training hours. DCYF has created the guidance below to support licensors with monitoring training. When you review training records, you are monitoring for the previous calendar year. Remember to clearly document the training for Rule 13 compliance.
The guidance below outlines how to address common training compliance issues identified during an annual review.
Ongoing training hours (16 Hours)
If a caregiver has not completed the required 16 hours of ongoing training:
- Issue a Correction Order (CO) for failure to complete required ongoing training.
- The caregiver must complete the missing hours as outlined in the CO.
Example: If a caregiver completed 14 hours in the previous license year, they must complete 2 additional hours, in addition to the current year’s ongoing training requirements.
Mandated training topics
If a caregiver has not completed required mandated training topics, including:
- Active supervision
- Child development, learning, and behavior guidance
- Abusive Head Trauma (AHT)
- Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID)
You will:
- Issue a Correction Order (CO) for failure to complete mandated training.
- Require the caregiver to complete the missing mandated training as outlined in the CO.
Example: If the caregiver did not complete active supervision training in the previous license year, they must complete the requirement for both the previous year and the current year.
If the caregiver had already completed the 16 hours of ongoing training for the previous year, the hours used to make up the mandated training topic may count toward the current year’s ongoing training hours.
Ongoing training and mandated training not completed
If a caregiver has failed to complete both the required ongoing training hours and one or more mandated training topics:
- Issue a Correction Order (CO) for failure to complete ongoing and mandated training.
- Require the caregiver to complete all missing training as outlined in the CO.
Example: If the caregiver completed 14 hours and did not complete the required active supervision training, completing the active supervision training would:
- Meet the mandated training requirement, and
- Bring the caregiver to 16 total training hours for the previous year.
Exception: CPR and First Aid
If a caregiver’s CPR and First Aid certification has expired:
- The caregiver is not required to complete the training twice.
- The caregiver must complete the training once to return to compliance.
- This exception is also outlined in the 2024 Implementation Plan.
In 2026, DCYF will change the structure of Rule 13 reviews. DCYF currently completes mid-term reviews and full recertification reviews virtually every two years.
Moving forward, full recertifications will happen once every four years and will be in person. DCYF will send notice to the county of their upcoming Rule 13 full recertification. DCYF will ask for some information ahead of time but the full file review and exit interview will now take place in person at the county that is being reviewed.
In addition, DCYF is moving to a modified review for mid-term reviews. These reviews will occur every two years and will focus heavily on ELICI compliance. DCYF will send notice to counties of their upcoming Rule 13 mid-term review and will request some information to be submitted ahead of time. DCYF will schedule a virtual exit interview with county partners to review any compliance concerns.
DCYF will be hosting a Rule 13 training on April 9, 2026, to go over this process in more detail. You can register for this through TrainLink.
If you have any questions, please reach out to triage.
To ensure accurate information statewide, county FCC agencies are asked to review their entries in the Directory of Family Child Care Licensing Agencies. Please submit edits or corrections to DCYF.FCCLicensing@state.mn.us no later than end of day, February 20.
DCYF will soon launch a quarterly newsletter for Family Child Care (FCC) license holders. County licensors will be included on the listserv and will receive the newsletter at the same time as providers. The content will reinforce information you already know—nothing new will be shared without prior communication to licensors. Stay tuned for helpful updates and resources!
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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.
We recognize the impact that recent federal immigration enforcement efforts, federal actions, and attention on the Child Care Assistance Program is having on Minnesotans. As early educators, we know that you are often on the frontline, working directly with families and providers who may be affected right now. Please know that we are here to support you.
We hope these resources may be helpful to your program.
Immigration enforcement
The health and safety of your staff and the providers and families you work with is always a top priority. We encourage you to adopt appropriate protocols to meet your needs in this time. Guidance issued from the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office may be helpful to your organization:
Navigating harassing or threatening messages
We are aware that some of our partners and child care programs have received harassing or threatening messages. This is never okay and direct threats of violence, severe harassment or threats should be reported to law enforcement.
Resources for children
When situations like this happen, it’s important to be mindful of how we talk with children. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network offers resources and guidance on how to talk with children when scary or confusing events occur. We encourage you to review and share these materials with your colleagues and the families and early childhood programs that you serve as a tool to help promote healing, understanding, and resilience.
These resources include:
Thank you for the work you do every day to support Minnesota.
Data snapshot: 2023–2025
Temporary Immediate Suspensions (TIS) are issued when there is an immediate risk to the health or safety of children in care. Below is a summary of TIS activity in family child care programs over the past three years and the most common issues identified.
Number of TIS Issued by Year
- 2023: 44 TIS
- 2024: 31 TIS
- 2025: 41 TIS
While the number fluctuates year to year, TIS actions consistently reflect serious supervision, safety, and compliance concerns.
Most Common Issues Leading to TIS
Across 2023–2025, the most frequent factors associated with TIS include:
1. Failure to Supervise
Examples included:
- Children wandering from the program
- Children left unattended (in the home or community)
- License holders sleeping during care hours
- Chronic supervision concerns
These cases made up the largest share of TIS actions each year.
2. Unexplained Injuries and Physical Abuse
Examples included:
- Children with unexplained injuries
- Physical abuse of children in care
- Human bite injuries
These cases consistently appeared in all three years and represent serious safety risks.
3. Sexual Abuse Concerns
Examples included:
- Sexual abuse occurring during child care hours
- Sexual abuse occurring in the community
- Sexual abuse by household members
These cases resulted in immediate licensing intervention due to the severity of harm and risk.
4. Drug and Alcohol Concerns
Examples included:
- License holders or caregivers are intoxicated
- Children ingesting drugs or medications
- Providers with chemical health issues
- Substance-related cases continue to be a high-risk factor for immediate suspension.
5. Criminal Activity and Disqualified Individuals
Examples included:
- Criminal activity by license holders or household members
- Disqualified persons present in the program
- Failure to comply with investigations
- Providing false or misleading information
These cases highlight the importance of background studies and ongoing monitoring of household members.
6. Program Conditions and Compliance Issues
Examples included:
- Poor or hazardous physical conditions
- Dangerous animals in the home
- Operating over capacity
- Failure to allow licensor access
- Chronic noncompliance with rules
- These cases demonstrate how environmental, and compliance issues can rise to the level of immediate safety risk.
2025 licensing actions: big picture
In calendar year 2025, DHS issued a total of:
- 164 licensing actions for family child care, including:
- 41 Temporary Immediate Suspensions (TIS)
- 31 Revocations
- 19 Fine & Conditional licenses
- 15 Conditional licenses
- 15 Denials
- 7 Suspensions
- 3 Fines
- TIS represented one of the most significant enforcement actions used in 2025.
Key Takeaway for Licensors
Across all three years, TIS actions most often involved:
- Failure to supervise, physical or sexual abuse, substance use, criminal activity, and serious safety hazards.
- These trends reinforce the importance of:
- Thorough investigations
- Strong documentation
- Timely monitoring of high-risk indicators
- Immediate action when child safety is at risk
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Think of these sessions as live triage, hosted by the Family Child Care Licensing team. The purpose of these sessions is to answer questions, listen to comments, and problem-solve together regarding the unique situations that we encounter. These office hours are open-house style, meaning attendees can come and go as needed. DCYF will not be preparing content for each session so please come with questions and comments regarding FCC licensing. If you have not received an invite to join, please reach out to DCYF FCC Triage.
- Tuesday, February 03, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Tuesday, March 03, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
DCYF FCC Licensing will provide information and updates during this call and be available for questions. If you have not received an invite to join, please reach out to DCYF FCC Triage.
- Thursday, February 19, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Thursday, March 19, 2026, 1:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m.
February 19, 2026, Licensor Call will feature two upcoming guest speaker topics.
- We will be joined by Michelle Lenhart and Kerry Gershone from the DCYF Child Care Services Division, who will share a DCYF presentation on upcoming Parent Aware updates. This presentation was originally scheduled for January 15, 2026.
- In addition, we will welcome Meredith Fox from Portage Partners, who will be conducting a brief survey related to Special Family Child Care (SFCC) as part of a consulting project with DCYF.
The ELICI tool’s purpose is to ensure consistent compliance monitoring throughout the state. DCYF has planned monthly workshops to support counties with their ongoing compliance with the requirement to use the ELICI tool to do licensing work in Minnesota. We value our partnership with counties and encourage feedback and suggestions to inform these workshop sessions. Here is the link to the ELICI manual: https://mn.gov/dhs/assets/ELICI-user-guide_tcm1053-376631.pdf
- Monday, February 23, 2026, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Monday, March 23, 2026, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
For calls, office hours and ELICI workshops, you should receive an invite with a link to join. If you are not getting these invites, please contact Triage.
Foundations training (required for new licensing staff prior to carrying out licensing work) must be completed within 90 days of hire. The training is also open to experienced licensors and supervisors.
We have made a change to the format of Foundations. The new format consists of some self-study work, two in-person days at DCYF offices, and participation in some content specific trainings. As a reminder, new licensors must attend all sessions to complete the required Foundations training. Please plan accordingly.
The next scheduled Foundation training dates are:
- Friday 3/13/2026, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. - TEAMS meeting
- Monday 3/16/2026, work on assigned self-study work
- Tuesday 3/17/2026, 9:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. - TEAMS meeting
- Wednesday 3/18/2026, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - In Person at DCYF Offices 444 Lafayette Road N., Saint Paul
- Thursday 3/19/2026, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. - In Person at DCYF Offices 444 Lafayette Road N., Saint Paul
- Friday 3/20/2026, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - TEAMS meeting
- Wednesday 4/1/2026, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. – TEAMS meeting
- Wednesday 4/1/2026, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - TEAMS -Joining the Investigations and Licensing Actions Training
- Thursday 4/2/2026, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - TEAMS meeting
Register for trainings via TrainLink. If you need help with the process, please contact Triage.
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The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is looking for child care licensors to interview about our website, dcyf.mn.gov. A research study is underway to make the website an even better tool for meeting your current and future needs, as well as the needs of the providers you support. We believe that your opinion and feedback would greatly benefit this research.
Please contact sara.ludtke@state.mn.us with any questions. You will receive further information about scheduling via email if you are selected to participate.
Sign up to participate
Users must log-in to Develop at least every 30 days or an email will be sent from Develop. It is advised to log-in right then, when reminded. If it gets to 60 days, the account access will be deactivated. If your account is deactivated, please contact lisa.mills@state.mn.us for help with reactivation. If there are general issues with your Develop account (password reset, how to access, etc.), contact the Develop help desk at support@develophelp.zendesk.com.
For information about background studies, please visit Minnesota child care provider background studies.
- Use this email for CANR related items and for questions about a specific BGS for child care: backgroundcc@state.mn.us
- Use this email for anything else BGS related: netstudy2@state.mn.us
- The BGS contact center number: 651-431-6620, is available from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
County licensing staff were emailed the fall 2025 update on family child care (FCC) licensing in the Agency Hub and Provider Hub Nov. 6.
This update announced the regional order by which FCC licensing will launch in the online tool. Also included was this key resource to assist you in sharing up-to-date, accurate information during conversations with FCC providers: Provider Hub FCC Licensing | Fall 2025 Update (PDF).
Please review the Nov. 6 email for further details.
Provider communication
Providers were emailed a similar update Nov. 10, followed by Spanish, Somali and Hmong versions Nov. 17.
Copies of these communications are also available on the Provider Hub webpage.
Questions about licensing in the Agency Hub?
FCC county licensing staff are welcome to send comments and questions about licensing in the Agency Hub to agencyhub@state.mn.us. This email is a dedicated inbox for state and county licensing staff who currently use or will use the Agency Hub.
Providers and partners can connect with the Provider Hub team at providerhub@state.mn.us.
Early Childhood Connector Newsletter
Sign up to receive communications from the Early Childhood Connector Newsletter. By signing up, you can expect to receive a newsletter highlighting resources, supports and updates on child care and early education from the Minnesota Children’s Cabinet and Departments of Education, Health, Human Services, and Children, Youth, and Families. Content will be tailored to licensed and non-licensed child care, Head Start and prekindergarten programs. In addition to the Early Childhood Connector Newsletter, occasional updates will be sent.
Newsletter Sign Up
Read the Latest Articles
Early Childhood Connector Calls
On a quarterly basis, the state is hosting Connector Calls with child care providers and early educators to answer questions related to legislation, licensing, programs, grants and more. The purpose of the call is to answer clarifying questions that providers may have. Calls are hosted online on Webex, and providers attending the call will not be able to ask questions live. Calls are recorded and available on this webpage.
Learn more about Connector Calls and submit your questions here. Questions must be submitted two weeks before the provider call to be answered. State staff will try to answer all questions but may not have time to get to all of them.
Submit a Question
Calls are recorded and temporarily available to those unable to attend. Visit the Early Childhood Connector website to learn more about Connector Calls and the Early Childhood Connector Newsletter.
Want to stay up to date on news and updates from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families? Visit the new website and sign up for the DCYF newsletter.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families is now on Facebook and LinkedIn! Follow DCYF on Facebook and LinkedIn to stay in-the-know of important updates. Help grow our reach by sharing with others!
DCYF Office of Inspector General, Licensing Division 651-539-8300
Office of Inspector General, Background Study Division 651-431-6620
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