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February 3, 2026
Welcome to the first of our quarterly Provider Link newsletters! We are excited to share these updates with you. The information in this newsletter will mirror information DCYF has shared with licensors, as well as provide updates about other areas related to family child care licensing.
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MN Statutes 142B.72 requires the use of baby gates at the top and bottom of stairs when children age 6-18 months are in care to prevent injuries on the stairs. The guidance from DCYF and the State Fire Marshal’s Office around using baby gates in other areas of the family child care home is that the gate cannot impede the means of egress. In simpler terms, a gate can be used to prevent a child from entering an area, but it cannot be used to prevent a child from exiting the home in case of an emergency. This means a gate cannot be used in a doorway if the gate blocks access to the exit.
We have had questions from providers about how licensors will approach the annual training requirements for new license holders, primary providers of care, or second adult caregivers who are licensed at differing points of time within a calendar year. The move to continuous licenses, effective January 1, 2025, has presented new considerations for FCC requirements.
DCYF FCC Licensing has determined that the prorating of training will be handled on a quarterly basis, effective April 1, 2025. If a provider is licensed during the year, they will need to meet the training requirements specified below depending on the quarter they are licensed in:
Quarter 1: January 1 – March 31
Training will not be prorated.
Total annual ongoing training requirement: 16 hours
Training must be taken prior to December 31 of the calendar year
The 16 hours of required training is in ADDITION to any pre-licensure training or training prior to working in an FCC program.
Quarter 2: April 1 – June 30
If a license holder is granted a license or a second adult caregiver begins working in a program between these dates, then the LH(s), primary provider of care, and second adult caregiver(s) must complete 12 hours of annual ongoing training prior to December 31st of that same calendar year. This training is in addition to any training that was taken prior to the issuance of the license and prior to the caregiver beginning to work in the program.
The 12 hours of annual training must include:
- A review of the program’s emergency preparedness plan;
- If the program is serving a child with a known allergy, a review of the child’s allergy information;
- At least two hours of child development and learning or behavior guidance training as specified in MS, section 245A.50, subdivision 2 (c);
- Reducing the Risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death and Reducing the Risk of Abusive Head Trauma as specified in MS, section 245A.50, subdivision 5 (e); and
- An active supervision course as specified in MS, section 245A.50, subdivision 9 (d).
Quarter 3: July 1 – September 30
If a license holder is granted a license or a caregiver begins working in a program between these dates, then the LH(s), primary provider of care, and second adult caregiver(s) must complete 8 hours of annual ongoing training prior to December 31st of that same calendar year. This training is in addition to any training that was taken prior to the issuance of the license and prior to the caregiver beginning to work in the program.
The 8 hours of annual training must include:
- A review of the program’s emergency preparedness plan;
- If the program is serving a child with a known allergy, a review of the child’s allergy information;
- At least two hours of child development and learning or behavior guidance training as specified in MS, section 245A.50, subdivision 2 (c);
- Reducing the Risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death and Reducing the Risk of Abusive Head Trauma as specified in MS, section 245A.50, subdivision 5 (e); and
- An active supervision course as specified in MS, section 245A.50, subdivision 9 (d).
Quarter 4: October 1 – December 31
If a license holder is granted a license or a second adult caregiver begins working in a program between these dates, then the LH(s), primary provider of care, and second adult caregiver(s) must complete 4 hours of annual ongoing training in that year prior to December 31st of that same calendar year. This training is in addition to any training that was taken prior to the issuance of the license and prior to the caregiver beginning to work in the program.
The 4 hours of annual training must include:
- A review of the program’s emergency preparedness plan;
- If the program is serving a child with a known allergy, a review of the child’s allergy information;
- At least two hours of child development and learning or behavior guidance training as specified in MS, section 245A.50, subdivision 2 (c); and
- An active supervision course as specified in MS, section 245A.50, subdivision 9 (d).
- Regardless of when the license is granted or when a primary provider of care, second adult caregiver, substitute caregiver, or adult caregiver begins providing care:
- Pediatric First Aid training and Pediatric CPR training must remain current as defined in MS, section 245A.50, subdivisions 3 and 4; and
- Prior to transporting a child, B.E.S.T. training must remain current as defined in MS, section 245A.50, subdivision 6.
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The chart below shows the rule and statutory requirements that have been cited most in 2025. The requirement for water in sinks and tubs that are accessible to children to have water temperature 120 degrees F or lower was the most cited item in 2025. For clarity, this requirement includes ALL sinks AND tubs accessible to children – this means bathtubs may also be checked if they are accessible to children.
| Requirement |
Number of times cited in 2025
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In sinks and tubs that are accessible to children, water temperature is 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower
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184
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License holder met monthly storm/fire drills requirements
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110
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Hazardous activity materials were used and stored as required.
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99
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On at least a monthly basis, the LH has performed and documented a safety inspection of every mesh-sided or fabric-sided play yard, pack and play, or playpen used by or that is accessible to any child in care.
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96
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Toxic substances are inaccessible.
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96
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Thank you for your patience and collaboration as we conduct on-site compliance checks. These visits are separate from the licensing visits conducted by state or county licensors. The visits are not limited to child care centers, and any program or provider that receives CCAP funding may be subject to a compliance check, including licensed family child care providers. In addition to the compliance checks for CCAP, DCYF will continue its program integrity work in all payment programs.
These checks are conducted by DCYF Office of Inspector General investigators and may include assistance from agents from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). We understand that the presence of BCA agents may be unsettling; however, due to the recent rise in attempts to gain access to child care programs, we are grateful for the BCA's assistance in protecting the safety of children and providers during these visits. DCYF and BCA staff will clearly identify themselves and have state issued identification when visiting a child care program.
We know these are challenging and chaotic times. We are focused on navigating the uncertainty with a steadfast commitment to children, youth, families, and community through strong program integrity and implementation. DCYF is sending updates to all providers and licensors as new information is available.
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:
Know Your Rights With ICE (English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish)
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.
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The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) released the legislatively mandated Child Care Regulation Modernization Legislative Report, now available on DCYF’s website. 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 legislative report fulfills the Legislature’s requirement that DCYF submit a report and proposed language. The proposed standards included in the report are intended for the 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.
The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) has launched new child care webpages. A main DCYF Licensing page now directs families and providers to information about the licensed programs overseen by DCYF, including family child care.
The former DHS child care webpages are still available for now, but they will eventually be retired. Information that was previously available on the DHS website is now available on the new DCYF webpages.
DCYF will continue updating the new webpages over time to ensure information and documents reflect DCYF. Please check back regularly for the most up-to-date information.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is looking for child care providers 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. 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.
Have a question about a program or policy? Early educators can submit questions to the state to be answered during Early Childhood Connector Calls. Calls happen quarterly and are hosted online on WebEx. If you can’t attend the call, you can watch the recording or read the questions and answers online. Spanish, Hmong and Somali translations are available. Learn more about the Early Childhood Connector Calls and subscribe to receive the quarterly newsletter on the Early Childhood Connector website.
Did you know you can find information about DCFY’s program integrity work on our website?
Program Integrity and Oversight | Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families
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