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The next Foundations cohort will begin on March 13. If you are interested in participating in the new format, please register and block your calendar to ensure full participation.
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.
Based on extensive assessment and feedback from licensors, the Foundations format has been updated. The new structure includes self-study work, two in-person training days at the DCYF offices, and several content-specific sessions. As a reminder, new licensors must attend all sessions to complete the required training, so please plan accordingly.
Upcoming Foundations Training Schedule:
Friday, March 13, 2026, 9:30–11:30 a.m. – TEAMS meeting
Monday, March 16, 2026 – Self-study work
Tuesday, March 17, 2026, 9:30–11:30 a.m. – TEAMS meeting
Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. – In person at DCYF Offices, 444 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul
Thursday, March 19, 2026, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. – In person at DCYF Offices, 444 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul
Friday, March 20, 2026, 1:00–2:00 p.m. – TEAMS meeting
Monday – Friday, March 23-27 – Field workdays
Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 9:30–11:30 a.m. – TEAMS meeting Wednesday, April 1, 2026, 1:00–3:00 p.m. – TEAMS: Investigations and Licensing Actions Training
Thursday, April 2, 2026, 1:00–3:00 p.m. – TEAMS meeting
Register for trainings via TrainLink. If you need help with the process, please contact Triage.
On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., DCYF FCC staff is offering an updated Investigations and Licensing Actions training. Registration is available through TrainLink. If you have questions, please reach out to Triage.
DCYF will host a Rule 13 training on April 9, 2026, to walk through the Rule 13 review process in detail. Registration is available through TrainLink.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Triage.
Content will cover an overview of 2026 Rule 13 Review structure changes.
Beginning in 2026, DCYF is updating the structure of Rule 13 reviews.
Full Recertification Reviews:
- Will occur once every four years.
- Will now take place in person.
- DCYF will send advance notice to counties and request some information beforehand.
- The full file review and exit interview will be completed in person at the county being reviewed.
Mid-Term Reviews:
- Will continue to occur every two years.
- Will shift to a modified format with a strong focus on ELICI compliance.
- DCYF will send advance notice and request materials ahead of time.
- A virtual exit interview will be scheduled with county partners to discuss compliance concerns.
If you have any questions, please reach out to triage.
The State Fire Marshal trainings for Spring are now published on TrainLink.
To locate the classes, search using the keyword “FCC”. The full course title is “FCC – Fire Code Requirements for DCYF Licensors.”
Because seating is limited, please pay close attention to the date and location when registering. Whenever possible, register for the class closest to your work location so seats remain available for local staff. As sessions fill, an automatic waitlist will be created and monitored by DCYF.
If you have questions about the training, please email dcyf.FCClicensing@state.mn.us.
Training Dates and Locations:
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March 23 – Sourcewell, Staples 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 202 12th St NE, Staples
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April 9 – Scott County Government Center, Shakopee 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 200 4th Avenue West, Shakopee
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May 4 – Mankato Public Safety, Mankato 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 710 S Front St, Mankato
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May 18 – Polk County Law Enforcement Center, Crookston 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 600 Bruce St, Crookston
There will be a 40‑minute lunch break; however, lunch is not provided. Please bring a lunch or plan for a short drive to pick up food.
Reminder: All FCC licensors must complete the State Fire Marshal training every four years.
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, March 03, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
- Tuesday, April 07, 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, March 19, 2026, 1:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m.
- Thursday, April 16, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
March 19, 2026, Licensor Call will feature guest speakers:
- We will be joined by Michelle Lenhart and Kerry Gershone from the DCYF Child Care Services Division, who will be available to answer questions about the upcoming Parent Aware updates.
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, March 23, 2026, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Monday, April 27, 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.
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