The information provided on this page is a basic outline of Minnesota Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Minnesota. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location.
MINNESOTA Child Care Licensing Requirements
Child Care license obtained from:
Minnesota Department of Human Services Division of Licensing
444 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, MN 55155-3842
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/?id=9503
(651) 431-6500
License renewal: A 6 months provisional license is initially required. Regular license required once every 2 years.
Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child
|
|
Infants |
Toddlers |
Preschool |
School Age |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Required Teacher: Child Ratio |
1:4 |
1:7 |
1:10 |
1:15 |
|
|
Required Max. Group Size |
8 |
14 |
20 |
30 |
|
|
Recommended Classroom Capacity |
8 |
12 |
16 |
20 |
|
|
Recommended Staff per Classroom |
2 |
2 |
2 |
2 |
|
|
Recommended Min. Classroom Area |
280 sf. |
490 sf. |
700 sf. |
1050 sf. |
|
Outdoor Space Requirements: 75 sf per child
- A child care must have an outdoor activity area at least 1,500 square feet and there must be at least 75 square feet of space per child within the area at any given time.
- The outdoor area must be enclosed if it is located adjacent to traffic, rail, water, machinery, or other environmental hazards unless the area is a public park or playground.
- Outdoor space has to have at least 75 sf per child.
Building Code Requirements
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CHILD FIXTURES |
ADULT FIXTURES |
DRINKING FOUNTAINS |
MOP SINK |
BATH TUB/ SHOWER |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
1: 15 |
1:50 |
1:100 |
1 |
1 |
Fire Code Requirements
|
68 |
A minimum temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit must be maintained in indoor areas used by children. |
1,040 |
A director must have at least 1,040 hours of paid or unpaid staff supervision experience. |
12 |
There should be one changing table for every group of 12 infants. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you know . . .
 |
A child care must-have storage for each child’s personal belongings. |  |
Hallways, stairways, clothes, utility rooms, water closets, kitchens, ect, are not allowed to have cribs. |  |
Fire extinguishers must be serviced annually by a qualified inspector. |
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Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC. Updated 2019