The Minnesota Department of Human Services is seeking another round of input on changes to draft licensing standards for family child care and child care centers. On Thursday, the state released a second draft of revised licensing standards that incorporates extensive community input gathered over summer 2024. The effort – in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families – is part of the ongoing Child Care Regulation Modernization Project.

DHS invites providers, parents, licensors and other community partners to participate in upcoming information sessions, beginning Feb. 24. These sessions will highlight significant updates in the second draft and share information about numerous opportunities to give feedback in the coming months. More information on how to register for the information sessions can be found on the project webpage.  

“We’re taking a deliberate approach and gathering multiple rounds of input because it’s important to get these standards right,” said Temporary Human Services Commissioner Shireen Gandhi. “Our goal is to balance the needs of families, providers and licensors while prioritizing the well-being of children.” 

The new draft, as well as reports summarizing key themes heard in the first round of engagement, are on the project webpage. The second draft of the standards reflects input from providers, licensors, parents and others while maintaining the state’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of children in care.

Feedback received on this second draft will guide the development of a third draft, which will be released before the 2026 legislative session.