Frequently asked questions

The ombuds has two primary duties: to help family child care providers with licensing; and to identify patterns of systematic issues that affect family child care industry. The ombuds does not provide legal advice or representation. The ombuds does not regulate, and recommendations of the ombuds are non-binding.

No. Services are free, confidential and available statewide. The ombuds is a state employee and is only compensated as a part of that employment.

Yes. You have the option of submitting your concern or complaint without identifying yourself. You can do this by completing the contact submission form.

No. Minnesota Department of Human Services and Minnesota state law prohibits retaliation of any kind against any individual for filing a complaint.

The options vary significantly depending on the situation. First would be to ask the licensor to point out the statute/rule for you and discuss. If a dispute is discussed during the exit interview after an annual inspection, follow the instructions on the Dispute Form (PDF). If a correction order has been issued, you can request the DHS reconsider by following the instructions on the form.  Contact the ombuds for further assistance. 

The options vary depending on the situation. You might find immediate help by contacting the licensor’s supervisor. If that is not possible or appropriate, contact the ombuds for assistance or you can also contact the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

Following each legislative session, DHS publishes an Implementation Plan to notify license holders of changes to MN laws affecting family child care. The plan is typically published 4-6 months after the session ends. The plans are available on the DHS Licensed Family Child Care webpage.

You can also ask for clarification from DHS by submitting your to them question online or email dhs.fccproviderquestions@state.mn.us.  You will also find frequently asked questions from other license holders and the answer from DHS.

A license can’t be issued or renewed when a household member is disqualified. If no appeal request is made by the household member within the 30-day timeline, the right to dispute the disqualification later is lost. Even when you agree that the disqualification is factually correct, you can ask for reconsideration for a set-aside if you believe there is no risk of harm in your specific situation.

Background studies (BGS) are done through NETStudy 2.0 as the state’s fingerprint-based system.  The family child care BGS process involves the license holder, the licensor, and DHS. If your licensor cannot help you, call 651-431-6620 or email dhs.netstudy2@state.mn.us with questions..

Parents or community members who have a concern about a specific family child care provider should request the program’s grievance procedure and/or contact the local licensing agency as listed on the program’s license.

Yes, licensed family child care programs are eligible for food reimbursement payments from the federal food program through local sponsors. The program is administered through the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). Programs licensed in a residential dwelling are eligible as family child care.  Programs licensed in a non-residential setting might be eligible as a child care center.

Until the Provider Hub is launched for family child care, programs should contact the eligible family’s county found on the county directory and submit the registration form (PDF).  After launch of the Provider Hub, CCAP registration will be submitted through the hub.

CCAP is administered locally (usually by the county where the family lives). If the case worker or your county’s provider helpline can’t resolve the issue, contact the state CCAP department helpline at dhs.ccap@state.mn.us or 651-431-3809. If still need help, call the ombuds.

Rates vary across the state, across program types and for license holder or program eligibilities.  The standard rate is increased by 15-20% when qualified.  Current rate charts and answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the state’s CCAP webpage.

The DHS publishes a guide for providers that includes CCAP rules, program policies, and examples on how to complete forms.  The guide is updated by the state when changes are made to state laws. Minnesota Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) Child Care Provider Guide (PDF).

Programs enrolled in Parent Aware can accept Early Learning Scholarships (ELS). The amount that a family’s scholarship depends on the Parent Aware rating of the program. ELS is a program of the Minnesota Department of Education and is administered by local agencies.  More information can be found on the ELS webpage.

No, Parent Aware is a voluntary program administered by local agencies. Programs are not required to join Parent Aware. The Parent Aware standards are being redesigned.  Starting July 2026, the entry level rating for Parent Aware will align with the standards for licensure. The standard of a one-star rating will equate to being licensed.  Programs not wanting to be rated can choose to opt out of the program.

The Child Care Wayfinder network helps people navigate the license application process and set up a new child care business for success.  Wayfinder Navigators can help existing programs expand and improve.  Visit their website to find the Navigator in your area.  Call the ombuds for further assistance.

Yes, there are grants and loans available for new and existing child care programs.  Some of these publicly funded programs are administered by Child Care Aware of MN. Further information about those programs can be found on their Grants and Scholarships webpage. Other programs are funded by First Children’s Finance.  Find more information about the programs they administer on their Business Loans page.