Dakota County, MN Home Business: Home Daycare (2026)
Key Facts
- Local licensor
- Dakota County (for state)
- Family day care cap
- 10 children
- Group family cap
- 14 children
- Governing rule
- Minn. R. Ch. 9502
- Zoning status
- Permitted single-family use
Summary
Dakota County licenses in-home family child care on behalf of the state. A family day care may serve up to 10 children, and a group family day care up to 14, under state Rule 9502; licensed homes are a permitted single-family residential use.
Family day care means day care for no more than ten children at one time of which no more than six are under school age. Group family day care means day care for no more than 14 children at any one time.
Full Breakdown
To run a family child care caring for children from more than one family in Dakota County, you must be licensed. Dakota County Public Health/Social Services handles the local licensing process, working with the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), which issues the annual license under Minn. Stat. Ch. 142B (formerly 245A) and Minnesota Rules Ch. 9502 (Rule 2). Capacity is capped: family day care may serve no more than 10 children at one time, of which no more than six are under school age; group family day care may serve up to 14. Because Minn. Stat. 462.357, subd.
Violations & Fines
Providing family child care without the required license is a violation enforced by the state, and can bring licensing sanctions, correction orders, fines, and orders to stop operating until a license is obtained.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children can a home day care take?
Who licenses home day care in Dakota County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dakota County
Compare Dakota County to another location·View the Minnesota home business overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.