Useful terms for your child care search

Ratios

Research shows that the quality of child care improves when children are in smaller groups and get more attention and care from adults. So, there are licensing rules that set a maximum number of children for every available adult. Different rules
apply to different types of care providers.

Minnesota Rule 9502.0367 governs ratios for licensed family child care homes. One adult may care for six children under school age, of which no more than 3 shall be infants and toddlers. Of this total, no more than 2 shall be infants.

For more details, please see Rule 9502.0367.

Minnesota Rule 9503.0040 governs ratios for child care centers. The minimally acceptable staff-to-child ratios and the maximum group size within each age category are:

Age
Category

Minimum Staff:
Child Ratio

Maximum
Group Size

Infant

1:4

8

Toddler

1:7

14

Preschooler

1:10

20

School-age child

1:15

30

Types of Child Care

You have a number of options in selecting child care. There is no one “best” type of care. It depends on the needs of your child and your family. For information about the advantages and disadvantages of these options, visit our Child Care 101 page.

Licensed family child care homes

A licensed family child care home is one in which the caregiver has met the requirements for a license to care for children in her/his home.

Child care centers

Child care centers are licensed by the state to care for larger groups of children in their own building, community centers, places of worship or in other facilities. Centers may provide care for infants through school-age.

School-age child care

School-age child care programs offer care for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. They usually operate in schools, community centers, YMCA/YWCAs or park and recreation programs. Care is typically available before and after school, on school holidays and during the summer.

Preschool programs

Preschool programs usually offer two- or three-hour sessions per day, a few days per week. These programs are not used primarily for child care but instead offer children an opportunity on a part-time basis to interact with other children and prepare for school. Enrollment is usually limited to children 3 to 5 years old.

Family/Friend/Neighbor care

“Family, Friend and Neighbor” care is unlicensed care provided by a relative, friend or someone in the community. It can take place in the child’s home or in the caregiver’s home. Caregivers may include grandparents, other relatives or non-relatives. It may be full or part-time, paid or unpaid care.

Head Start/Early Head Start

Head Start/Early Head Start promotes the growth and development of children from low-income families. Parent involvement, a health program and family support are included. Children ages 3 to 5 years old attend Head Start. Early Head Start serves families with children from birth to 3 years old.

In-home care

“In-home care” means a caregiver comes to your home. Most in-home caregivers are friends, family members or “nannies.” Nannies often have professional training and experience. In-home caregivers are not licensed. As their employer, you may
be responsible for contributing to Social Security, taxes, workers’ compensation costs, insurance and vacation time.