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Minnesota Preschool Licensing Requirements

Licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, and teacher credential requirements for preschool programs in Minnesota. Minnesota also administers a state-funded preschool program — School Readiness Program; voluntary pre-K — with additional requirements.

Minnesota Preschool — Compliance Quick Reference

Ages served	Typically 2.5–5 years (verify with MN DCYF)
Preschool ratio (licensed center)	1:10, max group —
Regulating agency (private preschool)	Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families — Child Care Licensing Division
Regulatory code	Minn. Rules 9503 (Child Care Centers); Minn. Stat. §245A (Human Services Licensing Act)
State-funded program	School Readiness Program; voluntary pre-K

Minnesota preschool: Staff-to-child ratio requirements

Preschool programs in Minnesota must maintain specific staff-to-child ratios at all times as required by Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families under Minn. Rules 9503 (Child Care Centers); Minn. Stat. §245A (Human Services Licensing Act).

Minnesota state-funded preschool: School Readiness Program; voluntary pre-K — a state-funded program that may have different ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for provider qualification and funding details.

Program type	Staff:child ratio	Max group size	Notes
Private preschool (licensed center) (3–5 years)	1:10	—	3–5yr = 1:10
State-funded preschool (School Readiness Program; voluntary pre-K)	Contact administering agency	—	May differ from center license ratios

Source: Minn. Rules 9503 (Child Care Centers); Minn. Stat. §245A (Human Services Licensing Act), Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families. Always verify current ratios with MN DCYF.

Minnesota preschool: Credential & training requirements

Director / Operator requirements

Private preschools operating under a Minnesota childcare center license require a director meeting Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families’s qualification standards under Minn. Rules 9503 (Child Care Centers); Minn. Stat. §245A (Human Services Licensing Act). Requirements typically include ECE coursework, administrative experience, and background clearance. Some states require a specific director credential or permit for programs serving preschool-age children.

Teacher / Caregiver requirements

Preschool lead teachers in Minnesota must meet minimum education requirements set by Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families. Most states require at minimum a CDA credential or equivalent ECE college coursework for preschool teachers. Contact Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families for the current teacher qualification standard, as requirements may differ between privately licensed and state-funded programs.

Annual training requirements

All preschool staff at Minnesota-licensed programs must complete continuing education hours annually. CPR and pediatric first aid are required for all direct-care staff. State-funded programs may have additional professional development requirements tied to their funding contract.

How to get a preschool license in Minnesota

Private preschool programs in Minnesota follow the childcare center licensing process administered by Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families:

Determine which licensing pathway applies: Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families center license (private preschool) or School Readiness Program; voluntary pre-K contract (state-funded preschool).
For a private preschool: apply for a childcare center license through Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families — Child Care Licensing Division. The process includes application, background checks, and pre-licensing inspection.
Ensure the director meets Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families’s qualification requirements before the license is issued.
Ensure lead preschool teachers meet the credential or coursework requirements under Minn. Rules 9503 (Child Care Centers); Minn. Stat. §245A (Human Services Licensing Act).
For a state-funded preschool: contact MN Dept of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) or your local school district or county office of education to apply for a School Readiness Program; voluntary pre-K contract.
Complete the pre-licensing inspection and any additional requirements.

Licensing contact: Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families — Child Care Licensing Division.
Official resource: https://dcyf.mn.gov/early-learning/licensing

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Frequently asked questions: Minnesota preschool licensing

Does a private preschool in Minnesota need a childcare center license?

Yes — private preschool programs in Minnesota that serve children in a group setting are typically required to be licensed as a childcare center by Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families under Minn. Rules 9503 (Child Care Centers); Minn. Stat. §245A (Human Services Licensing Act). The staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) in a licensed center is 1:10 with a maximum group size of —. Contact Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families for the licensing threshold (how many children trigger the licensing requirement).

What teaching credential does a Minnesota preschool teacher need?

Minnesota preschool teacher credential requirements are set by Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families under Minn. Rules 9503 (Child Care Centers); Minn. Stat. §245A (Human Services Licensing Act). Most states require lead preschool teachers to hold at minimum a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent early childhood education college coursework. Contact Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families for the current credential standard applicable to your program type and funding source.

What is the staff-to-child ratio for a Minnesota preschool classroom?

For private preschool programs licensed by Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families in Minnesota, the required staff-to-child ratio for preschool-age children (3–5 years) is 1:10, with a maximum group size of —. For state-funded programs (School Readiness Program; voluntary pre-K), different ratios may apply — contact the administering agency for details.

What is the School Readiness Program; voluntary pre-K and who qualifies?

Yes — Minnesota administers School Readiness Program; voluntary pre-K. This state-funded program typically serves income-eligible children ages 3–5 and uses different staff ratio and credentialing requirements than privately licensed preschools. Contact the administering agency for eligibility criteria, provider requirements, and funding availability.

How is kindergarten different from a licensed preschool in Minnesota?

Kindergarten in Minnesota is a school-district program regulated by the state department of education under K–12 education law — not by Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families. Private licensed preschools must be licensed by Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families under Minn. Rules 9503 (Child Care Centers); Minn. Stat. §245A (Human Services Licensing Act) and meet childcare center standards. Programs serving children ages 3–5 before kindergarten age must be licensed if they meet the threshold for group care. Contact Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families for the exact age and group size thresholds that require licensure.

Sources & references

This page was compiled from official government sources. Always verify current requirements directly with Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families before making licensing or compliance decisions.

Also in this guide: Minnesota Childcare Center Requirements, Minnesota Small Family Child Care Home Requirements, Minnesota Large Family Child Care Home Requirements

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or compliance advice. Childcare licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families at https://dcyf.mn.gov/early-learning/licensing before making compliance decisions. Last verified: April 2026.