If you are looking to become a licensed child care provider for the first time, there are several steps that need to be completed.
Submit the initial information forms
Complete the 
Child Care Licensing Information Form and the Privacy Rights Form and submit to:
Dakota County Social Services
Child Care Unit
14955 Galaxie Ave.
Apple Valley, MN 55124.
Or, call 952-891-7400 to receive the forms by mail.
Attend orientation sessions
After submitting the initial information forms, you will be invited to two orientation sessions that will need to be attended. You will be invited to the first available opening by email or through the mail. There are only five orientation sessions per year, and they are limited to 35 people, so you may need to wait for a session. Getting your initial paperwork in as soon as possible will help speed up this process for you.
In the first session, we will go over the rules and licensing act for child care. At the second session, we will hand out the application and background forms that you will need to submit to our agency to start the actual application process. You will also receive a checklist and physician form at the second session that you will need to have completed for your home visit. The home visit will be scheduled with you once your background study is cleared. The checklist will help you prepare your home for the visit so that you will meet the rule guidelines.
Fulfill training requirements
You must complete all training requirements before you can become licensed.
Fire marshal inspection
The fire marshal will inspect your house for any fire safety hazards if your particular dwelling needs inspection. This will be discussed at the orientation session.
Home safety inspection
A Dakota County social worker will conduct a home visit. During this inspection, the county will:
- Conduct an interview going over questions pertaining to childcare.
- Review the paperwork you received at orientation that you were to complete.
- Review the home to check that it meets safety requirements.
- Review record keeping that you will need to keep on each child in care.
- Review resources that are available to you.
After all the steps have been completed, the county will submit the application to the Minnesota Department of Human Services, and the license will be issued. The process takes approximately 90 days after the county receives the initial application.