There are about 600 licensed child care providers in Dakota County.
The county is responsible for licensing child care homes where children from more than one family and/or relatives are cared for. The county conducts background studies and orientations for prospective child care providers, does in-home interviews and safety checks, recommends providers for licensure, and supports existing providers. 
Find out more about exclusions for licensure.
The county also helps parents by conducting record checks of licensed child care providers, investigating licensing complaints and answering parent questions regarding their involvement with licensed child care.