Advertising in the local newspaper can run between $35 to $50 per week.  Check your area for neighborhood groups that provide referral services. The referral service fees are determined solely by the group's members. These services are provided by a network of child care providers. They can offer mentorship, client referrals, and also in-service training.

Equipment should include cribs, high chairs, booster chairs, stools, potty chairs, playpens, bibs, dishes, all toys, and books used for care. Also, fire extinguishers, gates, and all other safety equipment that is required. Any arts and crafts items, crayons, markers, paint, glue, scissors, and preschool curriculum kits.

Upgrades, updates and construction must be accounted for. If you plan to use rooms in your home for child care that require any of these modifications you can apply for grants to help with the costs. This may include fences, egress windows, playrooms, handicapped access, and in some cases, equipment.

One month of Food for two infants, one toddler, one preschooler, and one school-age child would be about $300.00. Infant formula or breast milk can be provided by the parents rather than the provider. Enrollment in a federally funded food reimbursement program, if available, will cut the food expenses by a little less than one-half. See the meal requirements here.

Cleaning supplies like hand soap, cleansers, dish washing liquid, bleach, and even laundry products and supplies like Kleenex, toilet paper, paper towels, and napkins will be used while caring for the children.  Also, paper, pens, pencils, and postage stamps are needed. Usually supplies like these are on hand anyway. If not, you could estimate the initial cost to be about $150.00.

Other: In order to become a licensed provider in Hennepin County several hours of child relating training are required, as well as CPR and First Aid training. Accident and Liability insurance is recommended, and can run between $250 to $400 depending on the number of children you are licensed to care for, however it is not mandatory that providers carry liability insurance to become licensed. 

Important Update: 

December 16, 2003 Hennepin County Board of Commissioners voted to begin charging a fee. As of July 2003, Minnesota Legislation will now permit counties to charge a licensing fee.

Effective January 1, 2005, the Hennepin County Board has set the fees for Family Childcare Licensing applicants at $130.00.  A check or money order must be made payable to Hennepin County and must accompany the application.  Applications received without the fee will be returned. 

Child Care Settings and the Americans with Disabilities Act

How does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) effect my Daycare?

The ADA is civil rights legislation designed to protect people with mental or physical disabilities from discrimination based upon disability. For complete information and how it affects home child care providers click here.

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