Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to modify regulations related to group family day care in Minnesota, particularly focusing on the allowed number of children and the distribution of their ages in each facility. This is done to ensure adequate adult supervision and promote the safety and well-being of children in day care settings.

Main Provisions

1. Child-to-Adult Ratios:

   • For day cares with a capacity of 10 children, one adult is required, and only eight of these children can be under five years old, with a maximum of two children being infants (under 12 months but over six weeks).
   • Day cares with a capacity of 12 children must have similar age distribution restrictions.
   • Facilities that can accommodate up to 18 children require at least two adults, with specific limits on the number of very young children allowed.

2. Licensing Delegation:

   • County and private agencies designated by the commissioner are involved in licensing but cannot grant variances that increase capacity beyond 18 children without the commissioner’s approval.
   • Various exceptions to variance authority are outlined, such as dual licensing issues and variances related to disqualified individuals.

3. Reporting and Reviews:

   • A mandatory annual unannounced licensing review is required, and specific reporting duties regarding serious incidents such as fires or injuries are outlined.

4. Zoning and Special Homes:

   • Small child care programs in residential areas will be considered single-family residential use for zoning purposes.
   • Special nonresidential child care homes serving up to 18 children can get slightly flexible capacities for short durations to accommodate parental work schedules, as long as they meet rigorous criteria including fire safety, staffing requirements, and more.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Changes to maximum allowable child capacity in group family day care settings.
• More stringent criteria for variance approvals and delegation of licensing functions.
• Expanded responsibilities for county agencies to conduct licensing reviews and report serious incidents.

Relevant Terms

group family day care, child-to-adult ratios, licensed capacity, age distribution, county agencies, variance authority, unannounced licensing review, zoning regulations, fire code, special family child care homes.