DEED publishes guide on starting a family child care business

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is offering a free manual on how to start a family childcare business. “First Considerations in Starting a Family Child Care Business” provides details on licensing, financing, state laws, childcare resources and more.

The agency was directed by the Minnesota Legislature last year to develop and publish the manual in response to a shortage of childcare services in the state, particularly in Greater Minnesota. “Lack of quality, affordable child care is a barrier that can prevent parents throughout Minnesota from fully participating in the workforce. And with the looming labor shortage, all workers are needed,” said DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy. “This publication offers information that will help Minnesotans decide whether to enter this industry at a time when child care services are badly needed.”

Earlier this year, DEED awarded grants totaling $500,000 under the Greater Minnesota Childcare Grants Program to eight groups that will work to increase the number of child care providers in their Greater Minnesota communities. DEED will be awarding a second round of grants totaling $500,000 later this year. “First Considerations in Starting a Family Child Care Business” covers six broad areas that often are barriers to successful entry into the field: 1. The childcare market and consumer choices 2. Licensing requirements 3. Startup costs and ongoing expenses 4. Business structure 5. Working capital and commercial loans 6. Tax and regulatory requirements

The manual is available in hard copy, CD or online. Customers can get a free hard copy or CD by calling 651-259-7476. A PDF of “First Considerations in Starting a Family Child Care Business” is available on the DEED website.

DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and its services, visit the DEED website or follow DEED on Twitter.