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Aitkin County child‑care licenser says in‑home providers have fallen to 14
Summary
Brenda Butterfield, Aitkin County child‑care licenser, said in a county broadcast that licensed family in‑home child‑care homes have declined to 14. She described licensing steps, noted infant and toddler slots are most in demand, and encouraged prospective providers to contact county Health and Human Services.
Brenda Butterfield, Aitkin County child‑care licenser in the Health and Human Services department, said in a county broadcast that the number of licensed family in‑home child‑care homes in Aitkin County has fallen to 14, down from the previous update.
"It's been slower. We've had a decrease in homes; currently we have 14 family in‑home licensed homes," Butterfield said, attributing the decline to retirements, health reasons and at least one provider moving away. She said the county is actively seeking new applicants, and specifically noted that the Hill City area currently has no licensed family child‑care homes.
The decline in family in‑home providers comes even as new center‑based capacity has opened in parts of the county. The host noted that one family provider moved into a child‑care center and a center opened in the Tamarak area, adding slots; Butterfield said centers are licensed by the state of Minnesota, while family in‑home licensing follows state rules administered through county channels.
On licensing timelines, Butterfield said processing time varies by applicant and circumstances, but added that the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) expects applications to be processed within a 120‑day target. She cautioned that inspections (for example, fire marshal corrections) or needed home changes can extend that timeline.
Butterfield encouraged prospective providers to reach out for help early in the process. She said she sometimes performs pre‑licensing walk‑throughs to identify potential barriers and help applicants address issues before they submit formal paperwork.
Regarding supply and demand, Butterfield said not all open providers are at full capacity but that infant and toddler slots are the most in demand and the hardest to expand because of supervision and ratio limits. The county is selective about issuing variances for infant and toddler care for safety reasons, she said.
The program also noted the county plans to apply for state child‑care grants and, if awarded, would pass funds to qualifying providers to help them get started. Butterfield and the host urged listeners interested in starting a family at‑home child‑care business to contact Aitkin County Health and Human Services for guidance on licensing and available resources. The broadcast concluded with Butterfield thanking the host for the opportunity to provide an update.
