Anoka County Grapples With Steep Decline In Family Child Care Providers, Impacting Families And Economy

Anoka County Grapples With Steep Decline In Family Child Care Providers, Impacting Families And Economy

ANOKA COUNTY, Minn. — Anoka County is facing a pressing child care crisis that threatens the stability of local families and the broader economic landscape. A sharp and continuing decline in the number of licensed family child care providers is leaving parents with limited options and forcing difficult decisions about work, finances, and care for their young children.

A Troubling Trend

County records paint a stark picture. At the end of 2019, Anoka County had 430 licensed family child care providers. By 2023, that number had dropped to 300—and as of July 2025, only 280 providers remain. This marks a more than 35% decline in just over five years, exacerbating a growing shortage for families searching for safe, affordable, and reliable care, particularly for infants and toddlers.

The implications are far-reaching. A robust, accessible child care system is essential to economic vitality. Without it, working parents—especially mothers—are often forced to reduce hours, turn down promotions, or leave the workforce entirely. Employers face increased turnover and absenteeism, and family financial stability is put at risk.

The Role of Family Child Care Providers

Family child care providers offer flexible, home-based environments that many families prefer. Most are licensed to care for 10 to 12 children between the ages of six weeks and 11 years. These providers play a vital role in early childhood development and enable parents to participate in the workforce with peace of mind.

To ensure safety and quality, Anoka County Child Care Licensing oversees the licensure and monitoring of all family child care programs in the county. Licensed providers must meet state standards for health and safety, pass background checks, complete physical exams, and participate in annual training.

“Child care isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a community and economic priority,” said officials from Anoka County Child Care Licensing. “Without adequate support and sustainable numbers of providers, everyone feels the impact—from families to employers to local governments.”

Tools for Families and Aspiring Providers

For parents navigating the increasingly limited child care landscape, Anoka County offers a Child Care Locator, an online search tool that allows families to find licensed family child care programs near their homes or workplaces. It also provides provider contact information, license status, and history of any complaints or correction orders.

Families can also call Anoka County Child Care Licensing directly for additional background on a provider, including how long they’ve been licensed and their compliance record.

At the same time, county officials are urging more residents to consider becoming licensed providers to help alleviate the crisis. Starting a licensed family child care business offers a unique opportunity to run a home-based operation, support local families, and contribute to the community’s economic health.

The county offers resources and step-by-step guidance for individuals interested in launching their own licensed care program—from training and inspections to ongoing support.

A Statewide and National Challenge

Anoka County’s child care provider decline mirrors a larger trend seen across Minnesota and the nation. Providers often cite a range of challenges, including:

• Increasing operational and supply costs
• Difficulty retaining qualified staff
• Administrative burdens of licensing and regulations
• Rising competition from public preschool and school-based programs

Many home-based providers operate on slim margins, making it difficult to remain financially sustainable without external support.

A Call to Action

Addressing this urgent shortage will require a multifaceted response—from county officials and community groups to state and federal policymakers. Solutions may include increasing financial incentives, reducing regulatory burdens without compromising safety, and offering more robust support for new providers entering the field.

As the child care shortage intensifies, Anoka County stands at a pivotal moment. The future of its families, workforce participation, and economic growth depends on a thriving child care system.

For more information on how to find child care or become a licensed provider, visit Anoka County Child Care Licensing or contact their office directly.

MinneapoliMedia