Daycare Violations Explained
Not all licensing actions are equal. Here's what each type on a Minnesota child care center's record means — and how much weight to give it.
Correction order
CommonThe state inspected, found one or more rule violations, and required the center to fix them by a deadline. Very common; severity depends entirely on what was cited — a paperwork lapse is minor, a supervision or background-check problem is not.
Fine order
SeriousA monetary penalty for violations. A fine signals the state considered the issue significant enough to penalize, not just correct.
Conditional license
SeriousAfter serious or repeated problems, the center keeps operating but under stricter conditions and closer state monitoring. This is one of the few actions the center must post on-site (for two years).
Maltreatment memorandum
Read closelyThe state investigated a report of maltreatment (abuse or neglect). Important nuance: a memorandum means an investigation occurred — the determination may or may not be substantiated. Always read the document itself.
Temporary immediate suspension
SevereThe state ordered the center to stop operating right away because of a risk to children's health or safety. Among the most serious actions.
Revocation
SevereThe state moved to take the center's license away entirely.
Settlement agreement
SeriousThe provider and the state resolved an enforcement matter by agreement — often a negotiated outcome on a fine or other action.
The most important habit: read the actual document
A count of actions tells you little on its own. One center with a single old paperwork correction may be a better choice than one with a spotless-looking record you never actually checked. On Childcare Alerts, every action links to the official state document so you can read exactly what happened and when.
See it on a real record
Look up any Minnesota center to see these actions in context, in plain English — then follow it for a free alert if a new one is ever posted.
Search a center → How to check a license →
Severity labels are Childcare Alerts's plain-English guidance, not legal advice. The absence of a record is not a guarantee of safety, and the official government record always controls.