How to read a licensing record
Minnesota posts public records when a licensed child care center is inspected or when the state takes a licensing action. Here's what the common ones mean in plain English — the same wording we use in our alerts.
Severity at a glance
We tag each action on a simple scale so you can triage quickly: Info Notable Serious Severe. A badge reflects the type of action, not a judgment about the center — always read the underlying record.
What the records mean
Correction order
Also called a “fix-it ticket”. The state found rule violations during an inspection and required the center to fix them. These are common; how serious it is depends on what was cited (a paperwork gap is very different from a supervision problem).
Fine order
The state issued a monetary fine for one or more licensing violations.
Conditional license
The state found serious or repeated problems and is now operating this center under stricter conditions and closer monitoring.
Suspension (temporary immediate / indefinite)
The state ordered the center to stop operating — sometimes immediately, due to a risk to children's health or safety. Read the official document for the reason and duration.
Revocation
The state moved to take away the center's license.
Maltreatment investigative memorandum
The state investigated and CONFIRMED maltreatment at this center. This is the most serious record a center can have. Minnesota only posts substantiated findings. Read the full memo.
Questions to ask the director
- Can you walk me through this record and what changed afterward?
- What did you fix, and how do you make sure it doesn't happen again?
- What are your current staff-to-child ratios, and how do you cover breaks and absences?
- How do you handle background checks and supervision of new staff?
- May I see your most recent licensing correction order and your written response?
- How do you communicate with parents when something goes wrong?
These records are public information from Minnesota state sources. Childcare Alerts does not inspect, rate, or certify any center, and absence of a record is not a guarantee of safety. Always read the official record. See About our data.