HF135

This Minnesota bill would allow child care centers to request changes to licensing rules under certain conditions. These changes, or "variances," can only be granted if they don't compromise the health or safety of children, nor the qualifications of the staff. The bill specifically discusses variances for:

1. Capacity Increases: Child care centers can request to serve more children than usually permitted if their indoor space is nearly large enough to meet the standard requirements.

2. Staff Qualifications: Centers can also request variances for staff qualifications provided that these do not affect child safety. The staff members in question must have a plan to improve their qualifications through education or training.

The commissioner has the power to grant both temporary and permanent variances, with permanent ones expiring if the conditions change. The decision on whether to grant a variance is final and cannot be appealed. Additionally, a uniform application form for these variance requests will be used by family child care license holders in all counties.