Child Care Staffing in Minnesota

Permanent recruiting for preschools and child care centers across Minnesota.

Diverse group of preschoolers raising their hands
Hiring in Minnesota

Hiring here is different

2027 director rules

Starting July 1, 2027, new center directors must be 21 and have 12 semester credits or 120 hours of coursework, or a director credential. Current directors are grandfathered at their current center, so replacing a director gets harder after that date, and it’s worth planning your succession now.

Parent Aware

Early Learning Scholarships (ELS) Pathway II funding only goes to Parent Aware Four-Star Rated programs, and the next application window opens in spring 2027. We ask candidates for their Develop learning record and Career Lattice step so you can see their training before you interview them.

VPK licenses

Starting July 1, 2028, school districts and charter schools must staff VPK and School Readiness Plus classrooms with teachers who hold a Minnesota early childhood or pre-K license, though teachers with at least 5 years in a qualifying program before September 1, 2028 are exempt. If you partner with a district, check your contract. Licensed teachers will be in short supply, and we’re already searching for them.

18,955 child care staff

Minnesota has the 17th-largest child care center workforce in the country.

1,254 child care centers

Private centers with paid staff across the state.

$33,179 average pay

Average annual pay per child care employee in 2025, including part-time staff (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Toddlers playing with musical instruments at a table

Minnesota FAQs

What schools in Minnesota ask us most.

WHAT ROLES DO YOU RECRUIT IN MINNESOTA?

We recruit for every role in Minnesota centers, from lead and assistant teachers and floaters to cooks, assistant directors and center directors. Every hire is a permanent placement on your payroll.

WHERE IN MINNESOTA DO YOU RECRUIT?

Anywhere in the state. Recent searches have included Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Edina, Minnetonka, Eagan, Plymouth, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Ramsey, Prior Lake and Lake Elmo.

WHAT DO TEACHERS AND DIRECTORS EARN IN MINNESOTA?

On roles we have recruited for in Minnesota, posted teacher pay has ranged from about $15 to $28 an hour, and center director pay from $55,000 to $75,000 a year. Pay depends on the role, credentials and the school.

WHAT DOES A CENTER DIRECTOR NEED IN MINNESOTA?

Directors need a high school diploma or GED, 1,040 hours of supervision experience and 9 quarter credits or 90 hours of training. A new law effective July 1, 2027 raises the minimum age to 21 and adds coursework or credential rules. See the full Minnesota director rules.

WHAT DOES A LEAD TEACHER NEED IN MINNESOTA?

Lead teachers must be 18 and meet one of 9 education and experience options, such as a CDA plus 1,560 hours or a Minnesota prekindergarten license. See the full Minnesota teacher rules.

WHAT ARE THE STAFF-TO-CHILD RATIOS IN MINNESOTA?

Under Minn. R. 9503.0040, ratios are (max group size in parentheses): infants 6 weeks to 16 months 1:4 (8); toddlers 16 to 33 months 1:7 (14); preschoolers 33 months to kindergarten 1:10 (20); school age 1:15 (30). The youngest child sets the ratio, and the first staff member in each room must be a qualified teacher.

WHAT IS PARENT AWARE IN MINNESOTA?

Parent Aware, run by DCYF, rates programs One to Four Stars. It is voluntary, and since July 2026 licensed programs get One Star automatically. Two to Four Star programs earn higher CCAP subsidy rates and can accept Early Learning Scholarships.

HOW FAST CAN YOU START?

We contact you within 24 hours of your request, and our sourcing team starts after a short intake call. Book a call to talk through your open roles.

Our process

We can help and this is how

We handle the search so you can run your school. From single classrooms to multi-site networks, we find the people who fit.

2. Sourcing
Our Sourcing Team finds educators who match your needs through resume reviews and outreach, saving you time.
4. Submittal
We provide recruiter notes and educator resumes so you can review the candidates who best match your needs.
1. Intake Call
We learn about the school’s openings, required qualifications, hard and soft skills, preferences, and culture.
3. Review & Screen
Our Recruiters conduct initial phone screenings with the educators who meet your criteria.
5. Interview Coordination
Our Account Managers arrange virtual or in-person interviews with your selected educators.

Find the right people now

Schedule a consultation and we will show you how to fill your open roles with passionate educators.