For working parents, choosing a safe and reliable childcare provider is one of the most important—and costly—decisions they’ll make. But for one Minnesota family, that trust was shattered when they discovered their daycare had been operating without a license.
According to WCCO, while rare, such cases do occur. Over the past five years, residential childcare providers in Minnesota have faced 23 criminal charges for operating without a license. The latest case involves Lisa Zahn, who ran The Nest in Maple Grove.
Emma and Micah Schedler, parents of two young children, say they were referred to Zahn’s in-home daycare by a trusted coworker.
“Jax is now 5. Ayla is 3 and a half. They’re awesome,” said Micah Schedler.
“Coming from a center, we thought an in-home daycare would offer a smaller setting, more affordable care, and more individual attention,” added Emma Schedler.
The Schedlers’ children attended The Nest for nearly two years before it suddenly closed. They were told it was due to health issues—but soon learned the real reason.
“I just remember that sinking feeling like, ‘We’ve been had,’” Micah said. “It was really hard.”
Maple Grove police launched an investigation that revealed Zahn was operating a large-scale, unlicensed daycare. The criminal complaint states that Zahn claimed she was “homeschooling” and caring for relatives’ children, but investigators found 18 children, ages infant to five, in her care. Zahn also admitted she had been running daycare operations for 27 years without ever applying for a state license.
Randy Keys, inspector general for the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families, explained that licensing is crucial to ensure child safety.
“We license child care programs primarily to ensure the health and safety of children,” Keys said. “Without that process, parents can’t be sure the provider has the necessary training, qualifications, and safe environment.”
The Schedlers say they have since learned valuable lessons about due diligence.
“Our hope in sharing this is that other families can be more mindful,” said Emma. “Do your research and check for a license before enrolling your child.”
WCCO reached out to Zahn’s attorney, who declined to comment. The Schedlers have also filed a civil lawsuit seeking repayment for services they say were never provided. The case heads to court in late November.
The application fee for a Minnesota childcare license is $500, and once all requirements are met, the state must approve or deny the application within 90 days.
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