Starting a Child Care Center
Open and Operate Your Child Care Program
Once your program is ready to open, you may need help with marketing. You may also qualify for grants and be interested in becoming Parent Aware Rated.
The Child Care Aware of Minnesota Program Update Tool is a fast and easy way to update your child care business information so that parents searching for care on ParentAware.org can learn about your program. In just a few short minutes, you can update your hours of operation, ages served, and rate information. You can also promote your current openings by age group.
Marketing to Families
Letting families know about your program is important. There are low-cost courses on Develop that can help you develop marketing skills. (Type “marketing” into the search box to find courses.) Additional marketing support is available to programs participating in Parent Aware.
Ongoing Support
Learn more about grant and scholarship programs offered to family child care programs through Child Care Aware of Minnesota. These include grants to help your program, and bonuses and scholarships to help you.
Parent Aware Rating
Parent Aware helps child care and early education programs enhance their quality, supports them with tools and resources, and celebrates their commitment to using quality practices. All licensed programs have the option to receive a One-Star Parent Aware Rating. Programs can choose to pursue a higher Rating and receive grants and coaching support. All Rated programs can accept Early Learning Scholarships and Three- and Four-Star Rated programs receive higher Child Care Assistance Program reimbursements. There is no cost to participate in Parent Aware.