Resources

Owning or operating a licensed child care program is the key to accessing resources that support your success. You may be eligible for free or low-cost support provided by our partners.

For more information about available local supports, reach out to a Navigator.

Child playing with a teacher in a classroom

Parent Aware

When you volunteer to participate in Parent Aware, you go above and beyond basic health and safety requirements and use best practices to support child development. There is no cost to join Parent Aware.

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Empower to Educate

With funding from the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Empower to Educate helps current and aspiring early childhood educators advance and sustain their career goals in child care.

Teacher interacts with a child in a classroom

REETAIN Bonuses

REETAIN Bonuses help supplement income for early childhood educators as they work to establish a career in the field. REETAIN Bonuses can be used for program supplies, professional development, or personal expenses.

Child and teacher play an alphabet game together

T.E.A.C.H. Scholarships

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® MINNESOTA is a scholarship program that helps early childhood and school-age care providers increase their levels of education, compensation and commitment to the field by earning college credits and degrees.

Child sits at a table and pours milk into a cup

Food Program Resources

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) reimburses family child care homes and child care centers for a maximum of two meals and one snack, or one meal and two snacks per day per child 12 years of age or younger. To participate, reach out to one of four sponsoring organizations, and they will help you sign up.

Children play with toys in a classroom

Child Care Services Grants

Child Care Services Grants provide funds to help cover the cost of supplies, equipment, technology, and training. Grant funds are offered annually and are awarded on a competitive basis to qualified child care programs.

Teacher interacts with children in outdoor learning

Child Care Assistance Program

The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) is a state government program administered by local county or tribal governments that provides financial assistance to help families pay for child care.

Educator helps children choose toys from a bin

First Children's Finance

First Children’s Finance provides business development services to child care programs, including business training, coaching, consultation, technical assistance, and low-interest financing.

Teacher leads a lesson in a classroom

Center for Inclusive Child Care

The Center for Inclusive Child Care offers free relationship-based support, training, modeling, and resources to child care programs throughout Minnesota. They offer coaching focused on inclusion of children with special needs, health and safety best practices and supporting the unique needs of infants and toddlers.

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MnAEYC

The Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children (MnAEYC) promotes quality in early care and education programs and supports the leadership and development of early care and education professionals by focusing on Professional Development, Program Improvement, and Policy & Advocacy. Members network with one another, support each other, and learn together, while they grow as professionals.

Wayfinder Great Start Compensation

Great Start Compensation Support Payment Program

In May 2023, the Minnesota Legislature created the Great Start Compensation Support Payment Program. Building off the Child Care Stabilization Grant Program, this program issues monthly payments to eligible child care providers to fund increases in compensation and benefits for early educators.