Contact Us
Find the right people and upcoming events to learn more about getting a Rating.
Are you a Licensed Child Care Center or Family Child Care?
Please select a county to find your contact.
Are you a Head Start, Public School Pre-Kindergarten, or Licensed Accredited Child Care Program?
You may be eligible for an Accelerated Pathway to Rating.
Metro
Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington.
Tanisha Lungelow
Metro District Recruiter
I have always had a passion for helping people, which is why I worked in health care for over 18 years helping educate patients from a variety of diverse backgrounds and cultures. I switched career paths to early childhood education so that I could help educate children in their early years. Now I help the adults who care for children by sharing information about Parent Aware and resources that would benefit their business and show families that they are willing to go above and beyond the basic health and safety standards for their community’s children.
or call 651.233.2297
Northeast
Aitkin, Chisago, Carlton, Cass, Cook, Crow Wing, Isanti, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, St. Louis, Todd, and Wadena.
Tara Hallberg
Northeast District Recruiter
Tara Hallberg is the Parent Aware Recruiter for the Northeast District based out of Pine Technical and Community College. She loves supporting providers who dedicate themselves to ensuring the next generation is prepared to succeed and she believes there is no greater job than educating. Tara has worked in the early education field for over 25 years, largely focused in child care center leadership.
call 320.318.1855
Northwest
Becker, Beltrami, Clay, Clearwater, Douglas, Grant, Hubbard, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Polk, Pope, Red Lake, Roseau, Stevens, and Traverse.
Alicia Bauman
Northwest District Parent Aware Recruiter
I received my bachelor’s degree in Journalism from North Dakota State University, with a double minor in Business Administration and Public Relations/Advertising. I’ve held various roles within the newspaper industry and most recently was a family child care provider for six years. There was nothing better than being able to be home with my two children in their early years. Shortly after becoming licensed, I joined Parent Aware. Without the program’s support, I wouldn’t have been able to access the resources to provide the best early childhood experiences for the kids in my home-based setting.
As a Recruiter for the Northwest District, I hope to be relatable to providers, as I have been there. I understand the day-to-day joys, struggles, and responsibilities a provider is called to do. I hope to assist you with finding the right resources and support to help your program shine and be the best it can be!
call 218.979.0783
Southern
Blue Earth, Brown, Dodge, Faribault, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, LeSueur, Martin, Mower, Nicollet, Olmsted, Rice, Sibley, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, Watonwan, and Winona.
Allison Pudlitzke
Southern District Recruiter
Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be in a role that helps others. Inspired by my desire to understand the human experience, I got my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Winona State University. During my time at WSU, I discovered my passion for mental health awareness and child development. After graduating, I worked as a Behavioral Therapist for young children with Autism and other developmental disabilities. This role showed me how essential access to quality support systems is for the development of children, their families, and their care providers.
When I discovered the Parent Aware Recruiter role, I was happy to find an organization with the same values and passions as myself. I take great pride in knowing that I’m helping providers give the quality services. I am more than happy to be a contact for anyone who is looking for more information about Parent Aware, parent or provider!
call 507.287.2020 (x1404)
West / Central
Benton, Big Stone, Chippewa, Cottonwood, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Lincoln, Lyon, McLeod, Meeker, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Redwood, Renville, Rock, Sherburne, Stearns, Swift, Wright, and Yellow Medicine.
Darala Loch
West/Central Parent Aware Recruiter
I have been in the early childhood field for 25 years, earning my bachelor’s degree in Child Development from Concordia University, St. Paul. I started my early childhood career as a family child care provider, providing care in my home to for 21 years. I then became a Parent Aware Quality Coach and most recently took on the role of Parent Aware Recruiter for the West/Central District.
What I love about Parent Aware is how it aligns with my passion for all children and families to have access to high-quality care and education in the communities they live in. As a Parent Aware Recruiter, increasing this access so children are better prepared for school and life is important to me. If you are a provider wanting to know more about Parent Aware and the resources and supports available to you, I would love to help!
call 320.330.8561
Head Start and Public School Pre-Kindergarten Programs
MDE Early Learning
Accredited Child Care Programs
Nikki Lepowsky
Quality Improvement Coordinator
Immersed in the early childhood education field since 2000, I have had the opportunity to support quality for families and children in a variety of roles. I earned my bachelor of science in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota. From teaching in a classroom, leading a team of early childhood educators, or supporting quality and accreditation goals nationally, my goal has been to be purposeful and impactful for the people I serve. I provide email, phone, and in-person technical assistance to accredited child care programs pursuing a Parent Aware rating through the Accelerated and Expedited Pathways to Rating.
or call 651.290.9704 (x116)