Reviewing licensing or certification information is one way to find out if a licensed or certified child care center is meeting health and safety requirements The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) lists details about each licensed and certified child care program on its website. Families may access a program’s licensing or certification record by…

Your guide to training requirements at each Star-Level in the Full-Rating Pathway. Lead teachers and providers need to have the appropriate hours of training, coaching, consultation, or mentoring in the Knowledge and Competency Framework (KCF) content areas outlined below. Requirements are listed by Star-Level. A current, age-appropriate Minnesota teaching license, initial Child Development Associate® Credential™ earned…

Parent Aware Standards and Indicators for participating child care providers were last updated in 2016. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) is beginning work to update the Standards and Indicators again, with the new changes to be announced in 2025. Here’s a list of frequent questions we’ve received about the plan for updates. If…

The Accelerated Pathway for Public School Prekindergarten programs. An Accelerated Pathway Rating is available to all eligible public school prekindergarten programs that meet Minnesota statutes 124D.15 program and supervision requirements. All sites that would like to be considered for a Rating under the Accelerated Pathway must meet the requirements, including extended day or wrap-around child care…

Answers to common questions about the Accelerated Pathway. What is the Accelerated Pathway? The Accelerated Pathway allows licensed accredited child care, public school-based prekindergarten programs, and license-exempt charter school early learning programs officially recognized by the Minnesota Department of Education to use a streamlined process to earn a Four-Star Rating. This option is available because…

Learn about best practices for each Star-Level in the Full-Rating Pathway. These are the kindergarten-readiness best practices, also known as Standards and Indicators, that must be demonstrated to receive each Star Rating. Lead Providers and Lead Teachers must also meet the required number of approved training hours every five years. Programs should talk with their…

If you are logging in to the Update Tool for the first time, or are experiencing problems with logging in, please reach out to InformationServices@parentaware.org or call 888.291.9811 for log-in assistance. Activate Your Account If you have never used the Program Update Tool or haven’t updated your information since March 2022, you’ll need to activate…

Programs earn accreditation through a number of national organizations Like a Parent Aware Rating, being accredited demonstrates a program’s commitment to providing quality care and education for children. Parent Aware Ratings help families identify child care and early education programs that are going beyond health and safety standards to prepare children for school and life.…

How do I remain eligible for the Accelerated Pathway? Maintain an active license in good standing with a tribal government or the Minnesota Department of Human Services with none of the following licensing violations: conditional license, suspension, temporary immediate suspension, revocation, or facility-responsible maltreatment finding within the last year. Maintain a current accreditation through an…

What do I need to do to maintain my program’s Rating? Have an active license with the Minnesota Department of Human Services with none of the following licensing violations: conditional license, suspension, temporary immediate suspension, revocation, or facility-responsible maltreatment determination within the last year. Or, for tribal programs, an active license in good standing with…