Resources for programs taking the Full-Rating Pathway. The forms, samples, policies, and resources below help licensed family child care and center-based programs taking the Full-Rating Pathway. Contact your Quality Coach if you have any questions about the Rating process or these forms. If you haven’t joined Parent Aware and don’t have a Coach, go to…

Resources for programs choosing the Accelerated Pathway. These forms, samples, policies, and resources are for licensed accredited child care and public school-based prekindergarten programs that meet Minnesota Statutes 124D.15 earning a Rating in the Accelerated Pathway. Not sure if you should be participating in Accelerated Pathway? Read more about the Rating Pathways.   Applications There…

These websites help families connect with services in their communities. Help Me ConnectMinnesota Help Me Connect helps pregnant and parenting families with young children birth to 8 years of age connect to services in their local communities that support healthy child development and family well-being. Families can search for available services and resources close to…

Helping families find affordable, stable housing. Minnesota Housing Minnesota Housing is a state agency that provides a resource list for people who are experiencing homelessness or who need help paying for housing. It contains information on emergency assistance, public housing, and rent subsidies.   HousingLink HousingLink is a search tool to connect families with affordable housing of…

Programs helping families work toward financial stability. Children’s Defense Fund Bridge to Benefits Tool Bridge to Benefits is a resource to improve the well-being of families and individuals by linking you to eligibility information for tax credits and public benefit programs.   Diversionary Work Program (DWP) When families first apply for cash assistance, they typically start…

It’s important to pick a program setting that best fits you and your child. When searching for child care on the Parent Aware website, you can filter programs by three broad categories: centers and preschools, family child care, and Head Start. School-age care programs may appear in either the centers and preschools or family child…

Financial aid to help families pay for child care. The cost of child care depends on your child’s age, type of program, and program’s location. Financial aid programs may help you pay for child care in Minnesota. These include the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), and Early Learning Scholarships. You can call 888.291.9811 for help.…

Parent Aware, Minnesota’s Quality Rating and Improvement System, offers tools and resources to help: Families find quality child care and early education Programs improve their practices Children benefit from care and education that will prepare them for school and life. We believe that… Every child has unique gifts and abilities to celebrate and nurture All…

Here are important questions to consider as you navigate the Rating process. Is Your Program Eligible? Are you a family child care provider? A director at a child care center? Is your program accredited? Many different programs can get a Parent Aware Rating, but there are different Rating Eligibility requirements based on your program type,…

Resources for Families For resources and services for families with young children, visit Help Me Connect. Help Me Connect Finding Care Finding Child Care: A Guide for Families You know your child. We know child care and early learning. Use this guide to help you find the right place for your child.Finding Child Care: A…