Intermediary Training Module

Helping Parents and Families Find Child Care

ParentAware.org | 888.291.9811

Helping Parents and Families Find Child Care

About Parent Aware
Your Role In The Child Care Search
Child Care and Early Education
Play A Vital Role In Child Development
Financial Support Is Available
Types Of Care And Education
Tools For Parents
About Parent Aware Star Ratings
Using The Parent Aware Search Tool
Care for Children With Specific Needs
Language Access For Parents
If A Parent Can’t Find Care
Additional Support

About Parent Aware

Parent Aware offers free tools and resources to help parents and families find the child care and early education programs their children need to succeed in school and life. Our free search tool offers the most accurate information available on more than 12,000 licensed child care and early education programs in the state.

Your Role in the Child Care Search

We believe parents are the experts when it comes to their children. However, the search for child care can be stressful. As a trusted partner, you are in a position to help guide parents through the process of finding the child care that will support their child’s growth and development.

When the process is slowed down, and when parents are given adequate time and the proper tools, they’re more able to find and select quality child care and early education programs that fit their family’s needs.

Child Care and Early Education Play A Vital Role In Child Development

Most parents base their child care decision on cost and schedule. These are necessary factors to consider. Equally important is to find child care options that support the healthy growth and development of children and build on the strengths of a child’s family and culture.

Early childhood experiences play a large role in how a child’s brain develops. Healthy brain development during a child’s early years creates stepping stones for educational success and physical and emotional health.

Parent Aware Ratings are based on demonstrated use of research-based practices that prepare children for school and life. It’s important that parents and families have the time and tools they need to choose providers who understand the importance of early childhood development.

Provider Testimonials

Financial Support is Available

Financial aid and tax credits and refunds can help the parents and families you work with pay for child care. Before they search for child care and early education programs, we recommend they check to see if their family qualifies for financial assistance.

A good starting point to help parents determine their eligibility is the Bridge to Benefit’s free financial aid screening tool. Parents can also use the Paying for Care Checklist as a financial aid guide.

Free help filing tax returns is also available in many communities

Financial Support is Available

There are several programs that can help make child care more affordable.

Click on each box for more information.

Financial Aid Programs

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

Who

Families may be eligible to receive CCAP benefits if:

They have a low income. This includes families currently or recently in the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) and those who have never received cash assistance.
They have children age 12 and younger or children with special needs who are ages 13 and 14 that need child care.
They need help paying for child care to work, look for work, or attend school or training.

What

This program pays a portion of families’ child care costs to the family’s child care provider. Families are responsible for the rest of the cost. Families must use a licensed provider, or a legal, unlicensed provider that is authorized to accept CCAP. There may be a waiting list for assistance in some counties. However, parents should still get on those waiting lists, because they can move fast.

How

A good starting point to help parents determine their eligibility is the Bridge to Benefit’s free financial aid screening tool. This easy to use, online tool can help determine eligibility for the CCAP program. You can also help families fill out the application from the site, which also contains a detailed list of questions and answers. Families must submit the application to their local tribal or county human services office. Once they apply for CCAP, a child care worker will officially determine their eligibility and help them understand the program. For more information about the Child Care Assistance Program, visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services’ Child Care Assistance page.

Early Learning Scholarships

Who

For families meeting income eligibility requirements and who have a child between the ages of 3 and 4 — and in some cases children younger than 3 — who choose a program with a Parent Aware Rating or one that will earn a Rating within six months.

What

Available statewide, scholarships help families afford high-quality child care and early education programs. Families can receive up to $7,500 per scholarship annually when parents choose a qualifying program.

How

For more information, call Parent Aware at 888.291.9811, contact your local scholarship administrator, or visit the Early Learning Scholarships page on the Minnesota Department of Education website.

Tax Relief Programs

Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)

Who

Family members whose employers offer a Dependent Care Assistance Plan. This plan is sometimes called a Flexible Spending Account or a Pre-Tax Dollars Account.

What

Family members whose employers offer a Dependent Care Assistance Plan. This plan is sometimes called a Flexible Spending Account or a Pre-Tax Dollars Account.

How

Family members ask their employers’ human resources departments if they offer a Dependent Care Assistance Plan and how to enroll.

Child and Dependent Care Credit

Who

Families who pay child care expenses and qualify for the federal child and dependent care credit. Families must have earned income for the year. Even families that don’t pay any taxes may qualify for a refund of the state credit, but they must file tax returns.

What

The Child and Dependent Care Credit is both a federal and state credit that is available if filers paid for someone to care for their child or other household services. The care or services must be needed in order for them to work or look for work. Taxpayers earning less than $64,230 with one qualifying person or $76,230 with two or more qualifying persons are generally eligible for these credits.

At the federal level, the Child and Dependent Care Credit gives qualifying parents 20-35% of up to $3,000 of child care for one dependent, and up to $6,000 of expenses for two or more dependents. The Minnesota credit is limited to the amount of the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit.^**

^**Based on 2019 tax year; be sure to review current eligibility requirements

How

Families apply for tax credits on their annual Minnesota and Federal tax returns. The credits reduce the amount of tax owed. The Minnesota credit may also increase the amount of a refund, depending on the family’s situation. For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s Child Care and Dependent Care Credit page or call 800.652.9094.

From February 1 through April 15, trained volunteers are available at sites around Minnesota to help families with their tax preparation. For more information and to see if families qualify for help, call 800.657.3989 or visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s Free Tax Preparation Help page.

Federal Earned Income Credit and the Minnesota Working Family Credit

Who

Families that file Minnesota and Federal tax returns. Even families that don’t pay any taxes may qualify, but they must file tax returns.

What

The Earned Income Credit is a special credit for working families with low incomes that reduces the amount of federal tax that they owe, if they owe any tax. The credit is subtracted from the amount of tax owed, so families pay less tax or get money back from the government. Families must meet certain eligibility requirements to claim the credit.

Taxpayers who qualify for the federal Earned Income Credit also qualify for the Minnesota Working Family Credit. Taxpayers earning up to $41,500 ($47,300 if married) with one child, $47,600 ($53,500 if married) with two children, or $51,200 ($57,000 if married) with three or more children are generally eligible for these credits.**

^**Based on 2019 tax year; be sure to review current eligibility requirements

How

Families apply for tax credits on their annual Minnesota and Federal tax returns. The credits reduce the amount of tax owed or increase the amount of a refund, depending on the family’s situation. For more information, visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s Working Family Credit page or call 800.652.9094.

Click on a box to view details.

Tools For Parents

The search for child care can be stressful for parents. We encourage you to visit the Parent Aware website with the families you work with. There, you’ll find the following resources:

“Finding Child Care: A Guide for Families,” which helps parents learn more about what best practices in early care and education look like.

Parent Aware's free search tool, which offers the most accurate information on more than 12,000 licensed child care and early education programs in the state.

DHS Licensing Information Lookup, which gives families access to a child care and/or early education program’s licensing record.

Types Of Care And Education

When searching Parent Aware online, parents can filter child care and early education 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 care categories.

Some types of programs are not included in the search results. They are listed here as other types of care. Most of these programs are not legally required to meet licensing health and safety standards. They are not eligible for a Parent Aware Star Rating.

Types Of Care And Education

Centers and Preschools

Child Care Centers and Private Preschools

These programs are licensed and monitored by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) or tribal human services agency. They provide care and education for children in age-based groups, either full-time or part-time. These programs are often in free-standing buildings, businesses, community centers, or places of worship.

Public School Prekindergarten Programs

Public schools, including charter schools, may offer many program options, including early childhood education, extended day, family literacy, and school readiness programs. In-school or school readiness programs are administered by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). They are license-exempt, meaning they can provide care without having a license. License-exempt programs can become certified by meeting health and safety standards, which allows the programs to serve families that receive child care assistance.

School-Age Care Programs

School-age care programs care for children in kindergarten through sixth grade. They can be offered in a provider’s home or in a building, like a school, community center, YMCA/YWCA, or parks and recreation program. These programs may be licensed or license-exempt, depending on the setting. License-exempt school-age programs can become certified by meeting health and safety standards, which allows the programs to serve families that receive child care assistance.

Family Child Care

Family Child Care Programs

Family child care programs are licensed and monitored by the county or tribal licensing agency. Family child care providers may care for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children in their homes. Some family child care programs are also provided in commercial spaces or places of worship. Many family child care professionals offer planned play and scheduled activities that help children learn.

Head Start

Early Head Start (Prenatal to Age 3)
and Head Start (3 to 5-year-olds)

Early Head Start, Head Start and their child care partners serve young children from low-income families. Programs may be based in centers, schools, or family child care homes. These programs have comprehensive services that support the mental, social, and emotional development of children from prenatal to age 5. In addition, programs provide early childhood classes and health and social services.

Program services are responsive to each child and family ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage. Early Head Start and Head Start encourages the role of parents as their child’s first and most important teachers. Programs build relationships with families that support positive parent-child relationships, family well-being, and connections to peers and community.

Other Types of Care

Drop-In Programs

This is short-term care provided for a few hours at a time. It is usually offered in shopping malls or community centers.

Family, Friends, or Neighbors

Provider cares only for related children or children from no more than one unrelated family.

Legal Non-Licensed Providers

Family, friends, or neighbor care providers who register with the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) are referred to as legal non-licensed providers. Legal non-licensed providers who are reimbursed for child care costs by CCAP and serve at least one unrelated child are monitored annually for compliance with health and safety requirements by the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Click on a box to view details.

About Parent Aware Star Ratings

Parents and families can use Parent Aware Star Ratings to find programs using practices that prepare children for school and life. Rated programs appear at the top of search results on the Parent Aware website.

When a program participates in the Parent Aware Star Rating process, they are letting their stars shine. They volunteer for extra training and professional development to go above and beyond basic health and safety licensing requirements.

Participating programs can earn a One-, Two-, Three-, or Four-Star Rating. Parent Aware Ratings are based on demonstrated use of research-based practices that prepare children for school and life. Each Rating level builds on the previous one, helping families easily identify which practices the program is using.

Click on a colored square for more information about each Star Rating

Using The Parent Aware Search Tool

Click to play video.

Care For Children With Special Needs

Parents of children with special needs may have additional concerns and considerations in finding child care that is sensitive and respectful. These resources help families access services and child care to help their children grow and develop.

Help Me Grow

Help Me Grow’s services and programs are for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with developmental delays or disabilities, from birth to kindergarten age. Services are designed to meet the unique learning needs of each child and are free to eligible families regardless of income or immigrant status. If parents have questions about their child’s development, or if they think their child might need extra help to learn, they can visit the Help Me Grow website or call 866.693.4769.

Early Childhood Screening

Early Childhood Screening is a quick and simple way for parents to check how their 3- to 5-year-old is growing, learning, and developing. Screenings are free and can help detect possible health or learning problems so that children can get the help they need before starting kindergarten. An Early Childhood Screening, or a similar health and developmental screening, is required for children to enter kindergarten in Minnesota public schools. For more information or to schedule an appointment, parents can contact their local school district, call the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) at 651.582.8412, or search MDE’s online directory.

Follow Along Program

The free Follow Along Program is available to families with children between birth and 3 years of age in most Minnesota counties. Families can receive age-appropriate developmental and social-emotional screening tools every 4-6 months and fun activities to help support their child’s development. Families are connected to additional community resources when appropriate, including referrals to Help Me Grow and early childhood mental health providers when concerns are identified. Families can enroll online or by calling 800.728.5420.

Center for Inclusive
Child Care (CICC)

The Center for Inclusive Child Care is a resource network supporting inclusive care for young children and their caregivers. CICC provides coaching to early care and education professionals to successfully include children with unique needs or challenging behaviors to prevent expulsion. They also work to implement health and safety best practices and improve the quality of care for infants and toddlers. Parents can learn more by visiting CICC’s website or calling 651.641.8339.

PACER Center

PACER Center is a parent training and information center for families of children with disabilities. Located in Minneapolis, it serves families across the nation, as well as those in Minnesota. Parents can find publications, workshops, and other resources to help make decisions about education, vocational training, employment, and other services for their children.

Click on each box for more information.

Language Access For Parents

The Parent Aware website and search tool can be accessed in English, Hmong, Somali and Spanish.

The Finding Child Care: A Guide for Families can be printed in English and Spanish and is also available online in English, Spanish, Hmong and Somali.

Parents looking for programs that are bi-lingual or operate in languages other than English can find language information in a program’s ParentAware.org listing.

Our Child Care Information Specialists are also available for conference calls with you and the families you work with in cases where your translation help is needed. They can be reached at 888.291.9811 or via the online chat function on the Parent Aware website.

If A Parent Can’t Find Care

Finding high-quality, affordable child care is difficult in many communities due to shortages.

You can help families problem solve other child care arrangements while they wait for their situation to change:

Encourage them to look at different locations. Maybe there are options along a different route to work.
Encourage them to ask others in their community who have recently searched for child care for their advice.
Encourage them to get on waiting lists at every program they are interested in.

In addition, Parent Aware has many free and low-cost tools and training materials available to help family, friends or neighbors care for children.

Additional Support

If you or a parent needs additional support finding a child care or early education program, our Child Care Information Specialists are available to help.

Parents can contact them at 888.291.9811 or via the online chat function on the Parent Aware website. Support is available Monday through Friday.

If a parent doesn’t feel comfortable reaching out directly, we encourage and welcome you to reach out to our Child Care Information Specialists on their behalf.

We are here to help!

ParentAware.org | 888.291.9811

Intermediary Training Module

Helping Parents and Families Find Child Care

Helping Parents and Families Find Child Care

Contents

About Parent Aware

Your Role in the Child Care Search

Child Care and Early Education Play A Vital Role In Child Development

Provider Testimonials

Provider Testimonials

Financial Support is Available

Financial Support is Available

Financial Aid Programs

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

Early Learning Scholarships

Tax Relief Programs

Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)

Child and Dependent Care Credit

Federal Earned Income Credit and the Minnesota Working Family Credit

Tools For Parents

Types Of Care And Education

Types Of Care And Education

Centers and Preschools

Family Child Care

Head Start

Other Types of Care

About Parent Aware Star Ratings

Using The Parent Aware Search Tool

Care For Children With Special Needs

Help Me Grow

Early Childhood Screening

Follow Along Program

Center for InclusiveChild Care (CICC)

PACER Center

Language Access For Parents

If A Parent Can’t Find Care

Additional Support

Website Feedback

Center for Inclusive
Child Care (CICC)