Child Care Resource & Referral Services (CCR&Rs)
Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) programs across the state are charged with four main functions:
- Supporting parental choice with information and education
- Compiling, analyzing and disseminating data about child care supply and demand
- Expanding and strengthening the child care delivery system
- Building community through partnership coordination and collaboration
Background
The CCR&R system strives to be proactive in achieving its mission. Over the past few years, a new way of delivering CCR&R services has been developed and put into action. The drive for these changes came from:
- The results of a 1998 evaluation in which CCR&R programs and the community surveyed agreed that changes needed to take place to better serve families and children.
- The desire to ensure efficient and effective allocation of financial, human and physical resources.
- The need to identify and overcome challenging and diverse barriers to the CCR&R mission.
- The desire to sustain effective communications and connections.
Process
The process used to create a new pattern of service delivery was inclusive of all CCR&R staff. In order to maximize resources and the delivery of services, the CCR&R agencies were guided by a consultant through the following steps:
- Assessment of the current CCR&R system
- Generating options for a new structure and pattern of service delivery
- Development of a preferred option of the delivery of services
- Planning for the July 1, 2004 implementation of the new CCR&R structure
The Department of Human Services has been involved in the process. They have approved the recommendation from the MN CCR&R Network Board to move forward with the new model of service delivery. (This recommendation was based on a majority vote by all of the CCR&R sites.)
The New System
The new structure of the CCR&R system includes:
- 19 local CCR&R agencies providing baseline services such as provider recruitment and retention; partnerships and collaborations; and working with community members and advisory committees. These services will be provided to their current geographical services areas. (See attached chart-New System Chart)
- Six (6) geographic service districts providing scale services such as training coordination; referral to parents looking for child care; data collection; technical assistance to public and private enterprises, information and resources to communities, and work with advisory committees to administer grants. These services would be provided to extend to 2 or more local CCR&R service areas
- One tribal service district providing statewide services to Minnesota's eleven (11) tribes. (See attached chart-New System Chart)
- State services such as development of programs; translations of materials; and compiling and analyzing child care data. These services will be provided by DHS, MN CCR&R Network, Early Childhood Resource and Training Center (ECRTC) to all CCR&R programs.
Key Messages of This Process
- This system began July 1, 2004. The goal was to ensure uninterrupted service and address challenges along the way.
- Current CCR&R structure will remain the same through June 30, 2004.
- The process was pro-actively initiated by CCR&R to develop efficient and effective services for children and families in their communities.
- The impact of the budget cuts reinforced the need to continue with the process.
- CCR&R programs are committed to the success of the system and raising the quality of services provided. An evaluation of the new system will be implemented.
- If you have questions, please contact your local CCR&R. Find your local CCR&R
The Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network is a member of the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies and is funded in part by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. |
To connect to your local Resource and Referral agency: 1-888-291-9811 Minnesota Child Care Resource & Referral Network Email: info@mnchildcare.org © 2008 Minnesota Child Care Resource & Referral Network
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