Families

Looking for child care can be difficult and is one of the most important decisions a family will make. Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agencies are committed to helping families find child care that best meets their needs.

Child Care Tax Credit Information for Families (Español—Hmoob) (PDF)

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Choosing Quality Child Care

Choosing care for your child while you are at work or school is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent. Early experiences last a lifetime. Because 90 percent of a child's brain develops by age five, the quality of care a child receives from babyhood through preschool can make a big difference. School-age children continue to need quality care. Our parent checklist has been designed to help you make informed child care choices and understand the care options that best fit your needs.

We've published the checklist online, along with an e-brochure with graphics, a printable version and the PDF brochure.

The parent checklist items listed in the guide are based on research about what is important in order for children to be protected and well cared for in a group child care setting.

Local CCR&R Agencies

Local CCR&R agencies maintain a state-of –the-art database of child care programs and providers across Minnesota. They help families take the guesswork out of choosing care by providing referrals, information on state licensing requirements, availability of child care subsidies, and other pertinent information.

CCR&Rs provide this personalized guidance by phone, in person, and over the Internet. They work cooperatively with all types of child care programs/providers, and do not discriminate in referrals based on race, sex, age, or national origin.

The quality of programs or providers may vary. CCR&Rs make it easier for families to select a child care program or provider based on what is important to the individual family.

Call the Statewide Hotline at 1-888-291-9811 or use this map to be directed to your local CCR&R. Services are available in English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish.

To view other community resources nationwide please visit the Child Care Aware Web site: Child Care Aware

Classes for Parents

Parents today are busier and more Internet-savvy than ever. Eager-to-Learn is an Internet-based learning program for people who care for young children. Through our online, interactive classes, explore opportunities for parents to learn new information and resources, as well as share their knowledge and experiences with other parents—all from the warmth of their own home.

Topics offered through Eager-to-Learn .

Children with Sensory Processing Disorder: Challenges and Strategies
Chat Sessions: Mondays from 7:00-7:45 p.m. CST March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2010
This course will examine Sensory Integration Dysfunction as it impacts young children.  SID often results in challenges both for children and for their child care providers.  We will examine strategies for successful inclusion and resources for parents and educators.  This course includes tools and tips for helping you meet the needs of a child with SID. 
Instructor: Cindy Croft
CDA Content Area 8
Core Competency Area IV

Sign Language with Young Children
Chat sessions: Thursdays from 8:00-8:45 p.m. CST March 18, 25 and April 1, 8 and 15, 2010
This course builds upon Intro to Sign Language with Young Children. You will review the benefits and process of teaching sign language, discover how to create learning opportunities in daily activities including songs, books, and fingerplays, as well as practice numerous signs during themed lessons.
Instructor: Dawn Braa
Content Area 8
Core Competency Area V

Nature – Are Kids Getting Enough?
Chat Sessions: Thursdays 8:00-8:45 p.m. CST April 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2010
According to a growing number of researchers, millions of children across the country are suffering from Nature Deficit Disorder. How can we as care givers get children the time they need in the natural world? This course will examine history alongside the current research and participants will take-away a sense of how and why we should get kids back into nature.
Instructor:  Kim Woehl
CDA Content Area 2
Core Competency Area IV

Power of Play
Chat Sessions: Thursdays from 8:00-8:45 p.m. CST May  20, 27 and June 3, 10 17 2010
This course examines how play fosters positive social, emotional, and cognitive development in children and explores how current brain research informs the play experiences children need. Learners will examine types and styles of children’s play and games and explore strategies that maximize potential for social skill development during organized group play.
Instructor: Joshua Koepp
CDA Content Area 8
Core Competency Area IV

For more information, visit the Eager-to-Learn Web site.

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