Childcare and Parenting

Support for parents and childcare services in Minnesota

Childcare

Finding childcare

• Search for licensed childcare providers
• Parent Aware quality ratings
• Types of childcare explained
• Questions to ask providers

Paying for childcare

• Child Care Assistance Program
• Early Learning Scholarships
• Head Start programs
• Tax credits for childcare

Childcare providers

• Become a licensed provider
• Training and professional development
• Grants for providers
• Health and safety requirements

Parenting support

New parents

• Newborn screening
• Breastfeeding support
• Home visiting programs
• Parental leave rights

Early childhood

• Early childhood screening
• Developmental milestones
• Early intervention services
• Voluntary Pre-K programs

School-age children

• Before and after school care
• Summer programs
• Youth activities and camps
• School enrollment

Family resources

Parenting education

• Parenting classes
• Online parenting resources
• Support groups
• Family literacy programs

Special needs support

• Special education services
• Respite care
• Adaptive recreation
• Medical assistance for children

Teen parents

• Teen parent programs
• Education support
• Childcare assistance
• Housing resources

Health and safety

Child health

• Immunization requirements
• Well-child visits
• Children’s health insurance
• Mental health services

Child safety

• Car seat safety
• Safe sleep guidelines
• Childproofing resources
• Internet safety

Financial support

Programs for families

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
• Free and reduced lunch
• Child support services
• Tax benefits for families

Emergency support

Crisis resources

• 24/7 Parent Helpline: 1-800-632-8188
• Emergency childcare
• Family crisis shelters
• Food assistance