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.

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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 .

What’s This Mess Called STRESS
Chat Sessions Thursdays from 7:00-7:45 CST December 2, 9 and 16 2010
Are you wanting to make changes in your personal and professional live to reduce the amount of stress in your life?  Would you like to incorporate more “play time?”  This three week course will give you the jump start needed to make the necessary changes to enhance your well being and practical tips that you can begin using immediately.

Learning to Listen, Listening to Learn
Chat Sessions: Wednesdays from 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. CST October 6, 13, 20 and 27 2010
Children’s listening habits/skills are good predictors of oral language proficiency, reading and writing skills and later school success, but good listening skills do not come naturally - they must be taught and practiced. This course will help providers improve their own listening skills and those of children by understanding the components of listening and applying strategies. Children are ready to learn to become good listeners!

Mealtimes Made Healthy
Chat Sessions:  Wednesdays from 8:00-8:45 p.m. CST December 1, 8, 15 and 22 2010
This course will introduce the principles of healthy meal planning. Topics will include menu development, basic nutrition, serving sizes for various age groups, special diets, recipes and mealtime environments.  Participants will build a meal plan that will include recipes and meals that are nourishing, appealing, tasty, and kid-friendly. 

Understanding and Supporting Children’s Friendship Skills
Chat Sessions Tuesdays from 7:30-8:15 p.m. CST November 16, 23, 30 and December 7 and 14 2010
We will learn about the intricate and fascinating processes involved in children’s friendships- how they develop from infancy through the preschool years. We will examine the characteristics of children who make friends easily, as well as those who aren’t as skilled. There will be opportunities to discuss and troubleshoot common friendship problems affecting toddlers and preschoolers. We will also explore the dynamics of bullying and how this problem can be successfully approached by parents and caregivers.

Understanding Autism and the Early Childhood Role
Chat Sessions: Mondays from 8:00-8:45 PM CST November  22, 29 and December  6, 13 and 20
In this course students will become well-versed in characteristics of children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Exploring the Invisible Disability of FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders)
Chat Sessions TBA
In this course you will examine Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders; a set of physical, behavioral and cognitive disorders seen in people who were exposed to alcohol in the womb. These disorders, including Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder, partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, affect 1 in 100 children born in our country but are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This course will explore this sometimes invisible but often devastating set of disorders and will provide strategies to increase success in the home, classroom and community!

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

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