Families

Child Care Question of the Month

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.

Links to sections of this page:

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 .

Mealtimes Made Healthy

This course is geared toward anyone caring for children.

Chat Sessions:  Thursdays from 8:00-8:45 p.m. CST, October 30 and November 6, 12, and 20 2008.

This course will introduce the principles of healthy meal planning.  Topics include menu development, basic nutrition, serving sizes for various age groups, special diets, recipes and mealtime environments.  Participants will build a meal plan throughout the course that will include recipes and meals that are nourishing, appealing, tasty, and kid-friendly. 

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

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