Child Care Aware
Our staff provide coaching and support to child care providers in Dakota, Scott, and Carver Counties.
This support builds on the strengths of child care programs so children develop into successful early learners.
Child care providers can distinguish themselves by earning up to four Parent Aware stars.
Participating programs have:
- Volunteered for extra, in-depth training.
- Devoted themselves to strong, caring relationships with each child.
- Adopted the latest approaches to keeping children’s learning on track.
- Committed to daily activities and routines that help children learn.
- Placed a focus on children’s health and safety.
For more information about Parent Aware, visit parentaware.org or call (888) 291-9811.
For free help in other languages, please call (888) 291-9811.
This initiative is funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
Why this works
We work with local child care providers, family, friend and neighbor caregivers, and community organizations to promote the quality of child care settings in Dakota County.
The entire community benefits when families are able to access high quality child care. Such care helps parents work and provides the educational foundation children need to be successful early learners.
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Our Impact
Our coaches work with 250 child care providers in Dakota, Scott, and Carver counties to support the early learning for thousands of children annually.
Child Care Wayfinder
Have you thought of starting a child care program? Child Care Wayfinder can help you with that! For questions, contact Child Care Aware Start-Up and Retention Supervisor Karen Bratland at (888) 986-8207 Ext. 6002
Parent Aware Ratings
Parent Aware Star Ratings help parents discover quality child care programs.
For licensed childcare providers
360 Communities is committed to supporting child care providers. Through our Child Care Aware programs, 360 Communities:
- Provides support services for new or established child care programs.
- Offers technical assistance on many issues for providers with concerns or questions.
- Offers information on how to become a licensed child care provider.
- Helps connect providers with training and professional development resources.
- Connects child care providers to financial resources and grant opportunities.
- Provides on-site consultations to help enhance the quality of care providers by sharing the latest practices in child care and early learning.
For parents
Finding the right care for your child is critical. Parent Aware is a top resource for searching for providers and finding the care you need.
Services to parents seeking information on child care providers include:
- Supporting families in locating, choosing and maintaining quality child care for their children that best fits their needs.
- Providing information about licensing regulations and child care policies.
Use Child Care Aware’s search tool to find quality, star-rated providers in your area.
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Contact our Child Care Aware team
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