Two women holding a baby in a classroom.

Child Care Aware and Parent Aware Ratings

360 Communities Child Care Aware staff provide coaching and support to Child Care Providers in Dakota, Scott and Carver Counties to help them earn Parent Aware Star Ratings.

This support improves the strengths of child care programs, with the aim of preparing children for school. Child care providers can distinguish themselves by earning up to four stars. All star-rated programs go above and beyond licensing requirements to support school readiness.

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 made possible and funded in part with a grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

“Parent Aware has helped rejuvenate the operation of my daycare. It has given me the confidence to run a well-organized program. I have been able to purchase items that I would not have been able to without the help of Parent Aware. I really enjoy my job and have a new appreciation for it since joining Parent Aware.”

Jane Newman

Parent Aware has helped me implement new ways of teaching the children such as helping me find an observation and assessment tool. I have received many opportunities to network with providers, which has been wonderful getting new and different ideas from others in the field. I have also enjoyed a wonderful partnership with my coach who has helped my program in numerous ways such as observing me with the children, sharing new ideas to implement with the children, and helping me incorporate new learning tools and toys for my program.

Melissa Enke, BA Ed., Melissa’s Munchkins Child Care

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 Navigator Karen Bratland at (888) 986-8207 Ext. 6002 or kbratland@360Communities.org.

Learn more about Child Care Aware services for:

Increasing Literacy in All Early Child Care Settings

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 ready for school.

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.

Learn more about Parent Aware on this page or by visiting their website on our resources list.

Licensed Child Care 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. We offer 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.

Program Information Sessions

Show families that your program is devoted to children’s health, safety, and best practices for early learning. Parent Aware is an opportunity to go beyond basic care certification and show families your commitment to excellence.

Child care programs that volunteer for a Star Rating receive coaching and professional development advice. They may receive program improvement funding, state early learning scholarships, and other possible incentives.

Next session:

Contact Mischelle Ulrich for information about upcoming sessions at (952) 985-4045 or mulrich@360communities.org

Other Child Care Aware Resources

Parent Aware Testimonials

Why should a child care provider earn Parent Aware Ratings? The Parent Aware Ratings help parents find the child care and preschools in their area using kindergarten readiness best practices.

Listen to home child care providers in Dakota County talk about the value of Parent Aware.

Watch 360 Communities Child Care Aware staff in action in this Parent Aware video.