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Quality Care and Education for Every Child
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>Return to Home Page >Resources for Child Care Providers >Grants >Grant Workshops >Other Financial Resources >Training/Education >Training Catalog >How to Register >Online Classes >MnSTREAMS >CDA >Training Catalog >News >Contact Us >Links & Other Resources    We are pleased to announce that Parents Know – the parent Website hosted by the Department of Education – has newly expanded features to include: Parent Central Join NACCRRA's Parent Central to learn about your child’s development, discover additional opportunities to get involved in your community, and find activities you can do together that promote learning and bonding. CHOOSING CHILD CARE CLASS AVAILABLE ONLINE!  Want more information, tips, and resources for choosing child care? Want to share experiences and get support from other parents? We have a convenient, affordable class for you.Eager-to-Learn is an online education program offering:  ChildCareAware.org is a non-profit initiative committed to helping parents find the best information on locating quality child care and child care resources in their community. They publish informational brochures for parents, as well as The Daily Parent 
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 Looking for Child Care?
We can help! When it comes to looking for child care, you want the best for your child. Research shows that high quality child care can have a positive impact on a child’s overall development. Finding high quality child care is very important for your child’s well-being. 1. Contact us toll free at 1-866-511-2244 for FREE individual assistance from a child care referral specialist, who will search for child care that meets your specific needs. 2. Visit our internet self-search program, a FREE online child care database. Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) makes child care referrals, not recommendations. We refer parents to licensed programs; however, some preschools and school age programs are exempt from licensing. We do not guarantee the accuracy of the information concerning any provider in our files. We do not license, endorse or recommend any particular provider, nor do we make any judgment about the quality of care given by any provider. Consequently, we urge parents to schedule visits/interviews of the child care provider and to check the provider’s references carefully before leaving a child in that provider’s care. All information received from a parent or guardian for a child care search is confidential. Parent names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, or other information regarding their children will not be shared without written consent. I have a list of child care providers...now what? Kinds of child care You have a number of options in selecting child care. There is no one "best" type of care. It depends on the needs of your child and your family. Click here to view some advantages and disadvantages of each type of care. These are generalizations and there will always be exceptions. Rely on your knowledge of your child's needs to guide you. What is high quality child care? Caregivers have training in child development Training in child development is very important. The caregiver should understand how children develop, their stages of growth and their behavior at various ages. Although specialized training is a key indicator of quality, it's best to look for a provider who has both training and experience. Group size is small Children benefit from the individual attention possible in smaller groups. State licensing rules set standards for how many children of various ages may be cared for by one adult. However, some licensed homes and centers care for fewer children or have more adults to attend to children in smaller groups. The program is focused on children's needs The high quality program is responsive to each child. Caregivers are prepared to meet children's physical, social, intellectual and emotional needs as the children grow and change. Differences among children's cultures and needs are respected and celebrated. The care is consistent Consistent care from a sensitive, responsive caregiver is the foundation for healthy development, building the child's security, confidence and a sense of well-being. The presence of a regular caregiver and minimal turnover in staff are essential elements of high quality child care. The program is accredited Accredited programs have gone above and beyond state licensing requirements. They have taken additional training and meet quality standards set by national organizations. Becoming accredited is voluntary. Click here for more information on accredited child care programs. Child to Adult Ratios In choosing child care, check the ratios of children to adults. An important indicator of high quality child care is that the number of children per adult provider is small enough so that each child receives sufficient individual attention and care. State licensing has established ratios of the number of children to adult providers that licensed providers must adhere to. Click here to see the various types of child care licenses and the ratios of children to adults. Interview child care providers As you begin the search for child care, use this parent toolkit when it comes time for:
You can also visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) licensing information lookup to access public information on child care programs licensed by DHS. Making your decision Review the information you have gathered. Call back if you have any unanswered questions. Trust your instincts. It’s okay to be a choosy parent. Ask yourself:
Paying for Child Care Average cost of child care Click here for the average rates charged by family child care providers in your county. For information on centers and preschool programs,or for more specific information by city please contact Midwest Child Care Resource & Referral at 1-866-511-2244. Financial aid for child care Visit the Child Care Financial Aid website to receive an immediate estimate of the benefits and amounts for which you qualify.
With a little planning, the transition to child care or to a new caregiver can go smoothly. Here are some ideas to help prepare you and your child for this step. Complaints Midwest Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) documents and refers complaints pertaining to licensed child care homes and child care centers according to the following two classifications: 1. Maltreatment of Minors 2. Child Care Licensing. Maltreatment complaints are directed to the appropriate child protection agency. Licensing complaints are directed to the appropriate licensing agency. Child Care Resource and Referral wants to provide the highest quality service. If you are not satisfied with the service, please call and let us know how we can improve at 1-866-511-2244 or call Marge Knudson, Director of Midwest Child Care Resource and Referral at 1-800-292-5437. Midwest Child Care Resource & Referral 7th & Washington Ave - PO Box 159 Montevideo, MN 56265 (320)269-8727 or (800)292-5437 Fax (320)269-6570 email: midwestccrr@willmarnet.com Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm CST |