Parents

Started on the right path.

Choosing an early care and education program is the first investment parents make in their child's future. That's why more than 10,000 parents a year seek help from us in making this important decision.
For example, Sherry, a local single mom.

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For Parents and Guardians

Searching for Child Care

Think Small is a trusted resource for child care information with over thirty years of experience helping families search for care and early childhood education.

We have a database of over 5,000 licensed child care homes, centers, preschool programs, and school-age programs located in the seven-county metro area (Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Dakota, Washington, Scott, and Carver counties).

 

Finding the right care is a lot of work. Our Tools & Tips section will give you valuable information about selecting care. Our local experts, Parent Education Specialists, are also available to help. You can reach us at 651-641-0332 Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or by email. 

 

 

Three Easy Ways to Get a List and Learn More about Your Child Care Options

Call us for a customized referral at

651-641-0332  

Fill out the Request a Referral form   and we'll do the rest

CLICK HERE to use the Self-Search online database   
  • It's free.
  • You'll talk with a local Parent Education Specialist.
  • You'll receive a list of child care options based on your search criteria.
  • You'll get information to help you choose the best care for your child.
  • It's available Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

An enhanced referral is available for $80

  • It saves you time.
  • We call the child care program on your behalf to verify an opening for your child's age group.
  • You'll receive a list of five confirmed openings.
  • We call you within 14 days to see if you have found care.
  • It's free.
  • It saves time by giving us your information before we talk to you.
  • You'll get help from a local Parent Education Specialist.
  • You'll receive a list of child care options based on your search criteria.
  • We will call you within two business days.
 
  • It's free.
  • You'll receive a list of child care options based on the criteria you select.
  • There is a maximum of twenty child care programs per search.
  • It's available 24/7
  • You'll be redirected to Child Care Aware of Minnesota website.

 

Important to Know:

  • All search options use the same database but results may vary.
  • Think Small does not license, endorse, inspect, or recommend any early childhood program.
  • A licensed child care program has met minimal standards. A license does not guarantee high-quality care.
  •   The information about each program is self-reported, and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.

Looking for care outside the metro area? Call 888-291-9811 or visit www.mnchildcare.org.  If you are looking for care outside of Minnesota, call 800-424-2246 or visit  www.childcareaware.org.

Think Small + CCR&R Network