As a single mom, Sherry was moving out of her father's home for the first time and needed child care for her daughter so she could continue to work part-time and attend school. Sherry wanted to find care that matched her schedule and was able to take child care assistance. Plus, she wanted to make sure the child care would be stimulating to her then-three-year old daughter.

After visiting four programs, Sherry found a child care center near her new address. She also learned about a scholarship program there that would help reduce her out-of-pocket expenses. This convenient and affordable care was part of Project Early Kindergarten, a Saint Paul Public Schools initiative, and used a curriculum that aligned with school district standards.