Adult Basic Education – Free GED support and testing
Blast Off to Kindergarten, a collaboration of community partners, seeks to generate community awareness and action in Saint Paul, as well as support schools, families, and children in preparation for and transition to kindergarten—a significant educational milestone—by creating and promoting reciprocal connections and relationships in the community.
Bridge to Benefits is a multi-state project by Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota to improve the well-being of families and individuals by linking them to public work support programs and tax credits.
Center for Inclusive Child Care (CICC)
The mission of the Center for Inclusive Child Care is to be a centralized, comprehensive resource network supporting inclusive care for children in community settings. The CICC Consultation and Support Services provide support to child care and school age care providers, enabling them to successfully include and retain children with special needs and those with challenging behaviors into their community child care programs. Services include consultation, technical assistance, resources, research and referral support, observation, and staff development in both face-to-face and online venues.
Child Development Associate (CDA)
A CDA is an individual who has successfully completed training and a CDA assessment. An associate can meet the specific needs of children and works with parents or guardians to nurture children’s physical, intellectual, social, and emotional growth in a child care setting. The CDA credential is nationally recognized and issued by the Council for Professional Recognition in Washington, D.C. For more information, call 800-424-4310. Or contact our Statewide CDA Coordinator at CDA@ChildCareAwareMN.org
“Unplug for a Day” and connect to an active lifestyle! This website has ideas and links for activities for adults and children in Minnesota.
First Children’s Finance works to stabilize, improve and expand high-quality childcare businesses serving low- and moderate-income families. They provide financing, training and consulting assistance, and build partnerships that connect childcare businesses with the resources and expertise of the public and private sectors.
Keeping Kids Safe: Your Home Child Care Emergency Plan
A guide published by the DHS for licensed family child care providers and family, friend and neighbor providers to help them plan for emergencies.
Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children (MnAEYC)
The mission of MnAEYC is to serve and act on behalf of early childhood (birth to age eight) care and education professionals in Minnesota through: Enhancing the quality of professional development opportunities, Supporting program improvement and (NAEYC) accreditation, and Advocacy for public policy change in early childhood education that is consistent with our mission.
The Minnesota Center for Professional Development (MNCPD)
The vision of the MNCPD is to create a seamless, integrated professional development system that raises the capacity and competencies of those providing early care and education beginning at birth, aligns with K-12 education and links to higher education to support child development and school success.
The Minnesota Child Care Resource & Referral Network helps families find child care and understand their care options, supports child care providers through grants and education, and informs the community on the importance of child care.
Minnesota Child Care Provider Information Network (MCCPIN)
The mission of Minnesota Child Care Provider Information Network (MCCPIN) is to support, promote, and strengthen the profession of family child care thereby enriching the lives of providers, children, families, and communities.
Reading Corps, one of the largest AmeriCorps programs in the country, is a statewide initiative to help every Minnesota child become a successful reader by the end of third grade. AmeriCorps members are trained in research-based instruction and help students age three through grade three catch up to their peers.
Minnesota School-Age Care Alliance (MnSACA)
MnSACA is a MN state membership association whose mission is to promote quality out-of-school time programs and support the leadership and development of out-of-school time professionals.
Need insurance? Compare plans from Minnesota insurers. See if you qualify for a low-cost or free plan. Child Care Providers may benefit from assistance from Adults and Children’s Alliance in navigating the health care marketplace.
National After-School Association (NAA)
NAA sets standards for stimulating, safe, and supportive after-school programs for young people ages five to fourteen.
National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)
The mission of NAFCC is to promote quality child care by strengthening the profession of family child care. NAFCC offers Accreditation for Licensed Family Child Care Professionals
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
The mission of NAEYC is to serve and act on behalf of the needs, rights and well-being of all young children with primary focus on the provision of educational and developmental services and resources. NAEYC Accreditation program is for Child Care centers.
National Child Care Association (NCCA)
The Mission of National Child Care Association is to promote the growth and safeguard the interest of quality early childhood care and education focusing on licensed, private providers of these services. Since 1975, as a professional trade association, NCCA has been the voice of the licensed, private early childhood care and education community. Services include professional development and access to health insurance.
National Early Childhood Program Accreditation (NECPA)
Accrediting child care programs since 1993, NECPA measures the quality of adult/child interactions, staff training, health and safety, physical environment, administration, and parent-community relationships. For more information, call 800-505-9878.
National Head Start Association (NHSA)
The mission of NHSA is to coalesce, inspire and support the Head Start field as a leader in early childhood development and education. For more information about Head Start in Minnesota, call 651-582-8411.
Today the Wilder Child Guidance Clinic continues to be nationally recognized as a premier outpatient mental health clinic. It is one of more than a dozen Wilder programs that assist children, families and adults who are having serious problems functioning in their homes, schools and other community settings.