Minnesota Awards Grants to Address Early Learning and Child Care Needs

 “The Health and Safety Consultation Pilot will support specialists working with child care programs interested in enhancing their quality of care for children and families. Participating child care providers will partner with organizations including Child Care Aware of Minnesota and Parent Aware, Minnesota’s Quality Rating and Improvement System, and others to design and improve services and learning environments, and to understand more about children’s development to ensure they are ready for kindergarten.”

 “The New Infant/Toddler Specialist Network will support specialists working with child care programs to enhance their quality of care for children ages birth to 3 and their families. Participating providers will partner with organizations including Child Care Aware of Minnesota, Parent Aware, Minnesota’s Quality Rating and Improvement System, and others to learn more about child care and adult safety, promotion of health and safety, disease prevention and culturally responsive care.”

“Safe, quality care is critical to children’s success in school,” said Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper. “These investments support providers who are caring for and guiding children each day.”   “With more available and affordable quality care, families can have peace of mind while they work, knowing their children are well taken care of and preparing for kindergarten with the tools they need to succeed,” Piper said.