Childcare Solutions
Thousands of Central Minnesota families face a critical challenge: They lack access to quality, affordable childcare. The shortfall—an estimated deficit of up to 17,000 slots to meet demand—affects children’s development and school-readiness. Equally important: While employers desperately seek skilled workers, many able-bodied parents can’t engage in the workforce due to the lack of quality, affordable care.
Register for June 9 Childcare Feedback Session
If you’re a parent, provider or community member interested in childcare solutions, now is a good time to participate in listening and feedback sessions throughout June to help shape new licensing standards.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) invites Central Minnesota childcare providers to offer feedback on Draft 2 of Minnesota’s childcare licensing standards. Register today for sessions on June 9 at Central Lakes College in Brainerd. The Initiative Foundation is partnering in this effort and will offer two time slots:
- For Childcare Centers: 1 to 3 p.m.
- For Family Providers: 6 to 9 p.m.
Both sessions take place in the Eating Commons/cafeteria (C171) near South Door 24. The goal is to update the state’s childcare licensing rules to make them more transparent, fair and safety-focused. This includes the potential for shorter inspections for safe providers, clearer rules for violations, and input from families and caregivers. Following the statewide listening and feedback sessions, the state will share a 2025 update and follow up with proposed changes in 2026.
Our Role in the Region
The Initiative Foundation contracts with organizations to offer direct support and services for the sector through community and workforce initiatives.
Supported by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), the Initiative Foundation works with partner organizations to support …
- community-based planning, consulting, and technical assistance
- workforce development through scholarships to help child care professionals earn their educational credentials
- training, consulting and technical assistance for childcare business professionals.
Note: We do not offer grants directly to childcare businesses.
Provider, Nonprofit, Community Resources
We align with partner organizations across the state to support Central Minnesota’s childcare sector. Access the below to meet your needs. If your needs are not met with the below information, contact Jessica Gilder, Childcare Solutions program officer.
Start a Childcare Business
If you are interested in starting a childcare business, Child Care Aware is your first stop. Navigators can answer questions, guide you through licensing requirements, and provide resources and opportunities for training necessary to enter the field.
Information on Licensing
If you are interested in starting a childcare business or are a current provider, the Minnesota Department of Human Services has information on childcare licensing.
Nonprofit, Community Grants
Nonprofits and local units of government are eligible for grants through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the United States Department of Agriculture.
For-profit Grant Funding
Childcare Aware has limited grant funding available to for-profit childcare providers.
Access Provider Training
Childcare professionals sometimes face barriers to access required training. Childcare Aware can help to identify low- and no-cost ways to complete required training.
Earn Your Credentials
The Initiative Foundation subsidizes the cost of credentialing for childcare professionals. Childcare programs are available at St. Cloud Technical and Community College, Central Lakes College and Pine Technical and Community College.
Looking for Resources in Your Community?
Helpful childcare coalitions exist throughout Central Minnesota. Identify your county and select the link to learn more:
- Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright counties: United Way of Central Minnesota
- Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena: Sourcewell
- Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine counties: East Central Regional Development Commission
Childcare Solutions Newsletter
Subscribe to the Initiative Foundation’s Childcare Solutions newsletter to stay in the loop on upcoming trainings, resources and other opportunities.
Contact Us
Reach out for questions about starting a childcare business, to explore solutions for your community or to share your ideas and innovative strategies.
Download a fact sheet to learn more about childcare solutions.
IQ Magazine Stories
Supply and Demand
Morrison County takes an innovative approach to solving its childcare shortage. Read More
Front & Center: Child Care
Emerging community partnerships are taking shape to creatively influence Central Minnesota’s child care crisis. Read More
Help Wanted: Child Care Providers
Area colleges offer low-cost, no-cost accelerated early childhood certificates. Read More