Resources

Several programs and services are available to help find child care and early education.

Child care providers receive training on numerous safety issues. Among them are:

• Safe sleeping position for infants
• Risks of wading and swimming pools
• Effects of abusive head trauma, including shaking a baby.

See our child care safety information page for more details and videos on these topics, as well as related forms that you may need.

This is valuable information for anyone who cares for a child, not just child care providers.

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Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress
Minnesota's early learning standards are called the Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress. They summarize what children should know and be able to do at different ages.

• Early Learning Guidelines for Birth to 3 (PDF)
• Indicators of Progress for Children 3 to 5 (PDF)
• Minnesota's Early Learning Guidelines for Ages 5 to 12 (PDF)

• A variety of reports on the child care assistance program and quality of care are available on the Child care and early education: News, reports, work groups web page.
• Minnesota's application to the federal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) describes how more than $80 million in state and federal funds will be spent to provide low-income families with access to child care and improve the quality of that care. The 180-page, two-year plan is available electronically by sending an email request to dhs.child.care@state.mn.us with "CCDF Fund Plan" in the subject line.

Information about the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)