Finding Childcare
The Parent Aware Ratings is a free service to help you find the childcare providers best at preparing young children for kindergarten.
Other Resources
In addition to the Parent Aware Ratings (hyperlink), the following resource can help you find the best places to prepare children for Kindergarten.
MNchildcare.orgIn parts of the state not yet served by the Parent Aware Ratings, this service provides information about childcare providers. No matter where you live in Minnesota, you can search by a number of different variables. The site also includes excellent tips to guide your childcare shopping. MNchildcare.org’s comprehensive online database of caregivers is available online or via a statewide referral line, 1-888-291-9811, where translators are available.
Visit MNchildcare.org
When it comes to childcare providers, the reality is that some are much better than others at preparing children for kindergarten. But for must of us, it can be difficult to spot those differences in school readiness quality. That’s where the Parent Aware Ratings come in.
How it Works
Parent Aware rates child care providers on a star-rating system, with four stars being given to providers who are using most to all of the best practices for preparing children for school. You can search for a list of rated providers at parentawareratings.org or 1-888-291-9811 (translators available via phone).
What Providers are Evaluated On
The Parent Aware Ratings are based on what experts tell us are the best practices for preparing children for school. Are the childcare providers using the best teaching materials and strategies? Are they involving parents? Are they tracking learning? Ratings are issued by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, in partnership with early learning experts at the University of Minnesota.
What Areas of the State are Covered
Childcare providers are free to choose whether to seek a Rating, So not all providers have ratings. Additionally, at this stage the Parent Aware Ratings are available only in some parts of the state:
- St. Paul
- Minneapolis
- Wayzata School District
- Blue Earth County
- Nicollet County
The State Legislature has passed legislation indicating an intention to bring the Ratings statewide over the next few years. So if the Parent Aware Ratings aren’t available in your area yet, they should be relatively soon.