A recent Post-Bulletin editorial highlighted Gov. Mark Dayton's interest in a universal preschool plan for the state. It also noted the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation is expanding its Quality Child Care program to Olmsted and Winona counties.
Families First of Minnesota, formerly Child Care Resource & Referral, has been supporting children and families in southeastern Minnesota for more than four decades.
One of our programs, Child Care Aware, helps families find child care and promotes professional growth of child care programs. Our staff also provides assistance for families seeking care for their children, helping to educate them on how to find quality care that meets their needs. We also provide grants for child care professionals seeking training and opportunities to build their businesses.
Our Parent Aware program provides coaching and technical assistance for child care centers and family-based programs to strengthen the quality of the services they deliver. Child care centers across the state are now rated through this program, which provides valuable information to families seeking care.
Families First of Minnesota is dedicated to ensuring positive beginnings for all young children and their families. We're hopeful the governor and the Legislature can extend preschool opportunities for more Minnesotans during the upcoming session.
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Jon Losness
Executive director of Families First of Minnesota
Rochester
