Resources
Not sure where to start? Here’s our consolidated support for providers, parents, and early childhood advocates alike.
We envision a community that affords every child the best start in life. That’s why we’re actively engaged—through policy development, advocacy, evaluation, and program piloting—in creating a Minnesota that supports optimal child care and early learning.
Quality Child Care
Early childhood experiences have long lasting effects on a young child’s social, emotional and academic success! For this reason, it is important to ensure the adults who care for our children have the necessary education, training and support so the children in their care have positive experiences that will help their brains develop to the fullest. Being in a quality care environment allows children to develop important skills and tools they will use for the rest of their lives.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR QUALITY CHILD CARE
Child Care Licensing
Searching for child care is a lot of work! Additionally, entrusting your precious child to someone else can be a bit nerve-wracking. However, the right program can lead to long-lasting memories and relationships. And, because our children are so precious, the state of Minnesota has rules and regulations in place to ensure their health, well-being and safety, while in the care of a licensed child care provider.
Although a child care license does not guarantee a program is providing the best care for children, it does set minimal requirements, such as:
- Facility health and safety: regular inspections are carried out to identify and correct possible health and safety hazards.
- Training: verification of minimum training requirements for all individuals providing care.
- Background checks: criminal background checks are required for all individuals that may have direct contact with children.
- Ratios: there are requirements that must be followed regarding the number of children a single adult can care for, depending on a number of factors.
It is important to check the licensing status of a program before you make a decision.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR CHILD CARE LICENSING
Child Care Market Rate Price Analysis
The Minnesota Department of Human Services conducts periodic analysis of prices charged by licensed center-based and family child care providers to meet state and federal requirements. The 2021 Minnesota Child Care Market Price Analysis was based on data collected by Child Care Aware of Minnesota.
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| Centers | Family Child Care | |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $375.00/week |
$202.00/week |
| Toddler | $326.00 |
$193.00 |
| Preschool | $283.00 |
$182.00 |
| School Age | $250.00 |
$161.00 |
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| Centers | Family Child Care | |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $233.00/week |
$150.00/week |
| Toddler | $211.00 |
$144.00 |
| Preschool | $188.00 |
$138.00 |
| School-Age | $170.00 |
$125.00 |
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| Centers | Family Child Care | |
|---|---|---|
| Infant | $330.00/week |
$173.00/week |
| Toddler | $290.00 |
$165.00 |
| Preschool | $253.00 |
$157.00 |
| School-Age | $227.00 |
$140.00 |
Language Access Line
Think Small’s Language Access Line is a free statewide service that is available for individuals looking for child care resource and referral support in a language other than English. To connect to any of our programs or resources with an interpreter, please contact us using the following steps below.
Metro area callers: 651-665-0150
Greater Minnesota callers: 1-888-291-9811
- For Spanish, press option 1
- For Hmong, press option 2
- For Somali, press option 3
- For all other languages, press Option 5
La Línea de Acceso Lingüístico/Language Access Line es un servicio estatal gratuito disponible para ayudar a los clientes en todos los demás idiomas además del inglés. Para conectarse a cualquiera de nuestros programas o recursos con un intérprete, comuníquese con la LAL a continuación.
- Personas que llaman del área metropolitana: 651-665-0150
- Personas que llaman de otras áreas de Minnesota: 1-888-291-9811
- Para español, presione la opción 1
Think Small qhov Kev Pab Siv Lwm Yam Lus/Language Access Line yog ib qho kev pab pub dawb thoob plaws lub lav rau cov neeg uas xav tau kev pab ntsig txog zov menyuam thiab siv lwm yam lus uas tsis yog lus Aaskiv. Yog xav paub ntxiv txog peb lub koom haum cov kev pab thiab xav tau ib tug neeg pab txhais lus, thov hu tus xovtooj hauv qab no.
- Siv tus xovtooj no yog koj hu tuaj hauv nroog Ntxaib: 651-665-0150
- Siv tus xovtooj no yog koj hu tuaj sab nraum nroog Ntxaib: 1-888-291-9811
- Xav tau Hmoob txhais lus, nias tus lej 2
Khadka Helidda Luuqadda/Language Access Line ee Think Small waa adeeg bilaash ah oo gobolka oo dhan ah oo ay heli karaan shaqsiyaadka raadinaya agab-caawimeed xanaanada carruurta iyo taageero sii gudbin ah ee luuqad aan Ingiriis ahayn. Si aad ugu xirantid barnaamijyadeena ama agab-caawimaadkeena iyagoo ay la socdaan turjumaan, fadlan hoos kala xiriir LAL:
- Ka soo wacayaasha aagga magaalada weyn: 651-665-0150
- Ka soo wacayaasha Greater Minnesota: 1-888-291-9811
- Luuqadda Af Soomaaliga, riix doorashada 3-aad
Debra S. Fish Resource Library
The Debra S. Fish Early Childhood Resource library is a Minnesota public library that supports child care providers within the field of early learning and caregivers of young children with a collection of over 6,000 early learning materials.
The Debra S. Fish Library is open for curbside pickup!
We offer more than just books.
We also provide the following:
- Provide research assistance
- Make resource recommendations
- Develop custom literacy kits
- Provide free personal book shopping services for your program
- Provide training
- Present on topics at the intersection of literacy & early learning
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) & Parent Aware-approved curricula
- Story kits & children’s books in English, Spanish, Hmong, Vietnamese, Karen, Somali, Cambodian, and Chinese
Library Contact Information
10 Yorkton Ct., St. Paul, MN 55117
Phone 651-641-3544
Email librarian@thinksmall.org
While the library’s physical space is closed to the public, our librarian, Jennie, is available to respond to your phone and email inquiries.
Research
Think Small is dedicated to supporting parents on their journey of setting their children up for lifelong success. We provide a wealth of resources tailored specifically for parents. Our resources empower parents with the knowledge and tools to create a thriving environment for their child’s growth and success.
Blog, News & Events
Discover resourceful events, practical tips, evidence-based strategies, and the latest research findings to support children aged 0-5 on their journey to kindergarten readiness. From fostering social-emotional development to promoting cognitive skills, our blog covers a wide range of topics, ensuring you stay informed and equipped to make a positive impact on young lives.