Department gets new name, Child Care Aware

The department formerly known as Child Care Resource and Referral has changed its name to Child Care Aware® of Minnesota – Northeast. Since opening its doors more than 25 years ago, the statewide system of agencies has served more than 60,000 parents seeking quality child care and more than 100,000 child care professionals seeking professional development. Locally, the department provides services to seventeen counties of Northeastern Minnesota, including the counties in Region 7E: Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, and Pine.

 

“Last year, our parent organization, the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, officially changed its name to Child Care Aware® of America as part of a national effort to create a strong, recognizable, national brand associated with child care expertise,” says Wendy Walburg, Child Care Aware District Director. “Our branch has followed suit with the name change, and so far, we love it. The new name accurately reflects our leadership position in the child care profession, and it further aligns our organization’s commitment and expertise in offering quality services to all our constituents – families, providers, and communities.” Walburg explains.

 

With more than half of Minnesota’s children spending some portion of their day in child care and over 13,000 licensed/regulated care facilities operating in the state, child care is a key component of Minnesota’s economic, social, and educational picture. Mounting research suggests the early years represent a time of profound brain growth and development for children. Growing numbers of parents and policymakers understand the need to connect children with well-trained caregivers and high-quality programs to stimulate learning. Child Care Aware® of Minnesota is leading this conversation by helping families find the type of quality child care their children need to grow and supporting the professional growth of child care professionals.

 

“Altogether, Child Care Aware® works hard to enrich communities by fostering the healthy growth of children and the professional growth of child care providers,” Walburg says. “Our partnership with Pine Technical College is mutually-beneficial since many students seeking child care are referred to us for services; plus, we refer providers seeking advanced training to PTC for the early childhood development program,” Walburg adds.