Early Learning and Child Care

Education and child care resources for children and families.

Get connected to free and low-cost Head Start and school district preschool programs near you.

Find Child Care, Preschool and Other Early Learning Programs

Online Child Care Search and Phone Support (all ages)

Use the Parent Aware online child care search or call 1-888-291-9811 to talk with a specialist that can help families find the quality child care, preschool and other early education programs their children need to succeed in school and life (multilingual services available).

Early Head Start (For ages: Birth through 2 years)

Home visiting or center-based services and programs for low-income families with infants and toddlers that support child development, parenting skills and self-sufficiency.

School District Preschool Programs (For ages: 3 and 4-year-olds)

Public preschool programs help preschool age children prepare to enter kindergarten. Search for local program options in your area. Or complete this online referral form (this form is shared with Head Start and school district programs).

Head Start (For ages: 3 through 5 years)

Services and programs that prepare low-income families with preschool children (ages 3 - 5) for their transition to public school kindergarten and to support child development, parenting skills and self-sufficiency. Complete this online referral form to get connected to your local Head Start program.

Early Childhood Family Education (For ages: birth through 5 years)

Early Childhood Family Education is a program that provides classes and services for families and their children between the ages of birth to kindergarten. Some districts also offer classes for expectant families and those with children up to third grade.

Kindergarten (Public school districts and charter schools)

Kindergarten is available to all children who turn 5 on or by September 1 of the current school year. Enrolling children in kindergarten provides them with a safe, culturally responsive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment and the opportunity to receive a world-class education.

• Enrolling in Public Kindergarten fact sheet (PDF document)
• Click here for additional languages of this document.

Paying for Child Care, Preschool and Other Early Learning Programs

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

County program that helps families with low income pay for child care while they go to work, look for work or attend school.

Early Learning Scholarships

Financial support to help families with the highest needs access quality early childhood programs for their children up to age four. Complete an application on-line.

Postsecondary Child Care Grant Program

This program helps low income, college students who have young children pay for child care while the student attends classes.

Public Libraries

Minnesota’s public libraries are community hubs where people of any age can borrow or download books, use a computer, attend a class or program, meet with colleagues, study with friends, or just relax in a comfortable and welcoming environment.

Child care providers and early educators serving Minnesota families can sign up to receive a new quarterly newsletter. The Early Childhood Connector will highlight resources, supports and updates on child care and early education. Content will be tailored to licensed and nonlicensed child care, Head Start and prekindergarten programs. Subscribe to the Early Childhood Connector on the Department of Human Services' website.