Types of Care and Education for Children

It's important to pick a program that best fits you and your child. Standards are in place to guide you as you make this important decision. All programs that appear on the Parent's Aware website are licensed or certified by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, or have met standards set by the Minnesota Department of Education. Licensing and certification help make sure that programs are meeting basic health and safety standards.

You can narrow your online search by these categories: Centers and Preschools, Family Child Care, and Head Start.

Centers and Preschools

These programs provide care and education for children in age-based groups, either full-time. These programs are often in free-standing buildings buildings, businesses, community centers, or places of worship. This category also includes Public School Prekindergarten programs.

Family Child Care

Family child care providers may care for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children in their homes. Some family child care programs provide care in commercial spaces or places of worship.

Head Start

Early Head Start (prenatal to age 3) and Head Start (age 3 to 5) and their child care partners serve young children from families with low income. These programs have comprehensive services that support the mental, social, and emotional development of children from prenatal to age 5. 

Family, Friends, and Neighbors

Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) child care providers offer legal unlicensed child care. FFN providers are a frequent choice for parents with infants and toddlers, parents in diverse cultural communities, and parents working non-standard hour jobs. There are resources available to help these caregivers. Families who use this type of care may be eligible for the child care assistance program (CCAP) if the caregiver becomes a “legally unlicensed provider.” They can reach out to their county or tribal human services office to enroll.