Parent Aware helps programs find opportunities to improve their quality, supports them with the tools and resources they need to succeed, and celebrates the work they are doing to create better lives for children in Minnesota.
To learn more about the Star Rating process and the benefit involved for both you and the families you serve, visit ParentAware.org or connect with your local recruiter. Parent Aware is Minnesota’s voluntary Quality Rating and Improvement System.
There are grants for each star level attained.
Participating programs may be eligible to receive financial support to improve their quality. There are three types of Parent Aware Grants: Building Quality, Full-Rating, and Accelerated.
“Parent Aware has also helped give me the funding to improve my curriculum (Mother Goose Time) and environment to give the kids structure. It’s provided me with new equipment, indoor/outdoor toys, crafts, and so much more! It has also provided a variety of social and emotional skills the kids will use their whole life. It’s so much fun and enjoyment to give the kids the opportunities to do new things and watching them make discoveries. These things have been greatly appreciated not only by me and the children in my care but also by their families. “
-Julie Schmalz, Family Child Care
Programs in the Full-Rating Pathway can choose to receive 30-60 hours of free Building Quality Coaching as they plan and use early education best practices. In addition, there are several other Free Coaching Opportunities from The Center for Inclusive Child care and more.
There are three phases to work with a coach:
The Early Learning Scholarship program exists to close the opportunity gap by increasing access to high-quality early childhood programs. Scholarships are awarded directly to eligible children.
All programs with a Parent Aware Rating and those in a current cohort to earn a One, Two, Three, or Four-Star Rating are eligible to serve children who have been awarded Early Learning Scholarships.
Participating in the Parent Aware program gives you additional tools to Market and Promote your High Quality Program!
We encourage you to visit the information on the Promote Your Rating Page.
Family child care programs and child care centers that earn a Three- or Four-Star Parent Aware Rating are eligible for higher Child Care Assistance Program rates.
For more information, please visit the Department of Human Services information page.