Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) is a dedicated partner in addressing the child care shortages in our region because we know that access to quality child care is crucial to economic mobility and a vibrant regional economy. Despite the importance of early childhood services, our region has seen a decline in licensed child care centers and family child care providers since 2019.
In 2021, the Minnesota Legislature allocated federal funding to support regulation modernization projects for licensed child care centers and family child care. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) contracted with the National Association for Regulatory Administration (NARA) to develop key indicator systems for inspections, risk-based tiered violation systems, and revised licensing standards. The draft licensing standards were published in April 2024, followed by DHS-hosted regional listening sessions and an online survey to gather feedback.
SWIF hosted a series of five listening sessions across southwest Minnesota to gather regional feedback on the draft standards. More than 150 child care providers, directors, economic development professionals, employers, parents and community leaders attended these sessions to voice their concerns and recommendations. Cheryl Glaeser of Achieve TFC, LLC. facilitated the sessions and developed a summary report in partnership with SWIF to highlight the key challenges noted in the listening sessions and a summary of recommended changes to the standards.
The insights from these listening sessions highlight the urgent need for balanced and practical regulatory frameworks that prioritize both child safety and the operational realities of child care. SWIF remains committed to improving access to quality, affordable child care in southwest Minnesota and has shared the report with DHS, urging the agency to continue engaging with the child care community to ensure the final standards reflect a comprehensive understanding of the diverse needs and realities faced by providers.
At the time this summary report is published, DHS will be revising the draft licensing standards, followed by a legislative proposal in early November to be considered during the 2025 legislative session. Learn more about the Child Care Regulation Modernization Projects on the DHS website.
SWIF has shared the summary report with southwest Minnesota Representatives and Senators. Please consider extending comments directly to your legislator. If you’re unsure who represents you, you can find out by visiting https://www.leg.mn.gov.
Update from DHS on August 12, 2024: DHS will not propose language to adopt revised child care standards in the 2025 legislative session. DHS received extensive feedback from the child care community requesting more time for additional feedback and engagement on the next draft version of standards. We are honoring those requests and allowing more time for the development of draft licensing standards. More details regarding the announcement can be found on DHS’s bulletin.
If you have questions about child care initiatives at SWIF or the listening sessions, contact Briana Mumme at [email protected] or (320) 583-5025.
