On May 28, a red ribbon snapped in half between giant scissors as a large group of supporters cheered in Luverne. Kids Rock! Child Care Center was ready to welcome kids and families with quality, affordable child care, truly something to celebrate. In fiscal year 2025, SWIF invested more than half a million in southwest Minnesota’s child care providers and businesses, supporting start-up expenses, technical assistance, professional development and other critical operational needs.
child care
2026 KIDS First Conference
Southwest Minnesota child care professionals, educators and caregivers are invited to the 2026 Kids First Conference March 6-7 at Jackpot Junction. You’ll hear from inspiring speakers, attend valuable workshops and learn about resources to help support the children you care about.
Southwest Minnesota Child Care Listening Sessions Draft Two Summary Report
Building on the insights gathered during our initial child care listening sessions, Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) hosted a second round of conversations this year focused on the updated draft of Minnesota’s child care licensing standards.
Little Eagles ‘Born Learning Trail’ blends fun and education
Installed last summer by Little Eagles Daycare, the Born Learning Trail received support from Madison Community Foundation with a $1,000 grant. This grant helped jump start the community project, with the Madison Arts Council and community volunteers – including kids! – putting forth the labor to make it a success.
2025 Child Care Listening Sessions: Draft Two
We invite southwest Minnesota child care providers, economic development professionals, community leaders and champions of child care to attend a listening session to learn about and provide feedback, ideas and concerns regarding the second draft of licensing standards for child care centers published by the Department of Human Services as part of the Child Care Regulation Modernization Projects.
