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Early ChildhoodAccess to quality child care and early education are fundamental building blocks for a successful future. They are also closely linked as parents access quality child care for their children. For low-income working families, the state plays an essential partnering role in supporting work by supporting quality early child care and education.
Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), once a national model, is underfunded, resulting in below-market reimbursement rates and long waiting lists. There are currently 5,000 families on the waiting list to access subsidies from the Child Care Assistance Program.
With only 50 percent of Minnesota children entering kindergarten fully prepared for school, it is important that we protect current commitments to early childhood care and education and direct financing of early childhood programs.
Legislative Directions:
- Support funding to eliminate the waiting list for the Child Care Assistance Program
- Increase the state’s reimbursement rates for Child Care Assistance
- Protect current funding levels and increase dollars for early childhood education
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