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Latest Early Childhood Connector Newsletter

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Early Childhood Connector Newsletter 

Your news on child care and early education | Published in September 2025

Use the “translate” dropdown on the Early Childhood Connector website to read this newsletter in Hmong, Somali, Spanish and other languages. 

 

Join us for the next Connector Call 

Have a question about a program or policy? Early educators can submit questions to the state to be answered during Early Childhood Connector Calls. Calls happen quarterly and are hosted online on WebEx. If you can’t attend the call, you can watch the recording or read the questions and answers online. Spanish, Hmong and Somali translations are available. Learn more on the Early Childhood Connector website.

Resources in the aftermath of tragedy 

The recent tragedy at Annunciation Church is incredibly painful to all Minnesotans. As professionals dedicated to supporting young children, we acknowledge that this heartbreak feels particularly personal.

Many of us have questions about what to say or how to talk with our children, youth, and our communities. Below are several resources to help with navigating this event. Please share with your communities, staff and families as needed.   

Resources you can share

If you or your community need further support or connection, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at childrenscabinet.MMB@state.mn.us

Upcoming grants, scholarships and funding opportunities 

REETAIN Bonuses 

REETAIN Bonuses help supplement income for early educators as they work to establish a career in the field. Bonuses are awarded annually and range from $500-$3,000. They can be used to cover professional or personal expenses. REETAIN Bonuses are awarded based on education and according to state/federal priorities, as funds allow. Applications open in October for family child care providers, and educators employed by a licensed child care center can apply in the spring. Watch a video to learn more! 

​​Access to Technology Grants for Child Care Businesses 

​These grants help child care programs access technology to improve their business practices. Grants can help pay for things like child care management software, new equipment (computers, tablets), and improving internet connection (new Internet service installation or related hardware). Grant awards range from $100 to $1,000 per provider. ​

Great Start Compensation Support Payments 

If you're an eligible licensed child care provider who has yet to participate in the Great Start Compensation Support Payment Program, now’s the time! These monthly payments are designed to increase early care and education workforce compensation. Great Start Compensation was signed into law in May 2023 and is a permanent, noncompetitive program for eligible providers. Applications are automatically emailed to eligible programs on a monthly basis. 

Already receiving Great Start Compensation Payments? Remember to submit the required annual Use of Funds Report. If you need help in finding or completing your report, connect with the Great Start Compensation Support Team for one-on-one assistance at 651-273-2644 or supportfunds@childcareawaremn.org. If you complete your applications in the Provider Hub, you can find your report there.  

Paid leave in Minnesota

Starting in January 2026, paid leave will ensure Minnesotans can take the time they need to be there for some of life's most important moments, like welcoming a child, recovering from a serious illness, or caring for a loved one. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has developed information for employers, individuals and families, and health care and service providers. As employers, you can learn about your roles and responsibilities, check out the FAQ and sign up to stay informed.  Questions can also be submitted through the stay informed page.

Minnesota outdoor air quality guidance for schools and child care programs

Wildfires can generate enormous amounts of smoke that produce poor air quality for Minnesota, which can make air unhealthy and harm people, including those with asthma, heart or lung disease, older adults, and children. While air pollution affects everyone, children and youth are particularly vulnerable because their bodies are still developing, and they breathe in more air than adults for their body weight.

The Minnesota Department of Health created the Minnesota Outdoor Air Quality Guidance for Schools and Child Care in a collaborative effort to work alongside schools and child care facilities statewide. The goal of this outdoor air guidance is to lower the risk of negative impacts to children’s health due to poor air quality events. 

This guidance is optional and each school and child care center can use it as a tool when making decisions about when and how to adjust outdoor physical activities to keep children active yet reduce the potential harms of poor air quality. Visit the Minnesota Pollution Control agency’s website to understand the air quality index.

For more information, contact the Minnesota Department of Health Asthma Program at health.asthma@state.mn.us. 

Updated Early Childhood Indicators of Progress now available

The Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs) serve as Minnesota’s early learning standards, outlining shared expectations for what young children (ages 0 to 5) can know and do as they grow.

The state has updated the ECIPs to reflect a more inclusive, research-aligned and user-friendly framework for observing and supporting early childhood development.  Full implementation is scheduled for fall 2028.

View the updated ECIPs (PDF).

Resources for families and providers

Have feedback?

Let us know your thoughts on this newsletter by taking a short survey. Your answers will help the state improve its communications with child care providers and early educators.