News, Updates and Engagements: Parent Aware

Parent Aware is Minnesota’s quality rating and improvement system for child care and early learning programs. Effective July 1, 2026, all licensed child care providers that are in good standing with the state or their Tribe will receive a One-Star Parent Aware Rating unless they are already Rated or choose to opt out (Minnesota Statutes, section 142D.13, subdivision 2). 

This change will align Minnesota's quality rating and licensing standards, simplify Parent Aware participation, and increase access to Early Learning Scholarships for families and providers.

This only impacts programs that are not Parent Aware Rated and programs that have a current One-Star Rating. If your program has a Two-Star Rating or higher, there is nothing you need to do. 

What do providers need to do? 

For providers that are not Parent Aware Rated, there are three options: 

• Sign up now: Programs in good standing with the state or their Tribe can now sign an agreement to accept a One-Star Rating. By doing this, programs can participate in Early Learning Scholarships and will be featured on the Parent Aware website now. These programs will receive their One-Star Rating on July 1, 2026, when the change will automatically happen.

  If you want to sign the agreement now, you can access the agreement in your Organization Profile in Develop. For more information about this process, please review the Develop guide called “Guide to the Automatic One-Star Rating Commitment Agreement ” that is available on the Develop homepage.

• Earn a higher Rating: Programs can apply for and earn a higher Star Rating. If you want a higher Rating, and to be eligible for more benefits, you can contact your local Parent Aware Recruiter for more information.
• Opt out: Licensed providers will be able to opt out of receiving the One-Star Rating. The process for receiving or opting out of the One-Star Rating effective July 1, 2026, is in development. More information is coming. 

For providers that have a current One-Star Rating, there are three options: 

• Maintain a One-Star Rating: Providers with a One-Star Rating will not be required to submit an application or Quality Documentation Portfolio for a One-Star Rating after July 1, 2026. To maintain a One-Star Rating, you do not have to do anything.
• Earn a higher Rating: Providers can apply for and earn a higher Star Rating. The current Indicators for the One-Star Rating will be incorporated into the rating process for the Two-Star Rating. An updated Quality Documentation Portfolio will be available soon. If you want a higher Rating, and to be eligible for more benefits, you can contact your local Parent Aware Recruiter for more information.
• Opt out:If you no longer want to participate in Parent Aware, you can opt out of receiving the One-Star Rating at any time. The process for receiving or opting out of the One-Star Rating effective July 1, 2026, is in development. More information is coming.

How do I get help or learn more? 

If you have questions, contact your local Parent Aware Recruiter.