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Pilot launches to provide benefits to early educators
The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is excited to offer a new program that provides select benefits through September 2027 to individuals working in qualifying early care and education programs.
The program gives participants up to $55 per month to spend through a third-party vendor, Optima Benefits and Payroll, on selected benefits such as dental, vision, telehealth, teletherapy, life insurance and more. Depending on the benefits a participant chooses, the monthly amount may cover the full cost of benefits or significantly reduce what is paid out of pocket. If the benefits selected cost more than $55 per month, the participant is responsible for paying the difference.
The application opened July 6 and closes September 11. Nearly 1,000 early educators applied for the program on the first day the application opened, and the program now has a waitlist. Eligible applicants are still encouraged to apply.
To be eligible, participants must:
- Work in a qualifying early care and education program
- Work an average of at least 32 hours a week
- Work at least 8 months a year
- Be 18 years of age or older
"I feel absolutely so grateful to see MN working toward supporting the ECE workforce in such important ways. I've been in the field for more than 20 years and I finally feel like we are making progress that has been years in the making! Thank you all for the work you are contributing toward this." -Early Education Lead Teacher
Nearly half of early educators don’t have medical insurance through their employment, and over half don’t have access to dental insurance through their employment. More than half of former family child care providers said lack of benefits played a medium or high role in their decision to close their business. By providing benefits, the state hopes to help stabilize the child care and early education workforce and ultimately support Minnesota families.