Empowering Child Care Providers and Enriching Families
Your partner in supporting quality child care for strong communities and rich economies
Child care is a cornerstone of economic development, which is vital in fostering thriving communities and robust economies. It goes beyond being a service for families. It is a fundamental driver of workforce participation, business productivity, and overall community well-being.
Child Care Initiatives are Supported in a Variety of Forms
Starting a child care business?
If you are thinking about starting a child care business or are a business who understands the value in creating child care for your employees and want to learn more contact us today.
Your one-stop navigation network, Wayfinder, is for starting and growing child care programs in Minnesota. We offer personalized support and resources to help you succeed. We offer assistance in starting a child care business, growing your child care, and sustaining your child care.
Are you a Provider who needs resources?
First Children’s Finance will have grant and loan opportunities as well as business planning support.
The KCED has paid for fire extinguisher checks and well water testing for providers, both existing and new, until 2026 or until supplies and funds last. Pick up your pre-paid well test from the Kandiyohi County licensor (link to contact information) or call American Welding and Gas to set up your extinguisher check and tell them you are provider.
Want to learn more the need for child care?
The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) published a Central Minnesota Child Care Overview that reviews demographics, cost and availability, family arrangements, employment and workforce characteristics for Benton, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Kandiyohi, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Pine, Renville, Sherburn, Stearns and Wright Counties.
First Children's Finance reported to the MN House Children and Families Finance & Policy Committee in November 2023 that the median-income family in Minnesota with an infant and 4-year old would pay 37% of their income in child care. Read the full report by clicking on the link to "The Cost of Child Care of Minnesota."
Reviewing the Minnesota Department of Human Services' latest child care costs from April 2024, as published by the Child Care Aware website, reflect differences throughout the metro, greater MN, and statewide costs.
Need Child Care?
Child care can be a challenge to find. Some resources can help!
Child Care Aware is a program that helps families access high-quality and affordable child care.
Parent Aware is a program that provides tool for families to provide care and for providers to find resources.
Review the list of Kandiyohi County Human Services Licensed Providers and centers.
There is also a private Facebook Group called Openings for Willmar Area Providers.
KCED hosts this partnership position with United Community Action Partnership (UCAP). This staff serves future and present child care providers and child care centers in Kandiyohi County. They will walk through the process of becoming licensed from start to finish.
Have an innovative child care creation or retention idea?
We want to know more about it! Tell us today.
Ready to unlock your full potential in Kandiyohi County?
Contact us now and let Kandiyohi County Economic Development be your gateway to success.