Childcare and Parenting Resources
Childcare and Parenting Resources
Explore programs and services that support childcare, parenting, early education, diapers, financial assistance, and family wellness in Minnesota and the Riverland area.
Information and Assistance
Help Me Connect
An online navigator that connects pregnant and parenting families with children from birth to age 8 to local services that support healthy and safe families.
Bridge to Benefits
Find information about health insurance, energy assistance, food support, school meals, child care assistance, and tax credits.
Child Care Assistance Programs
Army Child Care Fee Assistance Program
Provides eligible reserve and active duty military families help finding and paying for civilian child care when on-base care is not available.
- Help finding child care
- Help paying for child care
Children must be enrolled in a set number of hours each week, and care must follow a consistent schedule.
Basic Sliding Fee
Helps families pay for child care while they look for work, go to work, or attend training or school.
Some counties may have waiting lists based on available funding.
MFIP/DWP Child Care for Student Parents
Available for families who meet the first-priority Basic Sliding Fee waiting list criteria when BSF funds are not available.
To qualify, the parent must:
- Be under age 21
- Be working toward a high school diploma or GED
- Not be an MFIP participant
- Not be eligible for Transition Year
- Live in a county with a BSF waiting list in first priority
Child Care Assistance for MFIP and DWP Families
Helps families make quality child care more affordable while parents work, attend school, or complete activities in their employment plan.
Student Parent Support
Minnesota Postsecondary Child Care Grant
Provides financial help for students with children age 12 and under who demonstrate financial need and are not receiving MFIP assistance.
Parent Support Outreach Program
A voluntary early intervention program that helps families identify strengths, address needs, and connect with local services.
- Basic needs
- Family health
- Parenting
- Transportation
- Child care
- Financial needs
Parent Aware
Helps families find high-quality child care and early education programs.
- Help finding child care
- Child care referrals
Early Learning Scholarship
Helps children attend high-quality child care and early education programs to prepare for kindergarten.
Contact:
(888) 450-2773
Parenting and Family Support
Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota Parent Groups
Provides support and information for parents of children with Down syndrome, including a place to share experiences and connect with others.
PACER Center
Supports children and young adults with disabilities and their families through workshops, family support, education, and advocacy.
Catholic Charities Mother and Child Assistance Fund
Provides one-time assistance for pregnant women and families with children under 12 months old, including help with rent, utilities, education, car payments, daycare, and baby items.
Winona and Rochester: (507) 287-2047
Mankato and Worthington: (507) 387-5586 ext. 2
The WIC Program
WIC is a nutrition and breastfeeding program for eligible pregnant women, new mothers, babies, and young children.
- Nutrition education and counseling
- Nutritious foods
- Referrals to health and social services
1-800-657-3942
For food support, contact Hunger Solutions Minnesota.
Local Child Care and Early Education
Availability, hours, tuition, and program details may change. Contact each provider directly for the most current information.
Head Start - Austin
Offers half-day and full-day programs for children ages 3 to 5, plus Early Head Start toddler classrooms in Austin and Winona.
Contact Semcac: 507-433-5889
Head Start - Albert Lea
211 W Richway Dr, Albert Lea, MN 56007
(507) 287-2020
Head Start - Owatonna
565 20th St. NE, Owatonna, MN 55060
(507) 451-7134
Helping Homes
Provides free, short-term emergency care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years when parents face an unexpected situation.
(507) 438-1270
105 1st St SE, Suite A, Austin, MN 55912
Catherwood Child Care
Offers non-traditional child care hours and transportation to and from Austin kindergarten and elementary schools.
707 4th St NW, Austin, MN 55912
(507) 434-2160
YMCA at Austin Community Recreation Center Preschool Education
Offers preschool classes and after-school care. Financial assistance may be available.
Contact Melissa Hussey: 507-433-1804
YMCA Albert Lea
Offers after-school programming, Kids Day Off programming, and all-day care during District 241 breaks and holidays.
2021 West Main Street, Albert Lea, MN 56007
(507) 373-8228
The Children's Center
Daycare center in Albert Lea serving infants through school-age children.
507-373-7979
mjwangen@alchildrenscenter.org
605 James Avenue, Albert Lea, MN
Diaper Assistance
Need help finding diaper support? Start with the Minnesota Diaper Bank.
Mount Olive Lutheran Church
3045 Chicago Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55407
Open Tuesday and the 1st and 3rd Saturdays
Tuesday: 4 to 6 p.m.
1st and 3rd Saturdays: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Diapers: $3 per pack, Pull-ups: $4 per pack
Augsburg Central Health Commons
All families can receive diapers here. No appointment needed.
Mondays and Thursdays, 10 to 11:30 a.m.
333 South 12th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 330-1203
Parenting Resource Center
Families can receive diapers, baby wipes, and baby clothing.
105 1st St SE A, Austin, MN 55912
(507) 437-8330
Rachel's Hope
Offers pregnancy, parenting, and family support, including diapers, formula, baby toiletries, clothing, and other baby items through its Positive Alternatives and Earn While You Learn programs.
808 W. Oakland Avenue, Austin, MN 55912
Tel: 507-437-7595
Off-hours: 507-481-6726
My Baby and Me Diaper Bank - Owatonna
Helps families experiencing poverty or crisis access an adequate diaper supply.
The Salvation Army, 1810 South Cedar Avenue, Owatonna
507-455-2023
Steele County Food Shelf, 155 Oakdale Street, Owatonna
507-455-2991
More information: 507-977-2000