Riverland Community College

Information and Assistance

 

Help Me Connect

 

An online navigator connecting pregnant and parenting families with young children (birth – 8 years old) with services in their local communities that empower families to be healthy and safe.

Army Child Care Fee Assistance Program

Child Care Aware of America (CCAoA) Army Child Care Fee Assistance Program provides authorized reserve and active duty personnel living in the United States assistance with the cost of civilian child care when on-base child care is not available or a viable option for the service member and their family.

This program provides:

• Help finding child care
• Help paying for child care

Non-school age children must be enrolled in a minimum of 16 hours of care per week. School-age children must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 hours of care per week during the school year and a minimum of 16 hours of care per week during summer break. Army fee assistance does not cover the drop-in care for non-school age children or school-age children on breaks (winter/spring break, snow days, holidays, etc.). Care must be consistent and must have a fixed schedule.

Periodically, there will be updates to policies and eligibility for the Army Fee Assistance Program, and individuals are encouraged to check for updates on the website. Apply at https://www.childcareaware.org/fee-assistancerespite/military-families/army/

Basic Sliding Fee

The Basic Sliding Fee program can help families pay for child care while they look for work, go to work, or attend training or school to prepare for work.

Program info

The Basic Sliding Fee program can help families pay for child care while they look for work, go to work, or attend training or school to prepare for work.

Apply at https://edocs.dhs.state.mn.us/lfserver/Public/DHS-3550-ENG

Some counties may have a waiting list for this program. Counties get a set amount of money to use each year. It is provided on a first come-first served basis until funds are allocated fully. Additional applicants are put on a waiting list. If more funds become available, the county will contact you.

MFIP/DWP Child Care for Student Parents

MFIP/DWP Child Care for Student Parents is for families who meet criteria for 1st priority of the BSF waiting list when BSF funds are not available. The family will be served under MFIP/DWP Child Care for Student Parents funding while the family is on the BSF waiting list as 1st priority.

To be eligible for MFIP/DWP Child Care for Student Parents, the parent must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be under 21 years of age
• Be pursuing a high school or general equivalence diploma (GED)
• Not be an MFIP participant
• Not be eligible for Transition Year
• Reside in a county that has a BSF waiting list with families in the 1st priority.

In a two parent family, at least one parent must be under 21 years of age and be pursuing a high school diploma or GED for the family to be eligible for MFIP/DWP Child Care for Student Parents.

Bridge to Benefits

Information about: Eligibility Screening Tool for Health Insurance Programs, Energy Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (food stamps), School Meals, Child Care Assistance, Earned Income Tax Credit, or Working Family Credit. http://www.bridgetobenefits.org/

Child Care Assistance For MFIP And DWP Families

The Minnesota Family Investment (MFIP) and Diversionary Work Program (DWP) Child Care Assistance Program can help make quality child care affordable while families work, go to school or complete other activities in their employment plan.

Fill out an application at https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/children-and-families/economic-assistance/child-care/programs-and-services/child-care-assistance.jsp or mail the application or take it into to your local county office.

Child Care Grant Program For Parents Who Are Students

Minnesota Postsecondary Child Care Grant

The Child Care Grant program provides financial assistance to students who have children 12 and under, are not receiving assistance under the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), and who demonstrate financial need for grants, to help pay for child care while pursuing a postsecondary education.. Access the application @ https://www.riverland.edu/student-services/child-care-grant/

Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota Parent Groups

Provides support and information to parents of children with Down syndrome. These groups offer a safe place to share the joys and challenges of raising a child with Down syndrome. https://dsamn.org/events-and-activities/community-parent-groups

Head Start - Austin

Children ages 3-5 attend a half-day (3.5 hour) or a full day (7 or 8 hour) program at a licensed center, four days per week, from September to May. Full day program hours vary by location. Early Head Start – There are also toddler classrooms for Early Head Start, located in Austin and Winona, which operate year round (8 hour long classes). Contact Semcac at 507.433.5889 with any additional questions. You can find the application for Head Start @ https://www.semcac.org/head-start/head-start-application/

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

Helping Homes provides short-term voluntary care for children 6-weeks to 12 years of age whose parents lack support and/ or resources to provide a safe environment for their children while they address an unexpected situation. We’re a confidential emergency service available, free of charge for 2 to 72 hours of care, 24 hours a day and 365 days per year. Parents may use Helping Homes services up to 10 times in a 12-month period, if necessary.

(507) 438-1270
105 1st St SE, Ste A ? Austin, MN, 55912-4753

Catherwood Child Care

Catherwood Home was designed to provide non-traditional child care services and in 2016 regularly opened at 5:15 a.m. and closed as late as 12:30 a.m. Transportation to and from all Austin kindergarten and elementary schools is available to the children in Catherwood care.

707 4th St NW
Austin, MN 55912
(507) 434-2160

YMCA at Austin Community Recreation Center Preschool Education

Preschool TUITION 2021-2022 Classes Age Days Time Tuition

Sprouts 33mos. - 3 years TH & F 8:30 - 11:00a $95/month

Stepping Stones 4 - 5 years M, T, W 8:30 - 11:00a $130/month

Building Blocks (Pre-K) 4 - 5 years* M - F 12:00 - 2:30p $190/month

School Age Childcare

After School Care

Financial assistance of up to 20% off tuition is available through the YMCA of Austin to make sure every child has the opportunity to a preschool education. Contact Melissa Hussey at 507.433.1804 or at mhussey@ymcaatacrc.org for more information.

YMCA Albert Lea, MN

Afterschool Program/ Kids Day Off Program Children will be bussed to our facility from their school to enjoy a variety of staff lead activities including games, group activities, mini lessons, reading time, and physical activity. The program concludes at 6:00 p.m. and every child must be picked up by then. Afterschool Program, the YMCA offers all day care on District 241’s breaks and holidays.

2021 West Main Street, Albert Lea, MN 56007
(507) 373-8228

The Children's Center

Daycare center in Albert Lea, cares for infants through school age children.

507-373-7979
mjwangen@alchildrenscenter.org
605 James Avenue
Albert Lea, MN

Early Learning Scholarship

Can help your child attend high-quality childcare and early education to help your child get ready for kindergarten. For eligibility information go to https://www.familiesfirstmn.org/services/early-learning-scholarships/

(888) 450-2773
elsinfo@familiesfirstmn.org

Catholic Charities Mother and Child Assistance Fund

Provides one-time assistance to pregnant women and families with children under 12 months old all across Southern Minnesota. The Mother and Child Assistance Fund may be able to assist a women in need of one time help with rent, utilities, education assistance, car payment, daycare, or other needs. We also provide free baby items to eligible families. In Winona & Rochester call (507) 287-2047, In Mankato & Worthington call (507) 387-5586 ext 2.

Parent Aware

Parent Aware is offering free tools and resources to help families find the quality child care and early education programs their children need to succeed in school and life. Parents can call or visit the website to conduct a search.

This program provides:

• Help finding childcare
• Referrals to childcare

Apply at https://www.parentaware.org/#/

The WIC Program

• Is a Nutrition and Breastfeeding program
• Helps eligible pregnant women, new mothers, babies and young children eat well, learn about nutrition, and stay healthy.
• Provides nutrition education and counseling, nutritious foods, and referrals to health and other social services.
• For assistance with food resources contact Hunger Solutions Minnesota at https://www.hungersolutions.org/ or 1-888-711-1151.

1-800-657-3942

PACER Center

The mission of PACER Center (Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights) is to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families, based on the concept of parents helping parents. Founded in 1977, PACER Center was created by parents of children and youth with disabilities to help other parents and families facing similar challenges. Today, PACER Center expands opportunities and enhances the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families. PACER is staffed primarily by parents of children with disabilities and works in coalition with 18 disability organizations.

With assistance to individual families, workshops, materials for parents and professionals, and leadership in securing a free and appropriate public education for all children, PACER's work affects and encourages families in Minnesota and across the nation. http://www.pacer.org/

Parent Support Outreach Program

Minnesota’s Parent Support Outreach Program is a voluntary, early intervention program that focuses on a family’s strengths and needs, and aims to help children and parents thrive. The program is available through all Minnesota counties, and the White Earth and Leech Lake reservations. Families can refer themselves, or be referred by community or social service agencies.

Parent Support Outreach Program workers conduct comprehensive assessments of families’ needs and strengths and, together, make decisions about what services or community resources are the best choices for success. Short-term help may be available to families with concerns regarding:

• Basic needs (food, clothing and housing)
• Family health (medical care, mental and chemical health services)
• Parenting
• Transportation
• Child care
• Financial needs (budgeting and financial assistance) Parent Support Outreach Program
• Minnesota’s Parent Support Outreach Program is a voluntary, early intervention program that focuses on a family’s strengths and needs, and aims to help children and parents thrive. The program is available through all Minnesota counties, and the White Earth and Leech Lake reservations. Families can refer themselves, or be referred by community or social service agencies.
• https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/children-and-families/services/child-protection/programs-services/parent-support-outreach.jsp

Diaper Assistance

Check for locations giving away diapers on https://www.diaperbankmn.org/

Mount Olive Lutheran Church

3045 Chicago Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55407

Select hours Tuesday and 1st and 3rd Saturdays at Mount Olive

Diapers are essential to keep infants clean, dry, and healthy. Yet an average monthly supply of diapers costs $80.00. The diaper depot offers packs of diapers at a heavily reduced price, easing a financial burden while getting to know the families in our area.

Hours we are open:

• Tuesday, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
• 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Sizes and prices

• N – 6: $3.00 per pack
• Pull-ups: $4.00 per pack

Families may purchase up to two packs per child, per month for children up to four years old. To register, please bring a form of identification for each child (copy of birth certificate, medical ID, SS card, WIC packet).

Augsburg Central Health Commons

All families can receive diapers here. No appointment necessary.

Mondays and Thursdays 10 am – 11:30 am

333 South 12th Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
(612) 330-1203

Parenting Resource Center

Families can receive diapers, baby wipes and baby clothing here.

105 1st St SE A, Austin, MN 55912
(507) 437-8330

Rachel's Hope

POSITIVE ALTERNATIVES Program

Our Positive Alternatives program, partially funded by the Minnesota Department of Health, provides pregnancy, parenting, and family support and services. This program supports healthy pregnancy and parenting outcomes through the provision of services such as case management, referrals for prenatal car. Some of the items you can receive through this program are feminine hygiene products, toiletries for baby, diapers, formula, clothing, and various other baby items.

EARN WHILE YOU LEARN Program

Our Earn While You Learn program continues past the first year of a child's life through two-and-a-half years old for each child. In this program, our clients continue to receive the same education and support they've received with Positive Alternatives, but this program is funded by private donations.

808 W. Oakland Avenue
Austin, MN 55912
Tel: 507-437-7595
Off-hours: 507-481-6726

My Baby and Me Diaper Bank - Owatonna

To ensure families who are living in poverty or experiencing a crisis have access to an adequate supply of diapers.

The Salvation Army 1810 South Cedar Avenue, Owatonna
507-455-2023
Steele County Food Shelf 155 Oakdale Street, Owatonna
507-455-2991

For more information or assistance: Please call 507-977-2000 or email OwatonnaFoundation@allina.com.