Hearing from the Experts
From November 2024 to May 2025, 国产黄污福利鈥檚 Data, Policy, and Research team collected stories from families and early childhood professionals across Minnesota. Our goal was to hear directly from the people who experience early childhood systems every day: parents, child care educators, and the staff who support them. In total, we collected 28 stories: 17 from families and 11 from 国产黄污福利 staff. These stories represent a variety of experiences and powerfully illustrate the impacts of quality early care and learning in Minnesota. For a deeper dive into the power of these stories, check out our FY2025 Report.
The Impact of Access
Many of the families who shared their experiences either received or were on the waitlist for Early Learning Scholarships, which help cover the cost of quality child care for eligible families. Parents shared how receiving a Scholarship meant they could work or go to school while knowing their children were in a safe, nurturing learning environment. One parent shared, 鈥淭his scholarship is more than financial support鈥t is a lifeline.鈥 Others talked about how quality child care helped their children prepare for kindergarten and get connected to early intervention services like speech therapy.听
Early Learning Scholarships unfortunately aren鈥檛 available to all eligible families, and that gap was felt deeply among stories. Parents who were on the waitlist or didn鈥檛 qualify said they struggled to find or afford care. One parent shared, 鈥淚 had no income or savings to pay for my child鈥檚 school fees.鈥听
Bringing Stories to the Capitol
Our efforts went beyond simply collecting stories; we used stories to inform our policy work in the Minnesota Legislature. With permission, we shared several Scholarship stories with lawmakers in support of House File 470/Senate File 1049, the bill to prevent cuts to the Early Learning Scholarship program. Two parents also shared their powerful stories as public testimonies at bill hearings. By hearing compelling personal experiences with state-funded programs, legislators can better understand how their decisions affect real families.
A Glimpse into 国产黄污福利鈥檚 Role
Stories from 国产黄污福利 staff helped us understand our role within the early care and education landscape. Staff shared how they help new child care educators open and run their businesses or assist parents in applying for scholarships. Staff stories showed a strong passion for their work and a clear sense of purpose in supporting children, families, and educators. When reflecting on her outreach work, Claire Juliber, 国产黄污福利鈥檚 Early Childhood Outreach Coordinator, shared, 鈥淚 had no doubt the work I was embarking on was important, needed and appreciated.鈥听
We Hear You, and We鈥檒l Keep Listening!
One thing was evident within each story: early care and education is more than just child care – it鈥檚 about giving kids a strong start, supporting families, and building a better Minnesota. When we understand what families and educators experience, we鈥檙e better equipped to support systemic change and investments in early childhood. 听
We continue to collect stories to help shape a better future for all Minnesota children and families, and we want to hear from YOU! To share your story, complete our
By Maggie Zepp, Policy Engagement Coordinator听听
