Greater Bemidji, Northwest Minnesota Foundation receive child care funding

Feb. 6—ST. PAUL — Two Bemidji area organizations have received funding as part of $6.1 million in grants announced by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz to expand access to child care across the state.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has awarded 25 organizations with Child Care Economic Development Grants, expected to expand child care capacity by 1,400 slots statewide.

“Affordable, reliable child care is essential for a thriving economy — it removes the barriers that prevent parents from entering the workforce and makes life easier and more affordable for families,” said Gov. Tim Walz. “These grants are creating opportunities for child care providers, expanding high-quality, affordable childcare and growing our economy.”

DEED’s Child Care Economic Development Grant program provides funding to communities to invest in new or expanding child care businesses, including facility improvements, worker training, attraction, retention and licensing and other strategies to reduce the child care shortage.

The program, administered by DEED’s Office of Child Care Community Partnerships, coordinates the efforts of state government, communities, businesses and nonprofit organizations that are working to provide child care.

In the Bemidji area, the Northwest Minnesota Foundation received $134,530 and Greater Bemidji, Inc. received $575,000.

“Access to workers remains the most difficult challenge facing economic growth in the greater Bemidji region. It’s critical we increase workforce participation by reducing barriers to work for our community members — first among them is child care,” said Dave Hengel, Executive Director of Greater Bemidji. “This grant will directly increase our economic growth and expansion in both the Bemidji area and the Red Lake Nation.”

Hengel said the funding will support three child care expansions and create a resource center for providers in the region.

“Access to affordable, reliable child care gives families and caregivers options and peace of mind,” said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. “Child care investments benefit businesses, families, and our economy. These new grants are helping us create a state where all families can thrive, and all children are set up for success from day one.”

Of the funds awarded, 84%, or $5.1 million, will go toward increasing child care availability in Greater Minnesota, creating 1,337 slots.

“Secure child care is not only important for parents’ peace of mind, but is a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy and thriving economy,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “As the demand for more child care availability continues to increase, public investments in this sector take on even greater importance. Today’s Child Care Economic Development Grants are one of the ways we’re working with partners around the state to serve working families.”

Since the inception of the office in July 2023, DEED has awarded $12 million in grants to 45 organizations to fund child care startups or business expansions, resulting in over 3,500 new child care slots.

SmileHub recently ranked

Minnesota a top state for children, in part because of the availability and credibility of the state’s child care centers.

EMEA Tribune is not involved in this news article, it is taken from our partners and or from the News Agencies. Copyright and Credit go to the News Agencies, email news@emeatribune.com Follow our WhatsApp verified Channel