If 2023 was the year of legislative activity for child care in Minnesota, 2024 is the year of reports! As projects from the 2023 session get underway and existing projects move forward, state agencies will report to the legislature and the public about the progress.ÌýÌýHere’s what to look for in early care and education reports for 2024.ÌýÌý
January 15, 2024ÌýÌý
Office of ÃÛÍÃÖ±²¥ Care Community PartnershipsThis will be the first version of a report that will be delivered to the legislature annually. The Office of ÃÛÍÃÖ±²¥ Care Community Partnerships at the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) was established in legislation passed during the 2023 session. The brand new office will produce the report on activities in the previous year including:
- Analysis of current access to child care within the stateÌý
- Analysis of the current shortage of child care within the stateÌý
- Summary of the office’s activitiesÌý
- Proposed legislative and policy initiativesÌý
February 1, 2024Ìý
ÃÛÍÃÖ±²¥ Care Regulations Modernization ProjectsThe Department of Human Services (DHS) will submit a report and proposed legislation to the legislature to implement the new licensing models for family child care and child care centers developed by the .ÌýInformation Technology Systems ModernizationDHS and the Department of of Information Technology Services will submit a report to the legislature on the status of the plan, strategy, and funding of the project to modernize IT systems for programs that support children and families. The report will be delivered annually until the funds are spent.ÌýMarch 1, 2024ÌýDepartment of ÃÛÍÃÖ±²¥ren, Youth, and Families TransitionThe Commissioner of Management and Budget (MMB) must report to the legislature on the status of the Department of ÃÛÍÃÖ±²¥ren, Youth, and Families. This is a new department established by the state legislature in 2023. The report will detail the progress on transitioning to a new department and will include stakeholder feedback.ÌýJuly 2024ÌýParent Aware evaluation report submitted to DHSÃÛÍÃÖ±²¥ Trends is conducting an required by legislation that passed in 2021. A detailed overview of all evaluation activities, findings, and implications for future improvements to Parent Aware will be included the report. They will submit the report to DHS and also make the information public.ÌýDecember 2024ÌýParent Aware EvaluationDHS will submit recommendations to the legislature based on the report submitted by ÃÛÍÃÖ±²¥ Trends in July 2024.ÌýParent Aware One Star for all licensed programs (December 31)DHS must submit a report to the legislature about the cost of implementing a one-star rating for all licensed programs in 2026. This must also take into account funding that may be needed for programs that seek higher ratings.ÌýÌý
Why do reports matter?Ìý
Many of these reports will provide recommendations to the legislature on how to take action to improve early care and education systems in our state. However, they will need advocates from the field to help refine and advance them. You can use the reports as a tool for a conversation with your legislator.ÌýÌýEarly ÃÛÍÃÖ±²¥hood Reports from 2023Check out these reports from last year that will continue to be relevant.ÌýÌý
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Did we miss one? Please let us know! Email policy@thinksmall.org with information about other early care and education reports we should be tracking.ÌýBy Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Staff Leader