First Children’s Finance’s (FCF) is conducting a Cost of Care study on behalf of the MN Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF).

​

This study is an opportunity to learn more about current conditions faced by child care providers across the state, that will lead to policy and advocacy goal development to bring stability and success to the field.

​

First Children’s Finance is surveying and interviewing child care business owners and administrators throughout the summer and fall. Having as many participants as possible will be critical to create an accurate picture of program revenues and costs for different program types, in different geographic areas across the state. Our questions are guided by our child care provider advisory group to ensure the data we collect is intelligible and meaningful to the field.

​

Unlike the market rate survey, this study will show not just the actual costs of providing child care, but also why they are unsustainable at current funding levels. It will provide DCYF with new information and the ability to take different approaches when setting CCAP rates and developing other supports.

​

The cost of care study survey will be emailed to the licensing point of contact for all licensed child care providers in August and will be open through September. Survey takers will also have the opportunity to participate in a compensated business interview. Please contact First Children’s Finance with any questions about the study and how to participate. Ellen Nikodym, State Systems Coordinator, ellenn@firstchildrensfinance.org