UWNEMN partnered with Wilder Research in 2013 to determine the needs and issues regarding childcare in the region from parent, provider, and employer perspectives to determine how we could best address the emerging issue in our service area.
The results
- Finding childcare arrangements with all the features families find important was difficult. Families indicated that the lack of flexible scheduling and lack of quality child care were their top difficulties. An alarming 50% survey stated the lack of childcare affected their likelihood of continuing to live in our area.
- Barriers to finding childcare included waiting lists as long as one year (sometimes longer, especially for infant care), flexible scheduling to accommodate shift work, and not enough formal early education options.
- Childcare providers expressed concern about meeting parent needs due to space limitations, expensive and hard to access trainings to become accredited or rated, and climbing costs for updated equipment, learning toys, curriculum, and educational materials.
The outcome
UWNEMN partnered with the Iron Range Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board, Northland Foundation, Blandin Foundation, and UMD Center for Economic Development to create added momentum on the development of childcare in the region. Outcomes included tracking and supporting expansion projects, creating a Business Case Study for Child Care, and creating solutions for workforce issues surrounding childcare and legislative work.
Today
Now 10 years after our initial study - 10 years of continued collaboration and many success stories - we know many of the same barriers for families and providers still exist.
UWNEMN and community partners remain committed to supporting the expansion of existing childcare facilities and creation of new facilities for the betterment of our region while seeking other holistic methods to ensuring local children have the building blocks they need for happy childhoods and healthy adulthoods!
A holistic approach to expanding childcare access
In 2023, UWNEMN began offering free babysitting trainings for children ages 11 and older led by the Mountain Iron Library Director and American Red Cross certified trainer Anna Amundson. Each participant will leave with a certification of knowledge and skills necessary to safely and responsibly care for children and infants.
Based on high demand and positive feedback, UWNEMN now offers classes each summer and winter break through funding from the Northland Foundation and State of Minnesota.
Click here to join the wait list and receive an email when registration opens for upcoming trainings!
.jpg)
United Way Born Learning is a set of tools that equip parents, caregivers, and communities to create early learning opportunities for young children. Born Learning trails are a well-proven United Way community engagement and improvement tool; United Way of Northeastern Minnesota is working with cities across our service area to identify locations ideal for Born Learning trails.
Once locations are determined, local volunteers will help install signage and paint paths to create interactive, fun, and educational community asset. Our first-ever Born Learning Trail was installed in Baudette's Timber Mill Park in 2025.
Want to bring a Born Learning Trail to your community? Contact sarah@unitedwaynemn.org.
To view Wilder Research's full child care report for UWNEMN and infographics, please click on the links below:
CHILD CARE REPORT RESULTS INFOGRAPHIC VISION INFOGRAPHIC
Want to provide more local youth opportunity?
Consider donating to UWNEMN's Bright Beginnings initiative.
Checks can be mailed directly to 608 East Drive, Chisholm, MN 55719. If you'd like your donation to support Bright Beginnings, please indicate so in writing.