SUPPORTING THE WORKFORCE THROUGH REETAIN –  A Guest Blog from our Partners at Child Care Aware® of Minnesota

Partner Blog  | March 2022

For young children, learning and development depends on strong attachments to consistent, caring, and knowledgeable adults. For educators, the wage situation in the early childhood field makes it difficult to continue a career in the work they love.

REETAIN (Retaining Early Educators Through Accessing Incentives Now) offers support for many educators so they can remain in the early childhood education workforce and serve the children and families who need them. REETAIN Bonuses help supplement income for early childhood educators as they work to establish a career in the field. REETAIN Bonuses can be used for program supplies, professional development, or personal expenses.

Here are a few comments from past recipients:

“I chose to use my grant to further my personal financial goal of eliminating debt in order to afford a reliable car.”

“I went back to school and finished my degree. The grant paid for one class.”

“REETAIN has allowed me to stay in child care. The money has allowed me to pay medical bills and do improvements to my child care home.”

This year, we have additional funds available and will be able to award more bonuses! Center educators may apply April through May and family child care providers may apply October through November. Visit the REETAIN page of the Child Care Aware of Minnesota website to view eligibility and application information.

Child Care Aware of Minnesota helps children succeed in school and life by supporting the professional growth of early childhood educators and connecting families to quality child care. Learn more by visiting ChildCareAwareMN.org.