About Parent Aware

The Parent Aware ratings are issued by the Minnesota Department of Human Services with the support of the Minnesota Early Learning Foundation , the Minnesota Department of Education, the University of Minnesota’s Center for Early Education and Development , Metropolitan State University’s Minnesota Center for Professional Development and the Minnesota Child Care Resource & Referral Network.

About Parent Aware Star Ratings


The star ratings are based on a
number of factors, such as:

Family Partnerships

Providers/early educators involve parents in
the learning process and respect them.
They:

  • Regularly collect feedback from parents.
  • Regularly communicate with parents.
  • Communicate with parents regarding children’s transition to kindergarten or another classroom.
  • Use individual plans for children’s transition to kindergarten and between classrooms.

Teaching Materials and Strategies

Providers/early educators use learning materials
that effectively prepare children for school.
They:

  • Use research-based curriculum or a planning tool for teaching.
  • Promote a positive learning environment and child-adult interactions.
  • Promote teacher-child relationships and emotional engagement.
Tracking Learning

Providers/early educators track children’s
school readiness progress and regularly
share findings with parents.
They:

  • Use research-based child assessment, or a tool to track children’s learning.
  • Use such a tool to guide classroom time and goals for children.

Teacher Training and Education

Providers/early educators have
the preparation and training needed to
best prepare children for school.
They:

  • Hire and retain a highly qualified director and, if applicable, education coordinator (for child care center programs).
Child Safety

The program space is clean and there are rules
that help keep children safe and healthy.