Grace Grinager, left, and Nancie Deming, right. Photos provided. 

From Cook County, MN - July 19, 2025

By: Grace Grinager, Public Health Supervisor, and Nancie Deming, Children and Family Services Supervisor

In September of 2021, Wilder Research found that the highest unmet need for families with young children in Cook County was access to affordable, high-quality childcare. That finding sparked an initiative to address this need, which is now in its third year of exploring and piloting solutions-focused childcare projects throughout the county and Grand Portage. Recognizing that 90% of a child’s brain development occurs before they are 5 years old, the importance of rich early care and learning environments is life-changing, both for our youngest community members and for their families. Quality childcare lays a lifelong foundation for the positive physical, mental, and emotional health of young children, enabling them to thrive and grow. Early childhood caregivers are not often recognized for their vital contributions to the well-being of children. Cook County hopes to change that mindset.

Parents understand the importance of leaving their precious child with a trusted and caring adult. However, finding and accessing these caregivers is not a simple process. Families seeking care for infants or toddlers often face months-long waiting lists. Parents seeking part-time care or options outside of regular business hours may find a lack of available services in the county. These challenges affect the entire community, as many parents are unable to enter the workforce due to childcare shortages. The issue can feel overwhelming. However, Cook County has seen progress made year after year. Thanks to the efforts and contributions of community members, organizations, providers, government agencies, and regional foundations, Cook County has increased the number of childcare slots available from 72 in 2022 to 151 in 2025.

The increase in childcare slots in Cook County over the past three years reflects a strategic investment in recruiting and retaining childcare providers through a variety of locally based financial supports. These local partnerships and assets have been successfully leveraged to receive state and private foundation grants. Childcare initiatives have included:

• Professional development and mentoring sessions with local providers outside of business hours to address concerns and provide training
• Grant awards for early childhood education, Child Development Associate Certification, classroom observation, and business coaching
• Financial support to providers who are looking to start or expand their childcare business
• Hiring and retention bonuses to attract and keep employees engaged in early childhood work
• A wage enhancement pilot program that increases the average hourly wage of childcare workers to meet the median DEED-recommended wage for early childhood educators
• A community-wide recruitment and communications campaign to bring attention to the childcare dilemmas in Cook County https://cookcountynorthstars.com/
• Partnering for playground improvements at Northwoods Childcare, Cooperation Station, and the YMCA
• Funding furniture, equipment, supplies, and recruitment for the new Seedlings Infant/Toddler program at Birch Grove Community School
• Remodeling the Cooperation Station’s space to assist with recruiting a provider
• Walking alongside prospective providers to navigate the process of opening a childcare program

Many of these efforts support early care and learning professionals working in programs throughout the county and Grand Portage. Those caregivers are vitally crucial to our economy. In addition to these providers, 50-60% of childcare in rural areas is provided by family, friends, or neighbors. Cook County has financial support, incentives, and social opportunities for these caregivers as well. Family by family and child by child, Cook County is finding workable solutions for childcare access.

The increase in local childcare slots is a remarkable achievement, but affording care remains a challenge for many families in our communities. Parents may be eligible to access Child Care Assistance Programs (CCAP) or Early Learning Scholarships to help offset the cost of care. Unfortunately, those funding streams are only available to families with limited incomes. Childcare affordability and subsequent accessibility remain community concerns that need to be addressed.

Day by day, the work to build a strong foundation of childcare options continues. Our children, families, employers, and community as a whole need this work to persevere. Cook County is always seeking passionate community members to join the Childcare Solutions Subcommittee, which meets bi-monthly to gather feedback, discuss solutions, and advocate for ongoing improvement in the early care and learning environment. If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to Children and Family Services Supervisor Nancie Deming at 218-387-3624 or [email protected].

Learn more about initiatives to support childcare in Cook County by watching the July 15 Committee of the Whole meeting on the Cook County YouTube Channel around 11:00 a.m.  You can also visit our website at www.cookcountyphhs.org, contact us via email at [email protected], or find us on Facebook @CookCountyPHHS or Instagram @cook_county_phhs to learn more about our work in supporting the health, safety, and well-being of Cook County Residents.

County Connections is a column on timely topics and service information from your Cook County government. Cook County – Supporting Community Through Quality Public Service.