Early Childhood
The Dream Catchers
Stories Eliminating Barriers for Children and Families: a documentary on Minnesota's ten-year initiatives to dramatically improve the lives of children and families, cutting across state agencies and local nonprofits to create and fund innovative solutions to complex problems. Featuring families from the YCB's early childhood work. Produced by N.A.K. Production Associates; funded by The BUILD Initiative.
Family, Friend and Neighbor care
Family, Friend and Neighbor caregivers include grandparents, relatives, friends, neighbors, and community members who provide flexible, culturally responsive care, helping families keep children safe, learning, and connected while parents work, study, and care for their households.
Birth to five
Early learning
Literacy, art, motor skills, play-based learning, songs, outdoor time, and social connection support school readiness before kindergarten.
Whole family
Resource connection
Families and caregivers get help finding food, housing, health care, child care assistance, transportation, legal help, and mental health support.
Development
Screening and referral
Partners help identify physical, speech, cognitive, social-emotional, and anxiety-related concerns so children can receive support earlier.
What caregivers can access
Navigator support
One-to-one help clarifying needs, finding services, and following up when a referral needs another step.
Training and peer learning
Caregivers connect to CPR and first-aid, behavior guidance, child development, mental health, and licensing pathways.
Quarterly learning stories
Caregivers and navigators document family needs, barriers, learning moments, partnerships, and stories that help funders understand the work.
Current partnerships
Centers and neighborhoods
Four Directions
The Family Partnership's therapeutic early education and care on East Lake Street, with Ojibwe and Dakota language classrooms.
VisitNorthside Child Development Center
Early education, intervention, and family support for children in North Minneapolis.
VisitLa Crèche Early Childhood Centers
A nonprofit that has provided early care and education for Minneapolis families of color for more than 50 years, serving children from six weeks to 12 years.
VisitFamily resources and systems
MPS Early Childhood Screening
Free developmental, vision, and hearing screening for children before kindergarten.
VisitChild Care Assistance Program
Help paying for quality child care for families with lower incomes.
VisitBridge to Benefits
Screen for work supports and tax credits, from child care to food and energy assistance.
VisitHelp Me Connect
Minnesota's finder for services for families with children from birth to age eight.
VisitMN Children, Youth, and Families
The state department behind child care, early learning, and family programs.
VisitFunding and support
How this work is funded
The Family, Friend and Neighbor early childhood work is supported by Family, Friends and Neighbors Minnesota (FFNMN), administered through the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). You can learn more about Family, Friend and Neighbor care in Minnesota at dcyf.mn.gov/ffn.
Executive Director: Ann DeGroot.
Grant manager and contact: Deby Ziesmer.