Star providers make a difference for
young children

The KIDS PLUS Program established Parent Aware Pathways in October 2013 to inform, support, and encourage licensed child care providers in their journey to achieving a quality rating from the state. By increasing the number of providers who are rated, more families will have access to quality programs for their young children. Funding from the Mardag Foundation and a partnership with Child Care Aware allowed the Northland Foundation to launch this ambitious undertaking.

Kiddy Karousel Nursery School and Child Care Center has been a fixture in Hibbing for more than 40 years with 140 children from birth to age 10 at the center on any given day. Why would Pat Ives, the owner of such an established, successful center participate in Parent Aware Pathways?

“We have been part of the community for a long time, but it’s important to be aware of best practices,” explained Pat. The five teachers in her program who have participated in earning their star rating agreed.

“The training was just excellent,” raved teacher Jan Fatticci, “I would recommend it in a heartbeat!”