Don’t miss out: Affordable child care for Minnesota’s working families

For many working families in Minnesota, balancing career demands with safe, enriching child care can feel like a daily juggling act. However, what many parents don't realize is that help may already be within reach through employer-sponsored benefits in partnership with child care providers.

The role of employers in child care accessibility

Child care benefits are no longer a nice-to-have option. They are a critical benefit employers can offer to attract and retain talent. According to KinderCare's 2025 Parent Confidence Index, nearly four out of five parents said they believe employers should play a pivotal role in making child care more accessible and affordable. Furthermore, nearly six out of 10 parents said they would rather their employer subsidize child care costs rather than give them a raise.

More than 700 employers nationwide, including organizations within Minnesota, are working with KinderCare Learning Companies, one of the nation's leading providers of early childhood education, to make high-quality child care more accessible and affordable for their employees. Through its scalable and flexible employer child care solutions, KinderCare partners with organizations of all sizes to meet the needs of working families.

Reliable, affordable child care in your community

In Minnesota, KinderCare has partnered with 17 employers, including Heating & Cooling Two Inc., Lifespark Holdings and SPS Commerce Inc., to offer its child care benefits. These benefits make early childhood education more accessible and affordable for employees while helping employers retain and support their teams.

Families can access care across 60 accredited KinderCare Learning Centers in Minnesota, plus Champions before- and after-school programs, ensuring options for children ages six weeks to 12 years. Whether families need full-time, part-time, drop-in care, or coverage during school breaks and summer, KinderCare provides solutions that deliver stability, routine and peace of mind.

Families nationwide trust KinderCare for their children's care due to its top-notch safety and health protocols, and accredited educational programs that meet the highest national standards. This trust underscores KinderCare's commitment to providing exceptional care and educational development.

"With centers across Minnesota — from the Twin Cities to Rochester to Duluth — we're proud to be part of the neighborhoods where working families live and work," said Dan Figurski, president of KinderCare for Employers and Champions. "With the help of our employer partners, we can all be a part of the solution in making high-quality child care more accessible for Minnesota employees. Whether an organization has 100 or 10,000 employees, this is a one-size-fits-one benefit, ensuring working families get the support they need."

What this means for you

So, what can you expect from your company's child care benefits? If your employer partners with KinderCare, you may have access to:

• Subsidized or discounted tuition at KinderCare centers or through an in-home care network.
• Priority enrollment at high-demand locations.
• Backup care options for when regular care falls through.
• Before- and after-school programs for school-aged children.

These benefits are negotiated directly with your employer, so they may already be part of your total rewards package, but only if you use them. If you have access to these benefits, enrolling is straightforward. All you have to do is show proof of employment to the Center Director, who can help explore what savings may be available to you.

Why now is the time to check

Minnesota's workforce is thriving, but child care costs can take a big bite out of a family's budget. By taking advantage of your employer's benefits, you can:

• Save hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars per year with tuition savings.
• Ensure your child receives high-quality care that supports learning and development.
• Reduce stress by securing consistent, reliable care.

Your child's future — and your family's budget — matter. If you have access to child care benefits through your employer, don't let them go unused.

How to find out if you're eligible

To find out if you're eligible, check your employee benefits portal or handbook for "child care" or "dependent care" benefits. If you're not sure, ask your human resources or benefits team if your company partners with KinderCare. You can also visit KinderCare.com and search for centers near you. Mention your employer when you call.