Albert Lea, MN — Albert Lea Area Schools is expanding access to WrapAround Child Care for eligible preschool families following the program’s recent certification as a Minnesota Certified Child Care Center.
The new certification creates an additional opportunity for families who qualify for the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) to receive assistance toward the cost of WrapAround Child Care.
WrapAround Child Care provides care surrounding the preschool day for children ages 3–5 who are enrolled in Albert Lea Area Schools Voluntary PreKindergarten or School Readiness preschool programming. Care is available from 6:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. based on the school year calendar.
“We know that participation in early learning experiences can depend upon access to reliable child care that surrounds those educational experiences,” said John Double, Director of Community Education. “Becoming a Certified Child Care Center gives families who qualify for CCAP another opportunity to access the care they need while their children participate in our preschool programming, helping to reduce financial barriers to participation. Our goal is to increase the number of 3- to 5-year-old children who can access preschool programming and begin building a strong foundation for their educational pathway.”
The certification is another step in Albert Lea Area Schools Community Education’s ongoing efforts to reduce financial barriers that can prevent families from participating in educational and enrichment opportunities. While CCAP eligibility and any required family copayment are determined through the CCAP program, the new certification allows qualifying families to explore this additional source of child care assistance to help make WrapAround Child Care more accessible.
Families who are already enrolled in WrapAround Child Care and later qualify for CCAP can contact the Early Learning Office to update their payment method. Families interested in adding WrapAround Care to their preschool enrollment are also encouraged to contact the Early Learning Office.
WrapAround Child Care at a Glance
Available to children ages 3–5 enrolled in Albert Lea Area Schools Voluntary PreKindergarten or School Readiness preschool programming
Care available 6:45 a.m.–5:15 p.m. based on the school year calendar
Families who qualify for CCAP may be eligible to use CCAP assistance toward WrapAround Care
CCAP eligibility and any required family copayment are determined by the CCAP program through Freeborn County Human Services
Families can contact the Albert Lea Area Schools Early Learning Office for enrollment information and assistance
Families interested in preschool and WrapAround Child Care can learn more and begin the enrollment process through the Albert Lea Area Schools website or by contacting the Early Learning Office.
Albert Lea Area Schools Community Education
Early Learning Office - 507.379.4831
About Albert Lea Area Schools Community Education
Albert Lea Area Schools Community Education provides learning opportunities and services for children, families, and adults throughout the community. Guided by the philosophy “Gather. Discover. Grow.”, Community Education works to create opportunities for lifelong learning and reduce barriers to participation for community members of all ages.