Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families

06/24/2026

Every child deserves a strong start.

Preschool can help your child build skills, confidence and a love of learning.

Programs are available across Minnesota, and financial support is available to help you.
Get help today: Child Care and Early Learning | Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families https://ow.ly/JjU250Z8iFa

06/23/2026

Summer is here! In Minnesota, that means SUN Bucks is back to combat childhood hunger for the third year in a row. Eligible school-aged children will receive $120 in SUN Bucks grocery benefits to help buy healthy lunches while school is not in session. Providing access to nutrition in the summer helps kids thrive all year long. Benefits have already been issued to many eligible families, while others will receive theirs later this summer.

If you haven’t received a text message or email from the SUN Bucks program yet and believe your child is eligible, contact your child’s school for the Application for Educational Benefits (also known as the application for free or reduced-price school meals).

Submit this application to your child’s school by Aug. 31, 2026 to be considered for 2026 SUN Bucks benefits.

Find out who is eligible for SUN Bucks and see all the FAQs at https://dcyf.mn.gov/sun-bucks

06/23/2026

Your voice can help strengthen outcomes for African American children and families.

The African American Child and Family Well-Being Advisory Council is hosting a focus group to better understand the experiences, strengths and needs of African American fathers.

We want to hear from African American fathers, paternal relatives and father figures, regardless of experience in child welfare involvement.

Your feedback will directly shape recommendations to include fathers in child welfare system decisions, strengthen family connections for African American children and reduce disparities.
You will receive a $50 gift card for your time.

Dates: Thursday, June 25, or Friday, June 26, 2026 (choose one).
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)

To sign up or for more information, email [email protected] or call 651-539-7990.

06/22/2026

What’s helping Minnesota families thrive?
😎 Summer grocery support
🗣️ More accessible information
🌻Foster youth leadership
🚸Child care innovation
💰 New investments in families
Discover these stories and more in the June edition of Growing Together: https://ow.ly/WAm250Zfmrl

06/17/2026

Getting your child enrolled in preschool is easier than you might think. Seats can fill quickly and vary by location, so it’s best to start early.

Reach out to your district today to learn more: Minnesota Head Start and Public Preschool Referral https://pub.education.mn.gov/HSPPReferrals/

06/15/2026

🌟 Connect. Grow. Lead.

What happens when young people from across Minnesota come together to share experiences, build confidence and discover their potential?

Tomorrow's Leaders Today.

This summer, current and former foster youth ages 16-20 are invited to join peers from across the state for three days of leadership development, new friendships, inspiring speakers, interactive workshops and unforgettable experiences at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Tomorrow's Leaders Today is more than a conference. It's an opportunity to connect with others who understand your journey, develop skills that can help shape your future and discover the impact your voice can have in your community.

Registration is now open. https://ow.ly/gl7j50Z8jZJ

Every young person deserves the opportunity to be heard, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to succeed. For more than 30 years, Minnesota's Tomorrow's Leaders Today Conference has helped young people with foster care experience do exactly that.

06/13/2026

Do you work with teens or young adults ages 16–25?

Join us June 15 for a free training on Paths to Parenthood, a program that helps young people understand the financial, legal and emotional responsibilities of parenthood.

Designed for schools, community organizations and youth-serving programs, the curriculum provides practical tools and resources to support informed decision-making.

Register today: https://ow.ly/FBxA50Z8T3z

06/10/2026

From learning how to communicate to building relationships and problem-solving skills, these early experiences shape how children learn and succeed later in school and in life.

Investing in early childhood is one of the most important steps you can take to support your child’s future.

Find preschool programs near you on Help Me Connect: School District Preschool Programs (For ages: 3 and 4-year-olds) - Help Me Connect https://ow.ly/GRmz50Z8hpS