Facility Notice: Consistent with the governor’s executive order to continue to slow the spread of COVID-19, YWCA Minneapolis will extend through at least June 1 temporary closures we implemented for our fitness centers, a few of our Early Childhood Education centers and Girls and Youth programming. Learn More
The CARE (Child Care Advocates Ready to Emerge) Fellowship aims to provide early childhood development and school-age care professionals an opportunity to connect the dots between relevant public policy and the daily work of caring for and supporting children and families. Over 200 individuals from throughout Minnesota have graduated from the CARE Fellowship—driving progress for children across the state.
The Katie Williams CARE (Child Care Advocates Ready to Emerge) Fellowship was created by Child Care WORKS in 2006 in honor of longtime children’s advocate Katie L. Williams.
The application period for the 2018-19 CARE Fellowship is now closed.
In 2013, an alliance of child care and early learning organizations came together to continue the legacy of the CARE Fellows, including YWCA Minneapolis, Child Care Aware of Minnesota, Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children–Minnesota School Age Care Alliance, Minnesota Child Care Association and Think Small.
Since then, we’ve helped many Fellowship participants become more effective advocates for the early childhood and afterschool fields when engaging and educating policymakers at all levels of government.
At its heart, advocacy is about influencing policy by elevating the voices of constituents and the community. And with support from the CARE Fellowship, child care professionals have more tools to affect positive social change that positions Minnesota’s children for success.
Each session is led by an informed early childhood and/or school-age care leader and draws on Minnesota experts to share the latest news, research and strategies to improve early childhood and school-age care public policy.
Fellows meet once a month from October 2018 – June 2019 (nine times in total) to participate in all-day workshops.
Class 12 Gatherings
Each participant makes a contribution to the early childhood field and/or afterschool field by completing an individual policy project during the Fellowship.
Whether you plan to advocate for child care in Minneapolis specifically or across the entire state, the CARE Fellowship can empower you with tools to enhance your leadership skills and create meaningful change for Minnesota’s youth.
If you’re ready to learn more about the CARE Fellowship or get involved, please connect with us at racjust@staging.ywca.snapagency.net. Our team would be more than happy to provide any information or support you need.