Grow and Learn Preschool is Now DES Certified!

The Department of Economic Security, or DES, certifies and contracts select child care providers (daycares, preschools…) to care for children and families who are eligible for DES child care assistance.

This DES Certification in Early Childhood Education is important for several reasons, primarily because it ensures that programs meet high standards of care, safety, and quality in the early learning environment.

As such, it reflects Grow and Learn Preschool’s commitment to serving children and families with diverse needs by providing quality education that supports their development.

2. What Does it Mean to Be a DES Certified Preschool

• DES Standards for Preschools

  
  Some of the key standards include:

  • Staff Qualifications and Training: Background checks for all staff, Educational Requirements, Ongoing Professional Development and Ratios and Group Sizes.
  • Health and Safety Regulations: Safety and Sanitation, Child Safety programs, Supervision and Security.
  • Curriculum and Learning Environment: Developmentally Appropriate Practices, Play-Based Learning, Individualized Support and Cultural Competence.
  • Child Protection and Rights: Mandated Reporting, Behavioral Expectations and Confidentiality.

As a DES-certified preschool and daycare,, Grow and Learn Preschool meets all of these standards and requirements.

• Benefits of Certification for Families

DES Certification benefits families by ensuring that their children are in safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environments. It offers peace of mind, access to quality education, and ensures that children’s well-being and educational growth are prioritized. For many families, DES Certification is an essential factor in making an informed decision about child care, whether for safety, financial assistance, or the overall quality of care.

• The Certification Process

  
  The process involves several key steps, from application to ongoing compliance. Grow and Learn Preschool completed to achieve DES certification, underscoring the preschool’s dedication to quality.

3. How DES Certification Benefits Children and Families

• Subsidized Child Care and Financial Assistance:

• Child Care Subsidies: One of the most important resources for families with DES-certified programs is eligibility for state-funded child care subsidies. These subsidies help reduce the cost of care for low- to moderate-income families, making quality child care more affordable. Families typically need to meet specific income guidelines and may be required to prove their financial need to qualify for assistance.

• Income-Based Assistance:

• Parents can access financial aid based on their household income and family size. Certified programs that participate in the subsidy system are able to accept families who receive these funds, helping ensure that all children, regardless of income, have access to quality early childhood education.

• Income-Eligible Programs:

• DES offers additional programs for families in need, such as Head Start, Early Head Start, or Pre-K programs that are linked to child care subsidies and are available for children from low-income families.

• Personalized Support at Grow and Learn

• At Grow and Learn Preschool, we recognize that each child is a unique person with individual patterns and rates of growth. These individual differences are then reflected in the teacher-child relationships and interactions through our responsive curriculum. Individualized support is provided to children with unique needs.

• An Inclusive Learning Environment

• As a DES certified child care provider, Grow and Learn Preschool promotes a caring, inclusive atmosphere where every child can thrive.

4. How to Enroll and access resources supported by DES

• Determine Eligibility for DES Resources

• Visit your state’s DES website or local child care resource and referral agency.
• Review income guidelines and eligibility criteria for child care assistance, which vary based on family size and income.
• Consider eligibility for other support programs, such as WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), that can support families with children.

• Research DES-Certified Child Care Programs:

• Use the DES Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) website to locate accredited child care centers and providers.

• Apply for Child Care Subsidies (if applicable)

If you need financial assistance to cover child care costs, you may be eligible for a child care subsidy from DES. Here’s how to apply:

• Complete an Application
• Submit necessary documents: You will need to provide income verification (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns), proof of household size, and other required documents (e.g., proof of residency, child’s birth certificate).
• Submit application: After submitting your application, you may need to wait for approval. DES will notify you about eligibility and the amount of subsidy you qualify for.

Learn More or Enroll Today!
Invite families to reach out for more information on DES-certified support and how Grow and Learn Preschool can serve their children’s needs.