Instead of going to daycare, an estimated 70% of children under the age of 12 are cared for by a family member, friend or neighbor.

Since the Northland Foundation has received a nearly $140,000 dollar grant from the state of Minnesota, it is now working to offer support to these childcare providers.

"This grant will provide us some opportunity to research what their needs are and how we can engage them in the educational process for these kids," said Community Education Director Chris Olafson.

The money will go towards a 20– month collaborative effort to connect with, inform, and support unlicensed childcare providers.

This will include meeting with individual families and developing focus groups.

"Some of the ground work has already been done we are already doing outreach to licensed care providers so this is kind of a natural next step," said Olafson.

Community Education Director Chris Olafson says this program is vital to the early educational development of children.

"Research shows that children who receive a good early education a good start between birth and age five do better in school," said Olafson.

The overall objective of this initiative is to enhance caregivers' knowledge related to early childhood development, early literacy, and school readiness.

"The ultimate goal of this is to have them ripe and ready for kindergarten or pre–school when they start," said Olafson.

But most importantly this program wants to provide children with a bright future.

This grant will provide support to childcare providers in Duluth, Carlton County, Hermantown, Proctor, and Lake County.

If you are interested in being a part of this program you can contact the Lake Superior School District at 218–834–8201.