In an effort to increase accessibility to childcare in the New Ulm area, the Brown County Licensing Department and the New Ulm Economic Development Authority have begun the New Ulm Childcare Substitute Program. Once trained, substitute providers will be available to at-home daycares when the need arises. This accessibility to substitutes will help ensure that childcare is able to be offered, making them more reliable and less prone to unexpected closures due to illness and other emergencies.

“Our goal is for parents to be able to work without having their schedules disrupted,” said New Ulm Economic Development Authority Director Heather Bregel. “We recognize that reliable childcare is necessary for parents to be able to work to provide for their families.”

The program is a win-win for parents and employers. It allows parents to continue working without having to worry about finding last-minute childcare, while it gives employers peace of mind knowing that their employees will have reliable childcare options when they need them.

Are you looking for an opportunity to work part-time with a flexible schedule? Become a childcare substitute. The program is open to anyone who has completed a background check and has completed the mandatory training. The cost for the training is $120 per person. The New Ulm EDA will reimburse people for their training costs once all training is complete.

If you are interested in becoming a childcare substitute, contact Brown County at Licensing.Unit@co.brown.mn.us or call 507-359-6500 and ask to speak with the Childcare Licensor.