NEW ULM – Details continue to become known in the wake of the federal government’s temporary freeze on Minnesota childcare payments Tuesday.

“At this time, we do not have full details on how the temporary freeze will impact us. We will continue to monitor the situation closely,” said Brown County Human Services Director Anne Broskoff. “The State of Minnesota has advised counties, providers, and families to continue all Child Care Assistant Program (CCAP) requirements and practices.”

She said the freeze relates to federal reimbursement for CCAP funding while the State of Minnesota responds to a federal request for detailed information.

Broskoff said Brown County received $472,298.19 in 2025 CCAP payments to 45 daycare providers as of Friday. She said 60 Brown County families are eligible to receive funding, but 11 families have children not currently in daycare for a variety of reasons including not being able to find a provider or parents not currently working.

Broskoff said the federal funding is very important for Brown County working families, employers and the local economy.

“It helps parents afford safe, reliable childcare so they can stay employed or pursue education. Without this support, many families would face impossible choices between earning a paycheck and caring for their children,” Broskoff said.

She said childcare assistance allows businesses to count on a more stable workforce so they can operate more smoothly.

“Brown County’s licensed childcare providers include childcare centers and family childcare settings are the backbone of the childcare system. When providers thrive, families have options, and employers have a more reliable workforce,” said Broskoff. “They dedicate themselves to create safe, nurturing environments for our youngest and most vulnerable residents. They operate with integrity and professionalism, often going above and beyond to meet licensing standards and provide high-quality care.”

She said other programs such as Great Start Compensation Support Payments and Early Learning Scholarships are not affected by the federal budget freeze.

The Great Start Compensation program issues monthly payments to eligible childcare and early education programs to fund increased compensation to educators.

Early Learning Scholarships in Minnesota are administered by the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families to help qualifying children enroll in high-quality childhood education and care programs.