There are maximum rates that the Child Care Assistance Program can pay providers caring for children. These maximum rates are set by the Minnesota Legislature and vary according to age of the child, unit of time (hourly, daily or weekly) and the location where care is provided. Providers who meet certain quality standards can be paid with rate differentials of up to 15 or 20% above the standard rates.

Data on children and families reported in the family profile is drawn from the Minnesota Electronic Child Care System (MEC2) for state fiscal years 2019–22, unless otherwise noted. A fiscal year begins July 1 and ends on June 30 of the following year, and is designated by the year in which it ends. (author abstract)