Milestones

10/10/2026

Do I need to be licensed to participate?

✅ Licensed? You’re Already One Step Closer to CACFP!

Most family child care providers already meet the basic requirement — being licensed by the state!

That means you’re just a few steps away from earning reimbursements for the healthy meals you’re already serving.

Let Milestones help you join the CACFP family today.

10/09/2026

“Ready for Kindergarten!”

Confident. Curious. Ready to learn. ✏️

Children in high-quality early learning programs enter kindergarten stronger—socially, emotionally, and academically.

Let’s build brighter futures together. 🌟

📚 Learn more or apply at milestonesmn.org

10/09/2026

🎉 THE WAIT IS OVER! OUR CARING 2027 KEYNOTE SPEAKER IS HERE! 🎤💚

We're turning up the excitement for CARING for a Lifetime 2027, and we couldn't be more thrilled to announce JEFF JOHNSON as our featured Keynote Speaker!

If you've been in early childhood education for a while, there's a good chance you've heard Jeff's name, read one of his books, listened to his podcasts, or experienced his refreshing approach to the work we do.

And if you haven't? You're in for something special!

Jeff isn't someone who just talks about early childhood education. He's lived it.

From directing child care programs and operating a family child care business with his wife, Tasha, to becoming a nationally recognized author, podcaster, speaker, and passionate advocate for play-based learning, Jeff brings decades of real-world experience to the stage.

He's also the founder of Playvolution HQ, creator of The Child Care Bar And Grill podcast, and author of books including Let Them Play, Everyday Early Learning, and Finding Your Smile Again.

But what makes Jeff especially compelling?

He gets it.

The long days. The burnout. The laughter. The relationships. The moments that remind us why we chose this profession in the first place.

Known for his humor, authenticity, energy, and no-nonsense approach, Jeff challenges early educators to rethink what's possible, embrace the power of play, and remember that caring for themselves matters just as much as caring for others.

And that's EXACTLY the kind of conversation we want at CARING 2027!

CARING for a Lifetime 2027

📅 April 16–17, 2027
📍 The Park Event Center | Waite Park, Minnesota

As Milestones celebrates 50 YEARS of Building Brighter Futures, we're bringing together the voices, ideas, and people who continue to shape the future of early childhood.

🔥 AND THERE'S MORE!

SUPER EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION IS ALMOST HERE!

Your opportunity to secure our lowest conference pricing is coming soon. Don't miss it!

💚 Let's learn. Let's laugh. Let's connect. And let's keep building brighter futures—TOGETHER!

10/09/2026

The benefits of the Child and Adult Care Food Program extend far beyond the meals and snacks!

Thank you for supporting brain development in growth in our children!

10/09/2026

Care happens everywhere.

Every day across Minnesota, children are nurtured by grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, family friends, and other trusted caregivers. Their care matters. Their impact lasts a lifetime.

The Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) Program at Milestones exists to support these everyday heroes with resources, guidance, and connections that help children thrive.

Because when we invest in caregivers, we're investing in brighter futures for every child.

Learn more about how Milestones is supporting Family, Friend and Neighbor caregivers throughout our communities.

💚 Building brighter futures. Nurturing growth. Creating pathways to success.

This program is funded by the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families.

10/08/2026

The Little Riders Car Seat Education & Distribution Program at Milestones

Serving Benton, Morrison, Sherburne, Stearns & Wright counties!

Eligible pregnant women or child(ren) with PMAP Blue Plus or Health Partners insurances.
*Insurance is county dependent, reach out for more information

Appointments last approximately one hour and are scheduled several weeks in advance due to high demand
*Somali and Spanish language supports available.

Call to schedule an appointment!
Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, & Wright County: 320-251-5081
Morrison County: 320-632-7805

10/08/2026

Fantastic opportunity this weekend!

Stop by this weekend to shop local art, vote for your favorite scarecrow, and catch some super cool art demos/make-and-takes!!

10/07/2026

Milestones Connections #97

Be Inspired.

Empowering caregivers, early educators, and parents in celebration, support, and nurturing of children!

10/07/2026

Children say the funniest things...

What is YOUR favorite quote from a child?
Put it in the comments below!

10/06/2026

THIS is why the Lullaby Project is so impactful.

Connect with us and we will tell you how to have some Lullaby Singers visit your Family Child Care or Child Care Center!