The Pennington County Childcare Association began the summer of 2004 over a concern about the cost of becoming a licensed provider. After meeting with the County Board and negotiating the cost to half, the group realized the benefit and need to become organized. With by-laws adopted and the process of being recognized as a 501© (3) non-profit organization, we are ready to work towards our purpose. The purpose of PCCA is to promote a safe and nurturing learning environment for children by offering local training opportunities, networking with community and collaborating with other childcare professionals.

Business meetings take place once a month (with a hiatus in the summer) and Association meetings will be a quarterly event that will offer training opportunities for all child care workers. The association has put together several CPR/first aide courses and trainings for providers in our community at no cost or low cost to association members.

We formed several committees to help guide our group as we are all busy with childcare! Our committees are administrative, advocacy, education, membership and public relations. Any member can be on a committee but only those that pay their dues will have voting power. We also send out quarterly newsletters, legislative news, and monthly updates via email.

Saturday April 26, 2008 is the date of our second childcare conference. It will be held at Northland Community College in Thief River Falls. This event will feature two keynote speakers, Dr. Dan Gartrell author and professor of Bemidji State University and Red Leaf Press Author Ms. Patricia Dischler (From Babysitter to Business Owner). Please visit her website at www.patriciadischler.com. We will offer fun and exciting workshops, vendor shopping and some fun pampering sessions! You will earn 6 training hours and CEU’s will also be available through the college. You may download a registration for on the training prompt or contact us for more information.