A new resource for family child care providers:

                                           Minnesota is the first state in the nation to launch an Office of Ombuds for Family Child Care                                                         Providers (OFCCP). As the ombudsperson, my responsibility is to advocate on behalf of family child                                             care providers regarding licensing, compliance issues and other areas of concern.  

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This office – which is independent from the Department of Human Services, its licensing and child care services, and other divisions – is a place for you to turn for accurate and up-to-date information, support and guidance.

More specifically, the role of the ombuds is to:

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• Assist new applicants in the licensing process

• Provide recommendations for system improvements

• Monitor state and county licensing and compliance activities

• Receive concerns regarding interactions with state and county licensing staff

• Operate a statewide system for family child care providers when they believe their rights have been violated or that their program may have been wrongly sanctioned.

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In the coming months, we will launch a new website with information about the OFCCP, guides for responding to correction orders and negative actions, and other helpful resources. On the website, you will also find a form for submitting complaints, suggestions and compliments about the issues that affect your business. 

This newly created office is the result of the collaborative efforts of many Minnesotans who care about family child care: the Family Child Care Task Force, state legislators and family child care providers who have advocated tirelessly around the state and at the Capitol. 

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This work has been a long time in the making. The OFCCP is here and ready to help!  Please reach out to me by email ombuds.fccp@state.mn.us or by phone 612-322-2241. If you prefer, an interpreter will be provided.

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Respectfully,

 

Lisa Thompson    

Ombuds for Family Child Care Providers

About me: I have worked in various educational settings since earning a teaching degree, including 25 years as a licensed family child care provider. I completed a master's program in advocacy and public policy and worked at Think Small helping new child care businesses get started.

I place high value on building cultural consciousness, amplifying voices, and ensuring fairness and transparency in the licensing system. I was named as ombuds by Gov. Tim Walz after a robust selection process and started in the position in July.

I am looking forward to working together to lift up the essential role of family child care.