The Future We Build Together: Child Care Aware of Minnesota's 2026 Institute

Every day, people across Minnesota are helping providers, families, and communities build a stronger early childhood system. They’re solving complex challenges, strengthening relationships, trying new approaches, and finding better ways to serve children and families.

The 2026 Child Care Aware of Minnesota Institute: The Future We Build Together brings that work, and the people doing it, together.

Over two days, we’ll learn from what’s working, build practical skills, wrestle with the challenges facing early childhood, strengthen relationships, and create space to imagine what comes next.

For the first time, the Institute is expanding beyond the Child Care Aware of Minnesota system to welcome invited partners from across Minnesota’s early childhood ecosystem.

We’re navigating real challenges. We’re also achieving successes every day, in ways both big and small. The Institute creates space for both: to learn from where we are, strengthen how we work, and shape the future we want to build together.

See the System
Understand the larger landscape through data, research, policy, trends, and perspectives from across the field.

Strengthen Leadership
Develop ourselves as leaders who can communicate, innovate, navigate complexity and change, and lead with courage.

Build Capacity
Grow our skills and expand our impact through practical tools, technology, strategies, and stronger practices.

Connect the Ecosystem
Deepen relationships and collaboration across providers, families, communities, organizations, and other partners.

Shape What’s Next
Explore new possibilities, make collective commitments, and help shape what comes next for Minnesota’s early childhood system.

Across keynotes, breakout sessions, interactive learning, and time to connect, participants will learn from colleagues and partners, share what’s working, build new skills, and leave with ideas they can put into practice.

Join us November 5th and 6th at Hennepin Technical College 9000 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445.

We have reserved room blocks at two nearby hotels for Institute attendees. Special rates are available for stays November 4–6, 2026. Rooms must be booked by October 16 to receive the group rate, based on availability.

Holiday Inn & Suites Maple Grove: 11801 Fountains Way, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Book at the Child Care Aware of Minnesota rate

Hampton Inn Maple Grove: 7745 Elm Creek Blvd, Maple Grove, MN 55369
Book at the Child Care Aware of Minnesota rate

You may also call either hotel directly and request the Child Care Aware of Minnesota room block.