Workforce retention is a constant challenge in child care programs. Fortunately, Minnesota has a program to help these programs retain and support staff. The Retaining Early Educators Through Attaining Incentives Now (REETAIN) program provides competitive bonuses of $500 to $3,000 to incentivize well-trained child care professionals to remain in the workforce, thereby creating more consistent care for children over time. Recipients of REETAIN bonuses commit to remaining in their positions or businesses for at least one year after the grant is awarded.

Since 2003, REETAIN has awarded grants to over 5,000 early childhood and school-age care professionals with degrees or credentials, keeping them in the field teaching our youngest Minnesotans.

In a survey of REETAIN recipients, over half felt that the grant strongly or very strongly influenced their decision to remain in the field. Interview respondents also indicated that funds from the REETAIN program relieved considerable stress for providers by helping them pay bills and other expenses and allowing them to focus more easily on their work.

One recipient noted in the survey, “I am happy and thankful to get the grant. Makes me feel appreciated and important – I live paycheck to paycheck. I believe I make a difference – nice to know that someone else believes that too.”

Applications for this year’s REETAIN bonuses for family early childhood educators opened on October 1, 2026, and run until November 30.