Sponsored Post from KinderCare Learning Centers.
For many Minnesota dads, the goal is simple: Be more present with their kids. But between demanding work schedules and inconsistent child care, especially during the summer months, that goal can feel out of reach. New data reveals that what stands in Dad’s way between distracted parenting and mindful presence isn’t willingness but access to safe, reliable child care families can trust.
According to research from the KinderCare 2026 Parent Confidence Index, conducted with The Harris Poll, 82% of Minnesota dads say they would be more present when spending time with their children if they knew they always had quality child care coverage. Yet that sense of stability can be hard to come by. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of dads across the state say it’s difficult to find quality care for children under age five, and 77% say they would even take a pay cut to work for an employer that provides it.
Those numbers reflect a broader reality for Minnesota families, particularly during out-of-school time, like summer. As school-year routines fall away, parents are often left managing a rotating mix of camps, family help, and time off from work. For working dads trying to stay engaged both on the job and at home, that unpredictability can create daily friction.
Nationally, when it comes to choosing care, parents are clear about what matters most, and it’s not just a place for their children to be when school’s out. Safety ranks as the top priority (58%), with reliability and consistency (54%) close behind.
That’s where structured, year-round programs can make a difference. Providers like KinderCare Learning Centers are designed to offer a consistent experience for families, with an emphasis on safety, dependable schedules, and high-quality early education. With centers across Minnesota, KinderCare is an option families turn to when they’re looking to simplify their child care plans for children from infancy through elementary school, especially during seasonal transitions.
“As a Minnesotan and a parent, I understand why parents are looking for an environment they can depend on day in and day out, allowing their kids to feel a sense of safety and routine, rather than being shuttled from place to place as child care is pieced together each week,” said Katie Meeker, Minnesota District Leader, KinderCare Learning Centers. “We’re building on a family’s village of support.”
That continuity can also ease the transition into fall. As summer winds down, children who remain in a consistent program know exactly what to expect during their out-of-school time, which means one less new thing to adjust to and can help reduce the stress and anxiety that often come with the start of a new school year.
Beyond serving families directly, KinderCare also partners with employers to help make child care more accessible. National companies like Walgreens, along with local Minnesota-specific businesses like Heating & Cooling Two, Inc., Lifespark Holdings, and SPS Commerce, Inc., work with KinderCare to support their employees with child care tuition benefits. These employers recognize that when parents have stable daycare, it benefits both families and the workplace.
For Minnesota dads striving to be more present, that kind of reliability isn’t just a convenience but a building block in the foundation, removing one of the biggest sources of daily uncertainty.
As families look ahead to the summer months, the message from dads is clear. They don’t need more complexity; they need care they can count on. When that need is met, it creates more space for what matters most: being there for their kids.
To learn more about Minnesota summer camps and reliable child care options in your area, click here.
KinderCare Learning Centers, part of the KinderCare Learning Companies (NYSE: KLC) family of brands, is a leading provider of community-based early childhood education and care, offering high-quality education and care for children six weeks to 12 years old at centers in neighborhoods across the country. For more than 55 years, we’ve been creating safe, encouraging environments where kids can learn, grow and build confidence for life. At KinderCare, hardworking families are family—regardless of needs, backgrounds, and experiences.
To learn more, visit us online at KinderCare.
