Below are resources compiled by Farmington Area Public Schools to assist families and learners.

Updated May 16, 2024

Childcare & Parenting Resources

School Age Care - Kid Connection

Kid Connection school age care, provided by Farmington Community Education, is available to grades K-5 in each elementary school. Hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, including most Non-School Days and some Holidays. The program aligns with guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health and the CDC. Staff teach and practice social distancing and health skills.

Registration Deadlines: In order to prepare for staff to student ratios, Kid Connection reserves the right to delay processing any registrations the two weeks before and one week after school begins. Start dates may be delayed according to the approval of pending registrations.  Approval of a new contract will take a minimum of one week (seven days). More detailed information is available on our website and by calling (651) 460-3200.

 

ECFE-Early Childhood Family Education  (Birth - Pre-Kindergarten)  

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is a program for parents and their children during the years from birth through pre-kindergarten. 

ECFE is a relaxed and fun place to meet other families with young children, and play and learn together. We offer a wide variety of classes, including weekly classes, one time classes, drop-in classes, special events, online classes, and several special opportunities. There are day and evening options offered and many classes have sibling care for preschool siblings. Classes are affordable and your fee payment will be based on your family income.

All of our ECFE classes are led by experienced, licensed teachers who help children discover and learn about the world around them through activities and play using art, science, movement, games, and stories. Our teachers create a safe and secure learning environment where children thrive and parents receive information, friendship, and support. More information here.

 

ECFE Parenting Coaches

Community Partners

Is there a barrier to success?  Not sure what to do about it?  Contact your school-based 360 Communities, Partners for Success, Family Support Worker to talk about a plan now.

• Financial stress (rent, utilities, car repairs)
  
• Food and housing
• Safety concerns (domestic violence, sexual assault)
  
• Homework completion and attendance 
  
• Home/school communication
  
• Home Routines and organization
  
• Resources for Physical and Mental Health
  
• Pregnant and parenting teens

If you have a child in the following schools, 360 Communities Family Support Workers can support you.

— Early Learning: Anna Lubinski at 651-460-3858
— North Trail: Taunya Mastin at 651-460-1882
— Meadowview:  Anna Lubinski at 651-460-3159
— Akin Road: Morgann McCarthy at 651-460-1771
— Riverview: Morgann McCarthy at 651-460-1629
— Farmington Elementary: Taunya Mastin at 651-463-9072

If you do not have a student in one of the above schools, to speak with somebody, please call 952-985-5300 or visit our website to learn more about 360 Communities https://360communities.org/ 

Community Resource Guide for Children and Families in Dakota County

 

Dakota County Integrated Children’s Mental Health and Family Service Collaborative: Children and Family Resource Directory January 2020

 

Employment & Volunteering Resources

Minnesota Job Service - The focus of all services is to help job seekers find work and help employers find and retain qualified employees.

Minnesota Employment Center - The Minnesota Employment Center (MEC) for People Who are Deaf, Deaf & Blind, or Hard of Hearing provides comprehensive employment and job placement services.

Minnesota Unemployment Benefits - This is the official website of the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program, administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). LOGIN/FAQ’s

Volunteering Opportunities - 
Dakota County’s Volunteer website - Dakota County offers a variety of opportunities for individuals and groups wishing to share their talents and time volunteering in Dakota County.

 

Finance Resources 

Financial assistance - The following resources are available if you, your family, or someone you know needs economic assistance. Find more information about income assistance from the Department of Human Resources.

Minnesota Unemployment Benefits - This is the official website of the Minnesota Unemployment Insurance Program, administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). LOGIN/FAQ’s

Energy Assistance Program - The Energy Assistance Program helps pay for home heating and water costs and furnace repairs for income-qualified households. Find more information on the Energy Assistance Program website.

Save Receipts for School Supplies!
Minnesota Revenue offers two valuable tax benefits for parents who purchase school supplies for their K-12 students, the K-12 Education Credit and Subtraction. These benefits can reduce parents’ taxes to increase their refund, but is only available for those who keep their receipts. Purchases for most school supplies, field trips, and musical instruments for school band are eligible.

Most Minnesota parents qualify for the K-12 subtraction, which reduces their taxable income. Parents under certain income limits may also qualify for the K-12 credit, which can refund up to 75% of their costs – even for parents who don’t owe any taxes. Visit the Minnesota Revenue website for details.

Educational Benefits (Free and Reduced Meal Program) - Educational Benefit applications are mailed to all families with enrolled students at the beginning of each school year. If you do not receive one, please contact food service at 651-460-3820, or email us at [email protected].

If you have mailed in an application, and have not received a response within two weeks, please call the Educational Benefits Department at 651-460-3823 to inquire about the status of your application.

If you qualify for benefits, it will begin on the date that your application is processed. We cannot retro-activate the benefits. If your student(s) qualify for the benefit, they may have a complete breakfast and a complete lunch each day. The program does not cover a la carte items, such as additional entrees, or single cartons of milk

 

Food Resources 

Farmington Food Shelf
510 Walnut Street
Farmington, MN 55024
www.360communities.org
(952) 985-5300

Rosemount Family Resource Center
14521 Cimarron Avenue West
Rosemount, MN 55068
www.360communities.org
(651)  322-5113

Lakeville -Messiah Community Food Shelf
Messiah Lutheran Church
16725 Highview Avenue
Lakeville, MN 55044
(952)  985-5300

Caring Hearts in Action
315 4th Street
Farmington, MN 55024
www.caringheartsmn.org
(651) 463-3582

Loaves and Fishes Community Meal
Every Wednesday: Free supper (to go) served 5:30-6:30 pm
Faith United Methodist Church
710 8th Street
Farmington, MN 55024
www.faithinyourheart.org
(651) 460-6110

The Open Door Pantry

Farmington Rambling River Center, 325 Oak Street, Farmington, MN 55024
FREE FRESH & HEALTHY FOOD | Check the link for specific dates and times. Food items may vary each month, but can include: shelf stable pantry items, fresh fruit, vegetables, and dairy items. While supplies last. This distribution will be held on the south side of the Rambling River Center by the garages. Please bring reusable bags if possible!! 

To receive schedule updates, text CORN to 651-370-8095. No Appointment Required
www.theopendoorpantry.org 

 

Mental Health Resources

Associated Clinic of Psychology: Associated Clinic of Psychology was awarded a grant by Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide school and community based therapy to students and families throughout Dakota County. All services are conducted by qualified mental health professionals and practitioners. Through the grant program, they are able to offer services to students in Dakota County regardless of insurance coverage. Services are available to be delivered at school, home, and via telehealth. If you are interested in this service for your child please contact your child’s building school counselor. 

Dakota County Children’s Mental Health: Are you interested in additional support and services regarding your child’s mental health? Some children are eligible for ongoing case management from a children’s mental health case management social worker at no cost. Please see Dakota County Children’s Mental Health for more information and how to make a referral. If you have questions about this service or would like assistance in making the referral please contact your child’s building school counselor or District Family Resource Coordinator. 

Dakota County Children’s Mental Health Brochure - English

Dakota County Children’s Mental Health Brochure - Spanish

Dakota County Children’s Mental Health Brochure - Somali 

 

Housing Resources

Singles, Youth, and Families: Dakota County residents may call the Housing Crisis Line at 651-554-5751 if they need:
— Emergency shelter due to homelessness or feeling domestic violence
— Information on community housing resources and referrals

Emergency Financial Assistance: short-term assistance (usually a one-time payment) for people experiencing a financial hardship such as an eviction or utility shutoff.
— Call 651-554-5611 for more information

Legal Assistance:
— HomeLine provides free legal help for renters. Call 612-728-5767
— Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) offers free legal help to low-income and senior citizen (60+) clients. Call 1-888-575-2954
Energy Assistance Program - The Energy Assistance Program helps pay for home heating and water costs and furnace repairs for income-qualified households. Find more information on the Energy Assistance Program website.
McKinney-Vento
Know Your Rights (English)
Know Your Rights (Spanish)

 

Technology Resources

Click here for iPad Repair Help.

For help with your iPad or other technology questions that might be able to be solved by phone while off campus, please call our student and family tech helpline during normal school hours: 651-463-5090.

Dakota County Libraries
WiFi signals have been expanded to cover the parking lots at all Dakota County Library locations. Use of computers and other resources are available by through Dakota County Libraries.

Dakota County Library now offers Wi-Fi hotspots and Chromebooks to provide free internet access at home or on the go. To check one out, visit the catalog to place a hold on a Wi-Fi hotspot or Wi-Fi hotspot and Chromebook kit. You can also drop by any Dakota County Library location to pick one up while supplies are available. Each can be checked out for 6 weeks. Individuals will need a Dakota County Library Card to reserve and check one out — registering for a library card can be easily completed in-person or online.

To use a Wi-Fi hotspot, individuals will use their own phone, tablet, laptop or other device to connect to a hotspot and access the internet. Or, they can check out both a Wi-Fi hotspot and Chromebook and use the Chromebook to connect to the hotspot. 

Reduced Cost Internet Programs 
Some internet service providers in our area offer internet access at a reduced cost to qualifying families. If interested, please review the following resources to learn more about the programs and qualifications:
— Spectrum Internet Assist
— Frontier Lifeline Program
— T-Mobile Project 10Million Direct to Parent/Guardian