Child Care Working Group — East Range
Child Care on the East Range
Aurora, Biwabik, and Hoyt Lakes have a combined 26 licensed child care slots for 134 children under five — and not one licensed center in any of the four East Range communities.
The need
Aurora
14 licensed slots, both family child care — zero centers.
Biwabik
No licensed child care of any kind.
Hoyt Lakes
12 licensed slots, one family provider — zero centers.
Town of White
No licensed capacity tracked in this area.
Across Northeast Minnesota, the shortage totals 4,098 child care slots as of June 2024. East Range families who can't get a spot with one of these three home providers often drive to Virginia — about 24 miles and 35 minutes one-way — for licensed care.
Facility models we're exploring
Child Care Center
Higher capacity per site, but the region's lack of a nearby licensor slows startup — a drop-in model can ease staffing and space requirements.
Family / In-Home
The fastest path today — St. Louis County has family child care licensors on staff and offers training for anyone starting a home-based business.
Co-op / Pod Model
Multiple licensed providers share one space, splitting kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor costs while each runs their own room of children.
This work grew out of the ERJPB Child Care Working Group, formed in 2019 with local providers, city leaders from all four East Range communities, and regional partners.