The Minnesota Early Learning Foundation (MELF) is a nonprofit, applied research organization.  MELF’s mission is to recommend cost-effective strategies to prepare children for success in kindergarten.

August 10, 2011

Duane Benson, Executive Director of the Minnesota Early Learning Foundation (MELF) sent this statement to the media in response to inquiries about today's announcement that Governor Dayton will expand the Parent Aware early education quality ratings and improvement system (QRIS) that MELF piloted. 

July 20, 2011

MELF issued a press statement on July 20 detailing our disappointment in the lack of progress on early childhood reform during this year's sessions of the Minnesota Legislature.   In particular, we are baffled by the Legislature's opposition to the proven Parent Aware Ratings and its appropriation of money for early learning scholarships that are not tied to quality.  MELF is asking Governor Dayton to step up and take executive action to expand Parent Aware and to tie the new scholarships to ratings.  A link to the statement is here.