The Employment & Training Center (ETC) has been providing employment services and related social service programs for over 15 years.  ETC has six regional offices, 28 employees, and serves approximately 800 MFIP families in addition to 2,000 child care providers.  ETC is a division of Pine Technical College, located in Pine City, Minnesota.

At the present time, ETC is also a partner in several grant projects that bring nearly a million dollars in resources to assist working families  with education, child care, transportation, and family stability in Region 7E.

Current  partner projects include:
Integrated Services - Working with a family advocate.
SSI Advocacy – Assistance with applying for SSI benefits

Employment Services Programs

MFIP - The Minnesota Family Investment Program assists participants in finding employment that will support families by overcoming barriers.

DWP - The Diversionary Work Program  gives a jumpstart to families new to Employment Services.  Participants work each week with job counselors to identify barriers to work and build skills to meet demands of business and industry. While participating in this four-month program, individuals may receive income assistance and keep earned income for a strong economic foundation.

FSET - Food Support Employment & Training program assists individuals in finding employment.

CCAP - Child Care Assistance Program for Isanti County provides day care funds while a participant is going to school, looking for work or earning a lower wage.

Child Care Resource &  Referral (CCR&R)
NE district

This program identifies and delivers parent services and provider services in 17 counties throughout Northeastern Minnesota, including Region 7E.

Parents seeking child care services are connected with child care providers in their area.  Individual counseling about choosing child care is also available.

In addition, Child Care providers are registered on the CCR&R  referral system and providers also receive professional development opportunities  throughout the year to keep them updated on child development, school readiness, and early literacy.

Each year, through the Department of Human Services, approximately $250,000 in grants are distributed to NE District child care providers for facility improvements, equipment, and training.
 
CCR&R offices are located in Pine City, Duluth, and Cass Lake, MN.  CCR&R Website