[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced that he has selected Lisa Thompson to serve as the Ombudsperson for Family Child Care Providers. As Ombudsperson, Thompson will oversee an office to assist family child care providers with licensing, compliance, and other family child care issues. Thompson was selected by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor following an open, competitive application process and three rounds of panel interviews.

“I am pleased to select Lisa Thompson as the first Ombudsperson for Family Child Care Providers,” said Governor Walz. “Lisa has firsthand experience as a child care provider and advocate. She is well prepared to take on this role as a liaison between providers and the state. I look forward to seeing Lisa apply her expertise to her work as Ombudsperson.”

“As Ombudsperson, Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge to this position from her extensive career as a family child care provider,” said Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. “Helping our child care providers navigate the system is essential to ensuring accessible and high-quality child care for all Minnesota families. I know Lisa is committed to the Ombudsperson’s mission and will serve Minnesotans with dedication.”

About Lisa Thompson
Lisa Thompson is the child care workforce development leader with Think Small and is an independent master trainer/trainer mentor with Child Care Aware. She previously owned One World One Family One Heart Family Child Care in Saint Paul. Additionally, she served as the Executive Director of the Minnesota Provider Collaborative and as president of AFSCME Local 3400 Child Care Providers Together. Prior to owning a family child care business, Lisa worked as an early childhood educator with the St. Paul Public School District and as a toddler teacher with the St. Paul Eastside YMCA. Her community involvement also includes volunteering for Child Care Providers Together and the Eastside Providers’ Network. Lisa received her bachelor’s degree from Saint Catherine University and her master’s degree in advocacy and political leadership from Metropolitan State University.

About the Ombudsperson for Family Child Care Providers
The Ombudsperson for Family Child Care Providers will assist family child care providers with licensing, compliance, and other family child care issues. The Ombudsperson will be an independent resource for information regarding family child care.