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Insights, Ideas, and Resources for Early Learning

Welcome to the Think Small Blog, your go-to destination for valuable insights, innovative ideas, and inspiring stories in the field of early learning. Dive into a treasure trove of articles crafted by our team of experts, dedicated to empowering child care providers, educators, and families.

Discover practical tips, evidence-based strategies, and the latest research findings to support children aged 0-5 on their journey to kindergarten readiness. From fostering social-emotional development to promoting cognitive skills, our blog covers a wide range of topics, ensuring you stay informed and equipped to make a positive impact on young lives.

All Blogs Debra Fish Library Recommends Early Childhood Policy Early Childhood Resources Educator Stories Events How to Advocate News Research Think Small Todd Otis Public Policy Internship

2024 Internship Reflection

On Monday, the 20th of May we saw the Minnesota Legislature session come to a close, and with that comes the end of my time as this year’s Todd Otis ...

alex metchnek, todd otis public policy internship

A Unique Experience: Reflections on This Year's Session

My interest in this internship was fueled by my love for early childhood education and deeply held belief that we have a civic duty to support young children and ...

early childhood education, Early education, early learning in Minnesota, high quality child care, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Legislature

Reflection and Advice: 2023 Todd Otis Public Policy Internship

The events that occur early on in life can alter its future. Because of this, it is vital that every child in every community has a pathway to success. ...

Child Care, early childhood education, Early education, early learning in Minnesota, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Legislature, Quality Child Care

People and Policy: Reflections on the 2022 Legislative Session

The 2022 legislative session is officially over, which means so too is our time working with Think Small as public policy interns. It’s a bittersweet goodbye. On one hand, both of us have cherished the valuable connections we’ve made at Think Small, but on the other hand we’re excited to apply what we’ve learned about early childhood advocacy to our careers.

Importance of Community Solutions Fund

The importance of Community Solutions Fund, one grantee speaks out on their experience and the impacts it has on their community.

Two Public Policy Interns Join Think Small in 2022

Think Small is proud to host two Todd Otis Public Policy interns in 2022. The internship welcomes Eidan Silver and Quynh Nhu Dao to learn firsthand about early learning policy in the state.

Supporting Indigenous Parents: Community Solutions Grantee Update

By Jacqueline Zhang, Todd Otis Public Policy Intern For many years, Barb Fabre has recognized the need for advocating for and empowering parents in the family and child care sectors. Throughout her ...

BIPOC, Community Solutions Fund, early childhood education, Indigenous Parents, parent education, Parent Leadership, Parents, White Earth

Learning from a Distance: Reflections from 2021 Todd Otis Public Policy Interns

By: Helen Sabrowsky and Jacqueline Zhang, Todd Otis Public Policy Interns Hello from the 2021 Todd Otis Public Policy Interns, Helen and Jacqueline! It’s hard to believe that the 2021 legislative session is almost over, and with that, our time ...

early childhood education, Early Childhood Policy, early ed policy, internship, Minnesota Legislative Session, Minnesota Legislature, policy, Todd Otis

Two Public Policy Interns Join Think Small in 2021

By Kristie Thorson, Communications Specialist You’ve heard the phrase “the more the merrier”? This legislative session, Think Small made the decision to host two Todd Otis Public Policy interns. The internship ...

early childhood education, Early Education Policies, early learning in Minnesota, mnleg, public policy intern, think small, Todd Otis

Public Policy Intern Reflects on Unpredictable Experience

By Kieu My Phi, Public Policy Intern Hello there! You may remember me from the blog post introducing me in February. My name is Kieu My Phi, and I am ...

early childhood education, Pandemic, public policy, public policy intern

New Public Policy Intern Joins Think Small Team

By Kristie Thorson, Communications Specialist Ever since she was a little girl, Kieu My Phi knew she wanted to grow up and help other children. Her enthusiasm for advocacy, especially ...

early childhood education, Early Education Policies, early learning in Minnesota, mnleg, public policy intern

Guest Post: Scottish Intern Reflects on What She's Learned in Minnesota

By Katie Burke, Public Policy Intern Hello there! You may remember me from the blog post introducing me earlier this year. My name is Katie Burke and I am in ...

early childhood education, Early Learning, Minnesota, mnleg, public policy, public policy intern, Todd Otis

New Public Policy Intern

By Kristie Thorson, Communications Specialist When Katie Burke arrived at the Minnesota State Capitol several minutes before the doors opened on a frigid January morning, she had to find a ...

early childhood education, early learning in Minnesota, Legislative session, public policy, public policy intern, Todd Otis

Six Lessons from the Todd Otis Public Policy Internship

By: Emma Klingler Greetings! You may remember me from the blog post introducing me back in March. My tenure as the Todd Otis Public Policy Intern for Think Small is nearly ...

early childhood education, early childhood education minnesota, Early education, high quality child care, Kindergarten Readiness, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Legislative Session, Minnesota Legislature, Nonprofit, Quality Child Care

Meet the First Todd Otis Public Policy Intern: Emma Klingler

Think Small’s first Todd Otis Public Policy Internship is underway. The internship is a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about Minnesota’s early learning policy and advocacy landscape. Todd Otis’ lifelong ...

high quality child care, internship, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Legislative Session, Minnesota Legislature, Minnesota politics, Nonprofit, public policy, Todd Otis

About Todd Otis

Todd Otis’ lifelong advocacy career in Minnesota, and his work as a change-agent in early childhood, has had a significant and long-term positive impact on early childhood public policies, systems, ...