Early Childhood Academy
About the Program
Ramsey County Early Childhood Academy offers a variety of new and expanded services to increase the number of quality child care programs in Ramsey County.
Click Here to Complete the Interest Form
Resource Material Kits
The Ramsey County Early Childhood Academy provides services such as free training and business coaching and has recently added resource material kits. These kits were designed to support educators in opening quality programs that serve their community. The four kits contain various items that assist in successful program licensure and operation. Unique to existing grant and financial opportunities, the kits are non-competitive and not reimbursement-based, meaning there are no upfront out-of-pocket costs to receive the kit. Educators can choose two of the four available Resource Material Kits.
Resource Material Kit Description Flyer
50/50 Match Financial Support Grant
The Ramsey County Early Childhood Academy is a part of the Ramsey County Investment and Support Efforts program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. These grants are available to individuals in the process of opening a Family Child Care program or expanding a Child Care Center in Ramsey County. Grants will be awarded based on program location, emphasizing areas of Ramsey County with the lowest access to child care and funding available.
50/50 Match Financial Support Application Guide 50/50 Application and Agreement
Child Care Program Start-Up and Expansion
Are you thinking about starting your own childcare business? Think Small’s Capacity Building coaches will help you from start to finish with everything you need for a top-rated program. We offer up to 20 hours of technical assistance plus other resources at absolutely no cost.
Free Online Training
Think Small Institute offers a wide range of learning opportunities which include options for both live-virtual training and self-paced eLearning.
This is an opportunity to take training hours required for licensing, Parent Aware and the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.
Learning Communities
Learn about starting a childcare business alongside other passionate educators like yourself. Our Learning Community series covers a range of topics such as the licensing process, policies and procedures, compliance and reporting requirements, marketing and communications, and resource development.
Ramsey County Early Childhood Academy is a part of the Ramsey County Investment and Support Efforts program, funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.