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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.

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Policy Hour: Child Care Updates

This month’s Ann Kaner-Roth Policy Hour was focused on recent and upcoming work at the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) with presenters from the Child Care Assistance Program and Child Development ...

Child Care Assistance Program, Child Care in Minnesota, early childhood education, Minnesota Department of Human Services

Child Care Assistance Makes a Difference: Oliver's Story

By Kristie Thorson, Communications Specialist St. Paul mother Stephanie Henderson knows her son Oliver has benefited from high-quality early care and education. “It was just so great for him,” said ...

Child Care, Child Care Assistance Program, early childhood education minnesota, Early education, early learning in Minnesota, mnleg

Policy Hour: Child Care

By Marie Huey, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Staff from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) joined us for February’s Ann Kaner-Roth Policy Hour to provide updates on child care. ...

Child Care Assistance Program, Child Care Development Block Grant, Child Care in Minnesota, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Children's Cabinet, Minnesota Department of Human Services, Minnesota Legislature, Policy Hour, preschool

Policy Hour: Mixed Delivery

By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Mixed delivery is a hot topic in early care and education. Even with an extra half hour, December’s Ann Kaner-Roth Policy Hour ...

anoka-hennepin school district, Child Care, Child Care Assistance Program, child care providers, Head Start, kindergarten, Kindergarten Readiness, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Department of Education, Mixed Delivery, School Readiness Plus, Voluntary Pre-K

Child Care Assistance Makes a Difference: Aaron's Story

Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) helps make child care affordable for income-eligible families. This can often be life-changing for children and parents, as it was for the Santamaria Mendez family. Four-year-old Aaron Santamaria ...

Child Care, Child Care Assistance Program, early childhood education, Early education, early learning in Minnesota, high quality child care, Kindergarten Readiness, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Parent Aware, Quality Child Care

Policy Hour: Previewing the 2018 Legislative Session

By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Facts and speculation both made appearances at February’s Ann Kaner-Roth Policy Hour at Think Small in Minneapolis, and Sara(h)s abounded. Sarah Orange, ...

Child Care Assistance Program, Child Care Development Block Grant, early childhood education, Early Education Policies, early learning in Minnesota, Early Learning Scholarships, high quality child care, Minnesota Legislative Session, Minnesota Legislature

Policies in Play: Child Care Assistance Program Changes

The Policies in Play series takes a closer look at the recently passed state legislative policies that affect early care and education. We work with partners to find out what ...

Child Care, Child Care Assistance Program, Child Care Development Block Grant, early childhood education, Early education, Early Education Policies, high quality child care, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Legislative Session, Minnesota Legislature, Quality Child Care

Policy Hour - Changes to Child Care in Minnesota

Staff from the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) presented at November Policy Hour about the changes to child care in Minnesota. During the 2017 legislative session, many changes ...

Child Care, Child Care Assistance Program, Family Child Care, high quality child care, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Parent Aware, Quality Child Care

Early Learning Scholarships Are Critical for Children in Child Protection

The Policies in Play series takes a closer look at the recently passed state legislative policies that affect early care and education. We work with partners to find out what ...

#policiesinplay, brain development, Child Care Assistance Program, Early Learning Scholarships, high quality child care, Kindergarten Readiness, minnesota achievement gap, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Legislature, Minnesota Opportunity Gap, Safe Passage for Children

Policies in Play

Join us on the playground as we explore Policies in Play! Think Small believes that placing a priority on children and their families through access to high quality early childhood ...

#policiesinplay, achievement gap, Child Care, Child Care Assistance Program, Child Care Development Block Grant, Early Learning Scholarships, Equity in Minnesota, Greater Minnesota, high quality child care, Kindergarten Readiness, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Legislature, Minnesota Opportunity Gap, Parent Aware

Policy Hour: Updates, Challenges and Bright Spots

Jim Koppel, Assistant Commissioner for Children and Family Services for the Minnesota Department of Human Services, spoke to Policy Hour attendees on March 7th. He talked about the child care ...

Child Care Assistance Program, early ed, Early Education Policies, early learning in Minnesota, Early Learning Scholarships, Minnesota child care

Minnesota Early Learning Organizations Present Policy Agendas at January Policy Hour

The 2017 Minnesota Legislative Session is underway! January Policy Hour brought us up to speed on the policy priorities of the organizations in the Minnesota’s Future coalition and the Voices and Choices ...

Child Care Assistance Program, Child Care in Minnesota, Early Education Policies, Early Learning Policy, Equity, Equity in Minnesota, Head Start, Home Visiting, Minnesota, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Legislature, Minnesota's future, Policy Hour, Quality Child Care

Policy Hour Highlights New Federal Rules in Head Start and Child Care

New federal policy changes will affect the Minnesota early learning field. November Policy Hour featured staff from the state departments of Education and Human Services sharing updates about the changes.

CCAP, CCDBG, Child Care, Child Care Assistance Program, Child Care Development Block Grant, Head Start, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota's future, Policy Hour

County by County, Here’s What Child Care Looks Like Across Minnesota

We must close gaps first by supporting early learning programs already in place to reach our most at risk children. Child Care is an essential and large piece of this ...

Child Care Assistance Program, Child Care by County Minnesota, Early Learning numbers by county, Early Learning Scholarships, Minnesota Legislature, Parent Aware