Blog, News & Events
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.
Guest Post: Why Compensation Matters
By Christa Anders, Coordinator, Transforming Minnesota’s Early Childhood Workforce I am so looking forward to 2021!! Despite a rough start to the year, I am hoping that science will help bring ...
From the Front Lines of Child Care: Wendy's Story
“I’m exhausted. But I love my job and my families. I’m blessed to be an educator and care provider for the youngest Minnesotans.” Wendy Dewall used to have eight to ...
From the Front Lines of Child Care: Britney's Story
“I’m doing everything I can to ensure the families in my child care program have the financial stability they need right now and to keep everyone enrolled for the future.” ...
From the Front Lines of Child Care: Jean's Story
“I just ask that you realize we are essential business owners ALL the time, not just during the pandemic.” When Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued the stay-at-home order, Jean Mathison ...
From the Front Lines of Child Care: Jamie's Story
“I am happy that I am able to help out where I am needed. Although it may be a struggle, we will all get through it together.” Jamie Brown has ...
From the Front Lines of Child Care: Josalyn's Story
“The virus has thrown everything off so bad, and I’m worried that all the progress we’ve made with the kids will be gone, and that it’s going to be hard ...
From the Front Lines of Child Care: Irene's Story
“I wanted to remain available to all of my families so that even if they are working from home, they could have their children maintain routines, and the parents could ...
From the Front Lines of Child Care: Robyn's Story
“I love my job. I provide an important service to the community, but to be able to stay open much longer will be a challenge. We need financial help desperately.” ...
From the Front Lines of Child Care: Hopkins Early Learning Center
“Invest in early childhood education and care, for it is now, and will continue to be, an essential service for communities and our economy.” Founded in 1981, Hopkins Early Learning ...
From the Front Lines of Child Care: Tammy's Story
“Do you close and risk losing families, or do you stay open and risk yourself and your own family’s health? Child care providers deserve a big pat on the back ...
From the Front Lines of Child Care: Elisa's Story
“The mental toll caused by the risk that an infection poses is a daily preoccupation.” With so many uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maria ‘Elisa’ Vega is worried about ...
From the Front Lines of Child Care: Rdella's Story
“I don’t think child care providers were taken very seriously before,” White said. “I think people are seeing how important we are, and the Governor sees that too. We are ...
From the Front Lines of Child Care: Shirley's Story
“Family child care is a small business that depends on parents bringing their children to survive. If we all close down, then there will be nowhere for children to get ...
Policy Hour - Coronavirus Early Childhood Update
By Cisa Keller, Senior Vice President of Early Childhood Quality Development The April Policy Hour focused on Coronavirus Early Childhood Updates. Children’s Cabinet Update Stephanie Hogenson, Policy Director for the ...
Coronavirus: Information for Child Care Providers
You are no doubt aware of reports concerning a new respiratory virus that health officials have termed novel coronavirus (COVID-19). You can find the most up-to-date information about what is ...
Tell Your Early Learning Story: Why It's Important
By Kristie Thorson, Communications Specialist Whether you’re a family child care provider who wants to share a program success or a parent who is struggling to find high-quality care, your ...
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 ...
Early Care & Education Crisis Work Group Convening
By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Two interconnected crises continue in Minnesota: worst-in-the-nation achievement gaps and a severe child care shortage in many parts of the state Last ...
Think Small Statement Regarding Family Separations
By Barbara Yates, President and CEO of Think Small As another school year begins, we have another opportunity to reflect on children’s readiness for the learning ahead. Think Small’s strategic ...
Advocate for Early Learning at the Great MN Get-Together!
By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator The Minnesota State Fair is a great time to put your advocacy skills to work! With so many organizations and resources, you don’t have ...
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. ...
Early Learning Council Submits Recommendations to Governor
Early Learning Council members are responsible for providing recommendations to the Governor and Legislature on how to create a high-quality, early childhood system in Minnesota that will help improve outcomes ...
Five Helpful Resources for Advocating for High-Quality Child Care in 2019
By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Are you motivated to advocate for children this year? If you’re looking to support high-quality child care in Minnesota, below are some ...
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 ...
Early Education Spotlight: Bloom Early Learning and Child Care
By: Marie Huey Early Education Spotlight is an ongoing series that showcases great work happening in child care and preschool settings across Minnesota. From innovative early learning programs to parent ...