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.
Family Child Care Program Set to Expand to Meet Child Care Needs in Minneapolis
“I fell in love with teaching children,” shares Sally Boyd, director of Personality Childcare Learning Center in North Minneapolis. Boyd has served more than 600 children in the 20 years ...
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.
5 Reasons to Be Hopeful about Early Care and Education Policy
By: Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Lately I?ve had been feeling extra-inspired by my state and national colleagues about where we?re at when it comes to early care and education policy. It feels ...
From the Front Lines of Child Care: Creative Kids Academy
Update: As you will see from the video and photos below, we first met with Creative Kids to do this story on a warm September day. While the situation remains ...
Snack Pack Delivery to Child Care Providers
It?s always a pleasant surprise when healthy and money-saving treats show up on your doorstep. The ?You Matter? snack packs come from Health Fair 11, a non-profit dedicated to improving ...
From the Front Lines of Child Care: Lori's Story
Lori Williams started offering child care from her home when her son was about a year old. He?s 30 now.?I had planned to go back to work as an insurance ...
From the Front Lines of Child Care: Erin's Story
Erin Echternach is back at the office now? her 14-month old son, Aiden is once again attending his much-loved family child care program. But it wasn?t always smooth sailing. ?It ...
From the Front Lines of Child Care: Annie's Story
Annie Dunham is a Center Supervisor at Radiant Montessori, an early childhood program that typically provides care and education to more than 100 students in the Maple Grove area. Due ...
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 ...
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 ...
Child Care Provider Sanitizer & Bleach Give Away
Nearly 300 child care providers in the metro area picked up hand sanitizer & bleach beginning in April. The hard-to-find products were made available to child care programs at no ...
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 ...
A Middle-Class Mom Looking for Help
By Viktoria Bjerke from Belle Plaine, MinnesotaMy name is Viktoria Bjerke. I am 24 years old, married, and I have two children, ages one and two. We are a working ...
Keeping My Kids in High-Quality Care
By Kathy Benjamin from Moorhead, MinnesotaI am a single parent of three children. All three were in daycare at one point.? I was already receiving child care assistance from the ...