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.

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

Red apple on stack of study books sitting on a table next to colored pencils

Think Small Institute Achieves IACET Accreditation for High-Quality Training for Early Childhood Professionals

Think Small is proud to announce that the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) has accredited Think Small Institute’s professional development in early childhood care and education. This ...

early childhood education, high quality child care

When is it Happening: Early Childhood Infrastructure, Policy Changes, and Reports

Many changes to early care and education policy passed this legislative session. In an attempt to organize and track the milestones ahead, we’ve created this blog post and accompanying ...

Child Care, child care policy, early care and learning policy, early childhood education, Early education, Great Start MN, high quality child care, Minnesota Legislature, Quality Child Care

What's in the Budget: Early Care and Education Workforce

It is no secret to those who work in or rely on child care that the field struggled even before the pandemic. The challenge of covering the actual costs ...

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

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

2023 Early Care and Education Legislation

There’s now a clearer picture of what will become law in 2023. When it comes to early care and education, there is a lot! We’re still digesting, but here’s ...

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

What’s in the Budget: Early Learning Scholarships

House File 2292, the early education omnibus bill, passed both the House and Senate and was signed into law by Governor Walz. This bill contains new investments and policy ...

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

Early Care and Education in the Omnibus Bills

State legislators are on Spring Break, and omnibus budget bills are available. An omnibus bill is made up of many other bills centered on a specific topic. State legislators ...

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

Early Care and Education Efforts in Progress

The 2023 State Legislative Session is officially underway. Legislators are meeting with constituents, bills are being drafted and introduced, and committees are holding hearings! Legislative leaders and Governor Walz ...

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

Resources for Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

Chokma! Chickasha saya. Hello! I am Chickasaw. I am one of just over 5 million Native Americans living in the United States. That’s just over 1% of the entire country’s ...

early childhood education, Heritage

October Think Small Institute Highlights

Fall is in the air, and apples and pumpkins are everywhere. In October, we encourage you to intentionally support children’s mental health and wellbeing and encourage fantasy play.

early childhood education, Redleaf Press, Think Small Institute

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

Early Education Spotlight: Buttons & Bows Child Care

By Marie Huey, Public Policy & Advocacy CoordinatorVideo by Kristie Thorson, Communications Specialist Early Education Spotlight is an ongoing series that showcases great work happening in high-quality child care and ...

Child Care, early childhood education, early childhood education minnesota, Early Education Spotlight, early learning in Minnesota, Family Child Care, Family Child Care Providers, Parent Aware

How to Write or Email Your Elected Officials

Writing a message to your legislator on paper or via email is a good tool to have in your advocacy toolbox. A written message allows you to craft your words ...

Advocacy resources minnesota, advocate virtually, early childhood education, early learning in Minnesota, elected officials

How to Use Social Media for Early Education Advocacy

Are you familiar with the world of likes, shares, and retweets? Want to use your social media savvy to make a difference in the early childhood education field? Whether you’re ...

Advocacy resources minnesota, advocate virtually, early childhood education, early learning in Minnesota, social media

How to Call Your Elected Officials

Calling elected officials is a great way to communicate with them. Effective, yet time-efficient, a phone call allows you to connect for any number of reasons. If you already know ...

Advocacy resources minnesota, advocate virtually, early childhood education, early learning in Minnesota, elected officials

How to Write a Letter to the Editor

Are you feeling passionate? Frustrated? Angry? Inspired? Consider channeling that energy toward advocacy. A letter to the editor is a great way to share your thoughts. Here are some situations ...

Advocacy resources minnesota, advocate virtually, early childhood education, early learning in Minnesota, letter to the editor

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

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 ...

Child Care in Minnesota, child care providers, covid-19, daycare, early childhood education, early learning in Minnesota, Pandemic

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 ...

Child Care in Minnesota, Coronavirus, covid-19, early childhood education, Early education, emergency grants, Policy Hour

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 ...

Child Care in Minnesota, child care providers, Coronavirus, covid-19, early childhood education, Family Child Care Providers, Minnesota child care, Minnesota health

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

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 ...

advocacy, Child Care, Child Care in Minnesota, child care programs, early childhood education, early learning in Minnesota, Family Child Care Providers

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

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 ...

child care crisis, Child Care in Minnesota, early childhood education, Early Learning Scholarships

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 ...

advocacy, Child Care in Minnesota, early childhood education, Early education, early learning in Minnesota, Family Child Care, Minnesota state fair, mnleg

Guest Post: What Do We Know About Minnesota's Early Childhood Workforce?

By Christa Anders, Coordinator, B8 Early Childhood Workforce Team Minnesota’s early childhood educators are “the workforce behind the workforce.” These women, and a few men, who care for young children so ...

child care deserts, daycare, Early CHildhood, early childhood education, early childhood workforce, Early education, early learning in Minnesota, Family Child Care

Parents Detail Kindergarten Transition Experiences

By Kristie Thorson, Communications Specialist The first of its kind in Minnesota, a new study examines how families transition their children from an early childhood education provider to kindergarten. The ...

early childhood education, kindergarten, Kindergarten Readiness

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

Early Education Spotlight - My Friends Christian Child Care and Preschool

Child Care, early childhood education, early childhood education minnesota, Early Education Spotlight, early learning in Minnesota, Family Child Care, Family Child Care Providers, Nature Certified Backyard, Parent Aware

Guest Post: Elders Reflect on Evaluation of Early Childhood Programs

Submitted by Jane Kretzmann, on behalf of Elders for Infants (Glenace Edwall, Dave Ellis, Sandy Heidemann, Jim Nicholie, Glen Palm, and Katie Williams). Elders for Infants is comprised of professionals ...

early childhood education, Early education, early learning in Minnesota, Kindergarten Readiness, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Legislature

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

Guest Post: Elders Provide Historical Context on Minnesota's Early Care and Education Landscape

early childhood education, early ed minnesota, Early education, early learning in Minnesota, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Legislature

Know Your Numbers...

What are your numbers?6, 43A, 2, 7?5, 12B, 4, 1? By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Several elected officials represent you at different levels, and their districts often ...

Advocacy resources minnesota, early childhood education, Early education, Early Education Policies, Early Learning, early learning in Minnesota, mnleg

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 ...

Advocacy Resources in Minnesota, Child Care, Child Care in Minnesota, early childhood education, Early education, Early Education Policies, Early Learning, early learning in Minnesota, mnleg, quality early education

Policy Hour: Play, Parents and Policy

By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator The November Ann Kaner-Roth Policy Hour focused on play, parents and policy. One of the presenters was Katy Smith, a Parent Educator who ...

Child Care, early childhood education, early childhood education minnesota, Early education, Early Education Policies, Family Child Care, infants and toddlers, Kindergarten Readiness, Minnesota Early Learning, Play, Toddlers

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

Small Talks: True Costs to Families and Early Child Care Educators

Small Talks features leaders who share key insights on early childhood education and discuss innovative solutions to early learning issues in Minnesota. Inadequate investment, scholarship caps, complicated funding streams, and ...

achievement gap, early childhood education, Early education, Early Education Policies, Early Learning Scholarships, Economic Development, Family Child Care, Kindergarten Readiness, minnesota achievement gap, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Legislature, Minnesota Opportunity Gap, Parent Aware, Quality Child Care

Policy Hour: What Did We Do Over the Summer?

By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Kids were on vacation this summer, but many adults didn’t have time for a break. October’s Ann Kaner-Roth Policy Hour got us ...

early childhood education, early childhood education minnesota, Early Education Policies, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Children's Cabinet, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Legislature, Minnesota's future, Quality Child Care

U.S. Senator Tina Smith Introduces Bill to Improve Access to Child Care

U.S. Senator Tina Smith introduced a new bill aimed at reducing the child care shortage in Minnesota and across the nation. The Child Care Supply Improvement Act proposes supports for ...

Child Care, early childhood education, Early education, Early Education Policies, early learning in Minnesota, Family Child Care, high quality child care, infants and toddlers, Quality Child Care

Learning from the Data We Seek

Think Small’s mission as a nonprofit is to advance quality care and education of children in their crucial early years. We do this by preparing providers, strengthening families and catalyzing ...

Child Care, early childhood education, Early Education Policies, early learning in Minnesota, Early Learning Scholarships, Equity in Minnesota, Family Child Care, high quality child care, infants and toddlers, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Legislature, Nonprofit, Parent Aware, Quality Child Care

Early Learning Scholarships Change Lives

“This opportunity wasn’t just good for her, and amazing for her, but it was also amazing for me. And if it’s amazing for me, it’s amazing for our little family.” ...

early childhood education, Early Education Policies, Early Learning, early learning in Minnesota, Early Learning Scholarships, Kindergarten Readiness, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Legislature, Nonprofit

An Encouraging Find: Another Potential Benefit of Parent Aware

“The survey results show that Parent Aware-rated programs across all parts of Minnesota were twice as likely to have stayed in business than non-rated programs.” High-quality early learning, as defined ...

Child Care, early childhood education, Early education, Early Learning, early learning in Minnesota, Early Learning Scholarships, Family Child Care, high quality child care, infants and toddlers, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Legislature, Nonprofit, Parent Aware, Quality Child Care

How Do 2018 Candidates Interact with Early Education?

By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Every eligible Minnesota voter will have the opportunity to make their choice for statewide and federal offices this November. What authority do ...

early childhood education, early ed minnesota, Early Education Policies, early learning in Minnesota, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Children's Cabinet, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Legislative Session, Minnesota Legislature, Minnesota politics, Minnesota's future

Be an Advocate: What to Do When Candidates Come Knocking

“Knock knock. Who’s there? Candidates. Candidates who? Candidates for Governor, Senator, Attorney General, State House of Representatives….” Campaign season is in full swing, and candidates around the state are knocking on doors in ...

Child Care, early childhood education, Early Education Policies, Early Learning, early learning in Minnesota, Economic Development, high quality child care, Minnesota Education, Minnesota Legislative Session, Minnesota politics, Minnesota's future, Nonprofit, Quality Child Care

Policy Hour: Legislative Wrap-Up

By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator The 2018 legislative session ended on May 22. To explain the implications for the early care and education field, two experts joined ...

Child Care, early childhood education, Early education, Early Learning, early learning in Minnesota, Family Child Care, Governor Mark Dayton, high quality child care, Kindergarten Readiness, Minnesota Legislative Session, Minnesota Legislature, Minnesota's future

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

Say Thanks to a Child Care Provider!

Happy Child Care Provider Appreciation Day! Today, we recognize the millions of child care providers across the nation who give their time, experience, concern, and skills to our littlest learners ...

brain development, early childhood education, Early education, Early Education Spotlight, high quality child care, infants and toddlers, Kindergarten Readiness, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Quality Child Care

Policy Hour: St. Paul's Citywide 3K Proposal

By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Saint Paul is planning for a citywide 3K program, and Council Member Rebecca Noecker joined May’s Ann Kaner-Roth Policy Hour to explain ...

Child Care, early childhood education, Early education, Early Education Policies, Early Learning, early learning in Minnesota, Early Learning Scholarships, Family Child Care, high quality child care, Kindergarten Readiness

Early Learning Scholarships Help Children & Families

“Please continue funding programs such as early childhood scholarships. It definitely makes a difference. It allows kids to get that extra boost in the beginning so they stay on track ...

early childhood education, Early Education Policies, Early Learning, early learning in Minnesota, early learning minnesota, Early Learning Scholarships, high quality child care, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Legislature, Parent Aware

Policy Hour: National Update

By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator The Minnesota State Legislature was off for Easter/Passover Break this week, so Ann Kaner-Roth Policy Hour turned its focus to national issues. ...

Child Care, Child Care Development Block Grant, early childhood education, Early Education Policies, Early Learning, Family Child Care, Greater Minnesota, high quality child care, Quality Child Care

Small Talks - Elevating the Early Childhood Profession

Small Talks features leaders who share key insights on early childhood education and discuss innovative solutions to early learning issues in Minnesota. By Kristie Thorson “If this is going to ...

B8 workforce, Child Care, early childhood education, early childhood workforce, Early education, early learning in Minnesota, Family Child Care, high quality child care, power to the profession

Guest Post: Creating Equitable Early Learning Policies

Many organizations and individuals are seeking equitable policies and solutions to address persistent inequality. We can no longer support systems that created inequity and maintain inequity. By Voices and Choices ...

early childhood education, Early Learning, early learning in Minnesota, early learning minnesota, Equity in Minnesota, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Legislature

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

Early Education Spotlight: Big Red House

Early Education Spotlight is an ongoing series that showcases great work happening in high-quality child care and preschool settings across Minnesota. From innovative early learning programs to parent perspectives on ...

Child Care, early childhood education, Early education, Early Education Spotlight, Early Learning, early learning in Minnesota, Family Child Care, high quality child care, Parent Aware, Quality Child Care

Small Talks - Don't Expel Me: Social Emotional Strategies for a More Inclusive Child Care Program

Small Talks features leaders who share key insights on early childhood education and discuss innovative solutions to early learning issues in Minnesota. By Kristie Thorson, Communications Specialist The third Small ...

early childhood education, Early Education Policies, early learning in Minnesota, Equity in Minnesota, Family Child Care, high quality child care, Kindergarten Readiness, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Nonprofit

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

Early Education Spotlight: People Serving People

Child Care, early childhood education, Early education, Early Education Spotlight, Early Learning Scholarships, infants and toddlers, minnesota achievement gap, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Quality Child Care

Early Childhood Advocates Partner to Provide Parent Trainings

By Megan McLaughlin, Way to Grow Several organizations that serve children and families recently worked together to provide trainings for Minneapolis parents. As part of a grant from Minnesota Comeback, ...

advocacy, early childhood education, early learning in Minnesota, infants and toddlers, Parents

Policy Hour - Improving the Early Childhood Workforce

By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator December Policy Hour presenters shared information about state and national initiatives that are working to enhance and improve the early childhood workforce. ...

early childhood education, Early education, Early Learning, early learning in Minnesota, Family Child Care, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota's future, Quality Child Care

Early Education Spotlight: The Teddy Bear House

Child Care, early childhood education, Early Learning, Early Learning Scholarships, Family Child Care, Greater Minnesota, high quality child care, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Parent Aware, Quality Child Care

Think Small Offers Free Information Sessions for Parent Aware Participation

By Susan Schaffhausen In 2017, Think Small undertook new efforts to increase the number of child care providers who devote their care to ensuring children’s health, safety, and best practices ...

Child Care, early childhood education, Early Learning, high quality child care, Parent Aware, Quality Child Care

Children Experiencing Homelessness Benefit from Early Learning Scholarship Changes

Early Learning Scholarships allow children ages 3-5 from low-income families to attend high-quality early learning programs. During the 2017 legislative session, lawmakers made a change to allow children 0-5 from ...

early childhood education, Early Learning Scholarships, high quality child care, infants and toddlers, Kindergarten Readiness, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Legislature, Quality Child Care

Small Talks - Text Me: Turning Everyday Moments into Early Learning Experiences

brain development, early childhood education, Early Learning, infants and toddlers, Kindergarten Readiness, Minnesota Opportunity Gap, school readiness, Think Small ParentPowered Texts, Think Small Texts

Families First: Connecting Southern MN Children with Early Learning Scholarships

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 ...

early childhood education, Early Learning, Early Learning Scholarships, high quality child care, Kindergarten Readiness, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Legislative Session, Minnesota Legislature, Parent Aware

Early Education Spotlight: Stepping Stones Childcare Learning Center, Inc

By: Marie Huey Early Education Spotlight is an ongoing series that showcases great work happening in high-quality child care and preschool settings across Minnesota. From innovative early learning programs to ...

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

Policy Hour: Parent Aware Changes & Legislative Update

The final Policy Hour of the season was a double dose of early education information! We heard about changes to Parent Aware and received an end of legislative session update. ...

Child Care, early childhood education, Early education, Early Education Policies, Early Learning, Family Child Care, high quality child care, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning

Policy Hour: Federal Updates on Early Learning

Field Representative to Senator Al Franken (D-Minnesota), Dan Solomon, joined Policy Hour in May to provide updates on federal funding and policies that affect the early learning field. Sen. Franken ...

Child Care, Child Care Development Block Grant, early childhood education, Early education, federal funding, US Senator Al Franken

Early Education Spotlight: Little Wonders Daycare

By Marie Huey, Public Policy & Advocacy Coordinator Video by Kristie Thorson, Communications Specialist Early Education Spotlight is an ongoing series that showcases great work happening in child care and ...

Child Care, early childhood education, Early Education Spotlight, early learning in Minnesota, Family Child Care, high quality child care, Kindergarten Readiness

Early Education Spotlight: Daryeel Group Home Daycare

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 ...

Child Care, early childhood education, Early Education Spotlight, Kindergarten Readiness, Minneapolis, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Parent Aware

Closing Opportunity Gaps to Shrink Achievement Gaps

By: Maya Fanjul-Debnam The opportunity gap is one of the biggest obstacles our education system faces today. As highlighted in a Minnpost op-ed written by Think Small President, Barbara Yates: ...

achievement gap, early childhood education, Early education, Kindergarten Readiness, MCAs, minnesota achievement gap, minnesota early education, Minnesota Opportunity Gap, National Opportunity to Learn Campaign, opportunity gap

Minneapolis Launches "Talking is Teaching" Campaign to Close Word Gap

By Maya Fanjul-Debnam By age four, children from low-income families hear 30 million fewer words than their more well-off peers, setting them on very different trajectories for early literacy. The ...

early childhood education, early childhood literacy, Mayor Hodges, Minneapolis, Talking is Teaching, word gap

Blog, News & Events

Insights, Ideas, and Resources for Early Learning

Think Small Institute Achieves IACET Accreditation for High-Quality Training for Early Childhood Professionals

When is it Happening: Early Childhood Infrastructure, Policy Changes, and Reports

What's in the Budget: Early Care and Education Workforce

A Unique Experience: Reflections on This Year's Session

Reflection and Advice: 2023 Todd Otis Public Policy Internship

2023 Early Care and Education Legislation

What’s in the Budget: Early Learning Scholarships

Early Care and Education in the Omnibus Bills

Early Care and Education Efforts in Progress

Resources for Celebrating Native American Heritage Month

October Think Small Institute Highlights

Supporting Indigenous Parents: Community Solutions Grantee Update

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

Two Public Policy Interns Join Think Small in 2021

Early Education Spotlight: Buttons & Bows Child Care

How to Write or Email Your Elected Officials

How to Use Social Media for Early Education Advocacy

How to Call Your Elected Officials

How to Write a Letter to the Editor

Public Policy Intern Reflects on Unpredictable Experience

From the Front Lines of Child Care: Hopkins Early Learning Center

Policy Hour - Coronavirus Early Childhood Update

Coronavirus: Information for Child Care Providers

New Public Policy Intern Joins Think Small Team

Tell Your Early Learning Story: Why It's Important

Policy Hour: Child Care Updates

Early Care & Education Crisis Work Group Convening

Advocate for Early Learning at the Great MN Get-Together!

Guest Post: What Do We Know About Minnesota's Early Childhood Workforce?

Parents Detail Kindergarten Transition Experiences

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

Early Education Spotlight - My Friends Christian Child Care and Preschool

Guest Post: Elders Reflect on Evaluation of Early Childhood Programs

New Public Policy Intern

Guest Post: Elders Provide Historical Context on Minnesota's Early Care and Education Landscape

Know Your Numbers...

Five Helpful Resources for Advocating for High-Quality Child Care in 2019

Policy Hour: Play, Parents and Policy

Child Care Assistance Makes a Difference: Aaron's Story

Small Talks: True Costs to Families and Early Child Care Educators

Policy Hour: What Did We Do Over the Summer?

U.S. Senator Tina Smith Introduces Bill to Improve Access to Child Care

Learning from the Data We Seek

Early Learning Scholarships Change Lives

An Encouraging Find: Another Potential Benefit of Parent Aware

How Do 2018 Candidates Interact with Early Education?

Be an Advocate: What to Do When Candidates Come Knocking

Policy Hour: Legislative Wrap-Up

Six Lessons from the Todd Otis Public Policy Internship

Say Thanks to a Child Care Provider!

Policy Hour: St. Paul's Citywide 3K Proposal

Early Learning Scholarships Help Children & Families

Policy Hour: National Update

Small Talks - Elevating the Early Childhood Profession

Guest Post: Creating Equitable Early Learning Policies

Policy Hour: Previewing the 2018 Legislative Session

Early Education Spotlight: Big Red House

Small Talks - Don't Expel Me: Social Emotional Strategies for a More Inclusive Child Care Program

Policies in Play: Child Care Assistance Program Changes

Early Education Spotlight: People Serving People

Early Childhood Advocates Partner to Provide Parent Trainings

Policy Hour - Improving the Early Childhood Workforce

Early Education Spotlight: The Teddy Bear House

Think Small Offers Free Information Sessions for Parent Aware Participation

Children Experiencing Homelessness Benefit from Early Learning Scholarship Changes

Small Talks - Text Me: Turning Everyday Moments into Early Learning Experiences

Families First: Connecting Southern MN Children with Early Learning Scholarships

Early Education Spotlight: Stepping Stones Childcare Learning Center, Inc

Policy Hour: Parent Aware Changes & Legislative Update

Policy Hour: Federal Updates on Early Learning

Early Education Spotlight: Little Wonders Daycare

Early Education Spotlight: Daryeel Group Home Daycare

Closing Opportunity Gaps to Shrink Achievement Gaps

Minneapolis Launches "Talking is Teaching" Campaign to Close Word Gap

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