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

Early Childhood Suspension & Expulsion: Understanding the Policy and Its Impact

What is early childhood suspension and expulsion? Suspension or expulsion happens when a child is removed from their early childhood classroom. In practice, this can look a few different ways. The ...

achievement gap, brain development, Head Start, Marie Huey, prek, racial equity, trauma

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

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