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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 - State Level Coordination Efforts

By Marie Huey, Public Policy & Advocacy Coordinator February’s Ann Kaner-Roth Policy hour provided an opportunity to hear from state agencies about their current early childhood projects. Governor’s Children’s Cabinet ...

early childhood education minnesota, early ed, early learning in Minnesota, Minnesota, Minnesota Children's Cabinet, Minnesota Department of Human Services

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

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

Prenatal to Three Policy Forums: Working Together for A Great Start

This month marks one year since the start of the Think Small blog. To celebrate, we’re using January to highlight information and initiatives from Think Small and our partners about ...

0 to 3, brain development, Dave Pinto, high quality child care, Infants, infants and toddlers, Minnesota, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Legislative Session, Minnesota Legislature, Minnesota Opportunity Gap, St. Paul, Toddlers

Happy Birthday, Blog!

We’ve moved up a few diaper sizes, mastered crawling, and are transitioning to solid foods and walking. This month marks one year since the start of the Think Small blog. ...

0-3, Early education, early learning in Minnesota, infants and toddlers, Minnesota, Minnesota child care

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 ...

Bloom Early Learning, Child Care in Minnesota, Early education, high quality child care, Kindergarten Readiness, Minnesota, Minnesota Early Learning, Parent Aware, Plymouth

Early Education Spotlight: Little Learners

Ada, Child Care, Early education, Early Learning, early learning in Minnesota, Early Learning Scholarships, high-quality, Little Learners, Minnesota, Parent Aware

Policy Hour Provides Updates on New Early Learning Legislation

The first Minnesota’s Future Policy Hour of the season focused on legislation passed this spring. The presenters provided updates on implementation of projects.

Child Care, Early Learning, Greater Minnesota, Minnesota, policy, Voluntary Pre-K, VPK

White Earth's Story: Building an Early Learning Landscape for Kids and Families

Fifteen years ago, families in White Earth, Minnesota didn’t have access to early learning programs. Families were lucky to get a spot in a Head Start program, one of the ...

Early education, Early Learning, Minnesota, White Earth

From Cars to Early Care and Education: Getting the Data We Need to Make the Best Decisions

By: Nancy Jost, Early Childhood Coordinator for West Central Initiative Remember the last time you bought a car? I’m guessing you started by thinking about what is best for you and ...

Early CHildhood, Minnesota, Minnesota Legislature