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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

Think Small Applauds Relaunching the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet

By Barbara Yates, President and CEO of Think Small Today marks the re-launch of the Minnesota Children’s Cabinet, and I am excited about the possibilities it presents for our youngest ...

achievement gap, birth to eight, Children's Cabinet, early care and education, Early education, Equity, Governor Tim Walz, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Children's Cabinet, opportunity gap, prenatal to three, results-based accountability

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. ...

Child Care Assistance Program, Child Care Development Block Grant, Child Care in Minnesota, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Children's Cabinet, Minnesota Department of Human Services, Minnesota Legislature, Policy Hour, preschool

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

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

Policy Hour: Early Learning Coordination and Collaboration

By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator March Ann Kaner-Roth Policy Hour focused on coordination and collaboration projects in the early learning field. Early Learning Council Dianne Haulcy, Senior ...

Child Care, Children's Cabinet, Early Learning, Early Learning Council, Help Me Grow, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Children's Cabinet, Minnesota's future

Help Me Grow Hoping to Expand Scope in Minnesota

Kelly Monson, Minnesota’s Children’s Cabinet Program Manager, talked about Help Me Grow at May’s policy hour. The purpose of Help Me Grow is to promote healthy development in children prenatal ...

Help Me Grow, Minnesota Children's Cabinet, Minnesota Early Learning