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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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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 ...

Policy Hour: Early Education Policy and Funding Changes

By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Representatives from the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) presented at the first Policy Hour of the season. June Reineke and Amanda Varley ...

Child Care, Early education, Early Learning Scholarships, high quality child care, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Education, Minnesota Legislative Session, Minnesota Legislature, Minnesota's future, Quality Child Care

Word Pedometers Brought to Minneapolis to Help Close Word Gap

By: Maya Fanjul-Debnam Minnesota is heralding in an innovative program to help close the word gap. The word gap–a 30 million word deficit between children from low income families and ...

brain development, Child Care, closing word gap, early literacy, LENA Research Foundation, LENA Start Program, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Education, Minnesota Opportunity Gap, Quality Child Care, word gap

Partnership Brings Reading Corps into Child Care Settings

We are very proud to partner with Minnesota Reading Corps to bring early learning experts into family child care settings to work directly with children and child care providers on ...

Early Learning, early learning in Minnesota, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Education, Minnesota Reading Corps

ESSA Signed into Law, Focuses on Early Learning

A new education law came out of Washington D.C. recently with strong bipartisan support. The new law, the Every Student Succeeds Act, eliminates No Child Left Behind and brings back ...

Early Learning, Kindergarten Readiness, Minnesota Education