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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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How to Connect with Your Minnesota Legislators

By Marie Huey, Public Policy & Advocacy Coordinator and Kieu My Phi, Public Policy Intern Talking to your legislators is great way to advocate for young children. Whether your goal ...

early learning in Minnesota, Minnesota Legislative Session, Minnesota Legislature, Minnesota politics

Policy Hour - 2020 Legislative Session Preview

By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Every year, we gaze into the crystal ball to predict what might be ahead for the legislative session. Nobody ever gets it ...

Child Care, early childhood education minnesota, Early Learning Scholarships, Minnesota legislative preview, Minnesota politics, Policy Hour

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

Meet the First Todd Otis Public Policy Intern: Emma Klingler

Think Small’s first Todd Otis Public Policy Internship is underway. The internship is a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about Minnesota’s early learning policy and advocacy landscape. Todd Otis’ lifelong ...

high quality child care, internship, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Legislative Session, Minnesota Legislature, Minnesota politics, Nonprofit, public policy, Todd Otis

Attend a Precinct Caucus and Submit a Resolution to Support Early Learning

By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator On Tuesday, February 6 at 7:00 p.m., Minnesota will hold precinct caucuses around the state. They are the beginning of a process that ...

Early Education Policies, Early Learning, early learning in Minnesota, Minnesota child care, Minnesota Early Learning, Minnesota Legislature, Minnesota politics, Quality Child Care

The Wisest Choices Minnesota Can Make for Early Learning

By: Barbara Yates, President and CEO of Think Small We’ve heard it before. If everything is your priority, then nothing is your priority. Show me your budget, and I’ll tell ...

Barbara Yates, Early education, Early Learning, Early Learning Scholarships, Minnesota Legislature, Minnesota politics, Parent Aware

Early Learning Scholarship Changes Bobbi's Family Forever

This is the second in a series of videos showing the impact high-quality early learning has on children, families and child care providers across Minnesota. Check back here for a new ...

Early Learning Scholarships, high quality child care, Minnesota child care, Minnesota politics