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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.
When is it Happening: Early Childhood Infrastructure, Policy Changes, and Reports
By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Staff Leader Many changes to early care and education policy passed this legislative session. In an attempt to organize and track the milestones ...
When Is It Happening: Early Learning Scholarships
By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Staff Leader Early Learning Scholarships will see significant changes in the months and years ahead. Early Learning Scholarships give low-income families financial support ...
Two Public Policy Interns Join Think Small in 2022
Think Small is proud to host two Todd Otis Public Policy interns in 2022. The internship welcomes Eidan Silver and Quynh Nhu Dao to learn firsthand about early learning policy in the state.
Learning from a Distance: Reflections from 2021 Todd Otis Public Policy Interns
By: Helen Sabrowsky and Jacqueline Zhang, Todd Otis Public Policy Interns Hello from the 2021 Todd Otis Public Policy Interns, Helen and Jacqueline! It’s hard to believe that the 2021 legislative session is almost over, and with that, our time ...
Two Public Policy Interns Join Think Small in 2021
By Kristie Thorson, Communications Specialist You’ve heard the phrase “the more the merrier”? This legislative session, Think Small made the decision to host two Todd Otis Public Policy interns. The internship ...
Public Policy Intern Reflects on Unpredictable Experience
By Kieu My Phi, Public Policy Intern Hello there! You may remember me from the blog post introducing me in February. My name is Kieu My Phi, and I am ...
From the Front Lines of Child Care: Wendy's Story
“I’m exhausted. But I love my job and my families. I’m blessed to be an educator and care provider for the youngest Minnesotans.” Wendy Dewall used to have eight to ...
From the Front Lines of Child Care: Britney's Story
“I’m doing everything I can to ensure the families in my child care program have the financial stability they need right now and to keep everyone enrolled for the future.” ...
From the Front Lines of Child Care: Jean's Story
“I just ask that you realize we are essential business owners ALL the time, not just during the pandemic.” When Minnesota Governor Tim Walz issued the stay-at-home order, Jean Mathison ...
New Public Policy Intern Joins Think Small Team
By Kristie Thorson, Communications Specialist Ever since she was a little girl, Kieu My Phi knew she wanted to grow up and help other children. Her enthusiasm for advocacy, especially ...
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 ...
New Public Policy Intern
By Kristie Thorson, Communications Specialist When Katie Burke arrived at the Minnesota State Capitol several minutes before the doors opened on a frigid January morning, she had to find a ...
Six Lessons from the Todd Otis Public Policy Internship
By: Emma Klingler Greetings! You may remember me from the blog post introducing me back in March. My tenure as the Todd Otis Public Policy Intern for Think Small is nearly ...
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 ...