Blog, News & Events
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.
A new way of seeing learning— discover this new Redleaf Press release!
Every day in early childhood settings, children return to materials, spaces, and ideas that spark their curiosity—a block structure, a dramatic play scene, a half-finished drawing. To some, this might ...
From Intern to Impact: Previous Todd Otis Public Policy Interns Share Their Experiences
Step into the heart of Minnesota’s early childhood policy work — and discover your voice as an advocate. The Todd Otis Public Policy Internship at Think Small is a hands-on ...
Make It Count: Your Vote, Your Future
Election day is November 4. Are you prepared to make your voice heard? Are you eligible and registered to vote? Do you know your polling place? Voting is one of ...
What’s the Story? How Personal Stories Help Us Understand Early Care and Learning in Minnesota
Hearing from the Experts From November 2024 to May 2025, Think Small’s Data, Policy, and Research team collected stories from families and early childhood professionals across Minnesota. Our goal was ...
Eliminating Expulsions, Suspensions, and Exclusions: Understanding Trauma to Support Children’s Well-Being
Understanding trauma to support children’s well-being is the second in our three-part series on “Eliminating Expulsions, Suspensions, and Exclusions”. This topic is crucial to reducing these harmful practices. Educators, providers, ...
From Scholarship to School Success: Ashley and Tre’s Story
Ashley beamed with pride as she talked about her son Tre, who just finished first grade. “He received the Fabulous Friend Award,” she said. “He likes to play with everybody.” ...
A School of Her Own: Melissa Levingston’s Journey to Family Child Care
“I had a vision that I would have my own school someday,” says Melissa Levingston, reflecting on the inspiration behind starting her family child care program. “This was meant to ...
Growing Child Care in Ramsey County: A Three-Year Journey
In three years, thanks to funding by Ramsey County, Think Small supported early childhood educators in opening and developing family child care programs and child care centers. Expanding options for ...
Celebrating Young Learners: Engaging Resources for the Week of the Young Child®
Imagine a world where every child’s curiosity is nurtured, learning is joyful, and communities come together to celebrate early childhood. That’s the spirit of the Week of the Young Child®! ...
Small Talks: Beyond Red Tape: Innovating Child Care Licensing and Quality Standards.
On Friday, March 28, Think Small hosted a discussion alongside a panel of experts and explored the WeVision EarlyEd initiative’s approach to transforming early care and education (ECE) licensing and ...
Small Talks: From Awareness to Action: How Trauma-Informed Care Builds Supportive Environments for Children
Small Talks: A Think Small Speaker Series is Back! Come to learn about and discuss: Key findings on the impact of trauma and stress on child development Specific care efforts ...
