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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.
How to Host a Child Care Program Tour for Elected Officials
Inviting elected officials to tour your child care program is one of the most advocacy effective strategies. It’s an opportunity to both build a relationship with your elected official and ...
Getting to 7%: A Parent’s Guide to MN’s Movement for Child Care Affordability
If you’ve learned about efforts to make quality child care available and affordable for Minnesota parents and are wondering what it would take to make the results you see on ...
Ideas to Celebrate the Week of the Young Child
By Heather Charmoli, Program Administrator for MnAEYC (Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children) A fun way to add excitement to any week is by adding a theme that ...
Advocate for Early Childhood at the Minnesota State Fair
The Minnesota State Fair is a unique opportunity to connect with elected officials because so many of them have a presence on the fairgrounds. Here's how you can connect with them!
Keys to a Successful Meeting with an Elected Official
There’s the saying, “it’s all about who you know.” When it comes to gaining support for your issue, meeting in person with your legislator is one of the most effective ...
How to Advocate...Virtually
Parts of our pandemic life are becoming familiar. Video calls, online ordering, different health and safety protocols. We adapt and create as we go. Elected officials have had to adapt ...
How to Write or Email Your Elected Officials
Writing a message to your legislator on paper or via email is a good tool to have in your advocacy toolbox. A written message allows you to craft your words ...
How to Use Social Media for Early Education Advocacy
Are you familiar with the world of likes, shares, and retweets? Want to use your social media savvy to make a difference in the early childhood education field? Whether you’re ...
How to Call Your Elected Officials
Calling elected officials is a great way to communicate with them. Effective, yet time-efficient, a phone call allows you to connect for any number of reasons. If you already know ...
How to Write a Letter to the Editor
Are you feeling passionate? Frustrated? Angry? Inspired? Consider channeling that energy toward advocacy. A letter to the editor is a great way to share your thoughts. Here are some situations ...
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 ...
Attend a Precinct Caucus and Submit a Resolution to Support Early Learning
By Marie Huey, Public Policy & Advocacy Coordinator On Tuesday, February 25 at 7:00 pm, Minnesota will hold precinct caucuses around the state. They are the beginning of a process that ...
Advocate for Early Learning at the Great MN Get-Together!
By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator The Minnesota State Fair is a great time to put your advocacy skills to work! With so many organizations and resources, you don’t have ...
Know Your Numbers...
What are your numbers?6, 43A, 2, 7?5, 12B, 4, 1? By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Several elected officials represent you at different levels, and their districts often ...
Five Helpful Resources for Advocating for High-Quality Child Care in 2019
By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Are you motivated to advocate for children this year? If you’re looking to support high-quality child care in Minnesota, below are some ...
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….” By Marie Huey, Public Policy and Advocacy Coordinator Campaign season is in full swing, and candidates ...
Make a Difference During Week of the Young Child 2016
The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers and ...