Institute
Expert-Led Professional Development that Empowers Early Childhood Educators
Think Small Institute provides expert-led training and professional resources for the early childhood workforce. With live and virtual, Instructor-Led Training and self-paced online eLearning courses, we meet the needs of today’s early childhood educators to support children and create high-quality child care environments. As a trusted, expert professional development partner in early learning, we empower educators to cultivate the potential of every child. Learn more below!
Why Think Small Institute
At Think Small Institute (TSI), we believe that learning should lead to lasting impact, empowering you with the knowledge, skills and competencies to inspire the children you serve.
We offer flexible, best-in-classprofessional development for early childhood educators. With over 130 on-demand, online eLearning and live-virtual Instructor-Led Training, we meet professionals where they are, supporting growth on their schedule.
Our exclusive courses translate theory into transformative practice, grounded in antiracist pedagogy and diversity-informed design. Created by experts who know the early childhood field inside and out, each course is crafted to elevate equity and empower excellence.
Our courses are built for busy educators and most offer IACET CEU credit. Whether you’re just starting or deepening your expertise, Think Small Institute helps you learn, lead, and grow.
Explore Full Catalog Discover TSI-Exclusive Courses Trauma-Informed Training
Core Competency Areas
Early childhood professionals can easily find training that is arranged by the core competency areas below. For Minnesota educators, our course catalog may also be filtered by MN Knowledge Competency Framework areas (KCF).
- Administration, Management, and Business Practices
- Curriculum and Teaching Practices
- Developmental Learning Experiences
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice
- Family Child Care
- Family Engagement & Relationships
- Health, Safety, and Nutrition
- Leadership, Professional Development, and Advocacy
- Quality Improvement: Observation, Assessment, and Evaluation
- Social and Emotional Competency
- Trauma Sensitive Leadership and Care
Instructor-Led Training and eLearning for Minnesota Educators
Think Small offers engaging, expert-informed professional development designed to equip and empower early childhood educators across Minnesota. In partnership with Child Care Aware of Minnesota and funded by the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, we provide in-person and virtual instructor-led training (ILTs) and eLearning that support providers in preparing children for kindergarten success.
- In-person and virtual ILTs are provided for educators in the seven-county Twin Cities metro and southern Minnesota.
- On-demand eLearning is delivered through our Learning Center platform, offering flexibility and accessibility. TSI also offers some state-wide DCYF owned eLearning courses for Minnesota educators.
In addition to English, some courses are available in Hmong, Somali, and Spanish, offering inclusive access for all Minnesota educators.
Redleaf Press
Redleaf Press, a Think Small brand, is a trusted, mission-driven publisher dedicated to serving the unique needs of early childhood professionals. Since 1973, we’ve specialized in high-quality resources that support those who care for, nurture, and educate young children.
As part of the Think Small family, Redleaf Press reflects our shared commitment to equity, excellence, and empowerment. Our publications cover a wide range of topics—from curriculum and leadership to business practices and equity—each one designed to turn trusted theory into meaningful, real-world impact. Our products meet the evolving needs of the dynamic and diverse field of early childhood education.
Service for Organizations and ECE Systems
Our professional development team partners with organizations to provide customized, cost-effective training solutions that align with your mission and amplify your impact.
We’re here to help you:
→ Connect professional credit options to your state’s professional development or credentialing system
→ Facilitate flexible formats like large group registrations and communities of practice
→ Bundle and save with bulk pricing for online CDA® and eLearning course packages
→ Customize content to support national, state, or regional quality initiatives
Let Think Small Institute take the guesswork out of growth for you and your teams. Contact us at institute@thinksmall.org to get started.
How-to Videos and User Guides
How to Create a Think Small Institute Account
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