Think Small

05/13/2026

A place that feels like home, and builds a strong foundation for learning. ❤️

See how Today’s Life School and Child Care is creating consistent, high-quality experiences for children, and how Think Small is helping them grow.

👉 Read the full story on our blog

A framed photo of past students and a poem titled “A Second Home” hangs above Director Roberta Root’s desk at Today’s Life School and Child Care in Eden Prairie, MN, reflecting the everyday reality for families ...

05/07/2026

Don't miss this chance to save at Redleaf Press! 📖✨

✨ Educators, this one’s for you! Thank you for everything you do to build strong foundations for young children 💛

To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, enjoy 25% OFF during our Educator Appreciation Sale (May 3–9)!

Use code THANKYOU25 at checkout! Find your new favorites today 📚https://loom.ly/qjEUgaI

05/06/2026

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and Friday is Provider Appreciation Day. To every early childhood educator and family child care provider in Minnesota: thank you.

You are doing transformative work every single day: welcoming children into safe, nurturing spaces, helping them build language and curiosity, and supporting families in a time when so much feels uncertain.

In a national climate filled with headlines about fear, funding, and instability, it can be easy to miss what is happening quietly behind the scenes in homes and child care centers. But that work is powerful and life‑shaping.

From all of us at Think Small: we see you, we appreciate you, and we are committed to doing our part to make sure the systems around you reflect the importance of your work.

- Cisa Keller, CEO of Think Small

👉 If an early educator or provider has made a difference for your family, tag them in the comments or send them a quick thank you today. We'd love to see your stories!

05/05/2026

What began as helping friends with child care grew into a career centered on supporting children’s confidence, relationships, and long-term success. Today, Monica runs a small, bilingual program where every child is known and supported.

During this week of celebrating educators, we’re grateful for her, and for the many educators like her making this work possible!
👉https://loom.ly/6O1elWk

Follow Monica’s journey from architect to Minnesota family child care provider and see how Think Small supports quality early learning and kindergarten readiness.

05/04/2026

Minnesota’s early childhood workforce is under strain and licensed family child care especially is feeling that impact.

In a new episode of amplifiED from EdAllies, Think Small’s Director of Data Research & Policy, Dr. Nicole Smerillo, joins hosts Margaret Sullivan and Josh Crosson to talk about why providers are leaving the field and what it means for children and families.

🎧 Listen:
➡️Apple Podcasts: https://loom.ly/vreVOWo
➡️Spotify: https://loom.ly/wzaca9Q
➡️EdAllies: https://loom.ly/2j7rmfI

04/23/2026

We loved seeing this fun, thoughtfully designed home featured by Apartment Therapy and are honored to hear this parent name Think Small Institute as one of their favorite resources!

It’s always encouraging to see how creativity in small spaces and intentional choices can support early learning—no matter the setting.

04/22/2026

If you’re thinking about more earth-friendly practices in early childhood settings, this quick guide (and other outdoor learning books) from Redleaf Press are worth a look! 🌎🌍
👉 https://www.redleafpress.org/Outdoor-Learning-C1479.aspx

🌍 This Earth Day, discover practical ways to make your early childhood program more sustainable—without adding extra complexity.

Creating Your Earth‑Friendly Early Childhood Program helps ECE leaders assess current practices, engage families and colleagues, and take meaningful steps toward healthier learning environments.

🌱 Explore this titles and other nature-based learning resources: https://loom.ly/8QwPAOM

04/16/2026

Children’s behavior can be complex, but your response doesn’t have to be.

Think Small Institute's eLearning course explores the three “A’s” of behavior: ADHD, Autism, and Ages & Stages. Learn how to respond with confidence, compassion, and effective strategies that truly support every child.

🎓 Learn at your own pace
✅ Gain practical, real‑world tools
👉 Register today: https://loom.ly/yzSYdNA

04/15/2026

Find your new favorite! 💖 Explore the 2026 Redleaf Press Digital Catalog today 👇

03/30/2026

Twin Cities child care providers are under real strain right now, and new reporting from the Minnesota Reformer using Think Small’s recent survey shines a light on the challenges many have faced in recent months 💬

We’re grateful to the Reformer for elevating providers’ voices.

Read the story 👇
https://loom.ly/mkycKE4

Many child care providers in the Twin Cities metro area reported closing unexpectedly and more absences between December and February, driven by safety concerns from the incursion of 3,000 federal immigration enforcement agents in Minnesota. Waves of seasonal sickness also contributed to the closure...

03/25/2026

Many showed up 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑖𝑛 for Advocacy for Children Day at the MN State Capitol Rotunda today! 🏛️

Some Think Small staff were part of a great crowd of parents, early educators, legislators, and organizations to call on legislators to prioritize early learners and educators. This morning also included time for letter-writing and notes of appreciation for those supporting children every day.

To learn more about our policy priorities, visit 🔗https://loom.ly/lHRqDyA