Minnesota’s already‑fragile child care system is being shaken by online fraud allegations, funding threats, and activity by federal agents—disrupting children’s daily routines and families’ access to care. Think Small supports fair, evidence‑based reviews of public dollars, and calls on leaders to protect children’s stability and preserve access to child care. Read our full statement: loom.ly/kkXpZsA

Here’s where past interns are now tiny.cc/t1ct001 Join these alumni who went through the Todd Otis Public Policy Internship! Applications are open now and due Oct. 30 tiny.cc/t1ct001

Today, during our third Summer Legislative Learning session, the Think Small Data, Research, and Policy team explored the power of strategic storytelling for advocacy. The group of staff members from Saint Paul Promise, Child Care Aware of Minnesota, and Think Small began shaping their personal “why” into compelling stories to influence policy. We worked to blend lived experiences with solid data to elevate advocacy and impact early childhood policy. Interested in a policy engagement training for your early childhood leaders? Reach out to us at [email protected]

Today, our Data, Research, and Policy team hosted the first of our series of Summer Legislative Learning sessions with Think Small leaders, as well as staff members from (ACER inc.) African Career, Education, and Resources Inc., Child Care Aware of Minnesota, and @StPaulPromise. Together, we explored Minnesota’s legislative process and defined actions participants can take towards policy engagement. Interested in a policy engagement training for your early childhood leaders? Reach out to us at [email protected]

We are heartbroken by the unspeakable violence and tragic loss of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark and events causing injury to Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. Melissa was a strong advocate for Minnesota’s children and families and championed significant legislative accomplishments — her leadership helped advance critical policies like paid family leave and the child tax credit, improving lives across our state. At Think Small, we honor her legacy and recommit ourselves to the bipartisan work she championed: ensuring every child has the best possible start in life. Our thoughts are with all who knew and loved Melissa and her husband, and the family and friends of Senator Hoffman and his wife as they recover.

The White House is drafting the 2026 HHS budget-which could eliminate Head Start and Early Head Start. Over 750,000 kids could lose access to early learning! Act NOW to protect our children, families & communities. 📢 Tell Congress: don't cut Head Start! 👉bit.ly/3RHN9D6

📣The Early Learning Scholarships bill (H.F. 470/S.F. 1049) moves to a floor vote in the House and Senate, where they will decide its future! A huge THANK YOU to everyone who took action—your emails, testimonies, and support make a difference! #mnleg

Join us for "Beyond Red Tape: Innovating Child Care Licensing and Quality Standards", a 90-minute virtual event on transforming early care and education (ECE) systems. 📅 Friday, 3/28 | ⏰ 10:00-11:30 AM CST | 📍 Online 🔗 Register: us02web.zoom.us/.../581.../W…

MN's legislative session opened this week! Decisions affect your work and life but progress is hard to follow. Sign up for our newsletter to receive regular updates about early childhood policy legislation, events & more at thinksmall.quorum.us/sign_up… #mnleg