Think Small

“As a working mom with no family in the state, it’s difficult to find someone last-minute to take care [of] your child. When you’re notified [that you’re waitlisted] a week before school starts…it adds extra stress on a full-time employee and mother.” Cristela, Albert Lea. The reality of #ELSwaitlist. @PeggyABennett @NathanNelsonMN

Leah in Rochester shares her experience on the #ELSwaitlist: “I have four children and a husband in residency so finances are tight…I would love to get my daughter into a preschool but we can’t afford it without a scholarship” @jimabeler @natalieforhouse

#ELSwaitlist means parents sacrifice quality. “We had to choose a lower-quality, less structured option that doesn’t provide the same level of educational enrichment or care, but it was the only one within my budget…” Valerie, Brooklyn Park @Huldah4House @SusanPhaSenate

#ELSwaitlist impacts well-being: “I didn’t have the luxury of consistent care for my youngest. I had to rely on family, friends, and whatever options were available…there were days I missed work, turned down job opportunities, and sat in silence…wondering how I was going to hold everything together.” Shuniveri, Minnetonka @PattyAcomb @SenUtke

The #ELSwaitlist impacts children “We are desperately waiting for the results of scholarships for the upcoming school year. We have twin boys… we are looking to get into pre-k, but without the scholarship, there is no way we can afford pre-k for them. This will put them behind socially and in their learning.” Natalia, White Bear Lake @MariaIsa @RepJessHansonMN

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

Tamira in Minneapolis put it best: “I wish Minnesota lawmakers and the public understood that families like mine are doing everything we possibly can but we’re still drowning. Child care isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. And it directly affects a parent’s ability to work, thrive, and create a stable environment for their children.” @mhwiklund @RepJessHansonMN

Single parents on the #ELSwaitlist seek relief: “My salary is $22.50 an hour, but I have to pay for the house, water, electricity, gas, and buy food, clothing, and everything else my son needs.” Jessica, Minneapolis @West4MN @carlieforhouse

Without Scholarships, families struggle. “The financial strain has been significant, and it has affected…our household stability and our ability to plan for the future. Quality child care is not just about supervision—it’s about giving our child the early learning opportunities they deserve.” Misrak, Roseville #ELSwaitlist @West4MN @carlieforhouse

@West4MN @carlieforhouse Early Learning Scholarships help eligible Minnesota families pay for quality child care. However, there are over 7,000 children on the Scholarship waitlist. Families are waiting for relief. Follow @ThinkSmallMN and #ELSwaitlist to hear their stories in their own words.

Join our Data, Research, and Policy team for the Todd Otis Public Policy Internship! You’ll grow and learn as a professional. Applications are due soon. Apply Now! tiny.cc/t1ct001

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

Applications are open through October 31 tiny.cc/t1ct001 “For anyone considering [the Todd Otis Public Policy] internship: If you're passionate about early childhood and want to see how real change happens, this is a great place to start.” Quynh Nhu Dao, Research Analyst at Child Trends and 2022 Intern.

Are you interested in early care and education? Want to learn more about policy? Apply for the Todd Otis Public Policy Internship. Applications are open now and due Oct. 31 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 policy@thinksmall.org

✨ Your story matters. At Think Small, we know real stories have the power to change hearts, minds—and policies. We're collecting experiences from parents, educators, advocates & business leaders across MN to highlight what early care & education really looks like. 📣 Tell us: -A moment that made a difference -A challenge you’ve faced -How child care costs or scholarships affect your family -What’s helped—or hurt—your child’s growth We may share your story in advocacy, outreach, or social media to help make ECE better for all MN families. 📬 Share here: forms.office.com/pages/response… Let’s raise our voices—together. #EarlyEdMN #ThinkSmallMN #EC

Informed advocates make powerful changes! Our Data, Research, and Policy team hosted Session 2 of our Summer Legislative Learning Series to Think Small Leaders. We dove into the world of policy actors – identifying our representatives and their influences and introducing power mapping as a strategic advocacy tool. Do you know who represents you? Search for your address/legislators here: gis.lcc.mn.gov/iMaps/district…

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 policy@thinksmall.org