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Greetings!
How do we close the childcare gap? It's a big question — one that should not only be asked by Early Childhood professionals, but by everyone in a community: employers, economic development professionals, local government, providers, families, school districts, philanthropies and others. Providing safe, nurturing spaces for the youngest of our region will be a collective effort with results that will not just support kids and families, but one that impacts the community as a whole.
At Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), we are striving to support childcare professionals, from appreciation events and our Fall Dine and Learn training series to funds to improve Early Childhood services and complete capital projects (applications due Oct. 6!). And there is so much more that can be done to help a community close its childcare gap. SMIF is partnering with First Children's Finance to provide the Rural Child Care Innovation Program (RCCIP), a community engagement process designed to develop solutions to increase affordable childcare in rural communities, among other resources. Contact Heidi Coulter, SMIF director of Early Childhood, at heidic@smifoundation.org to learn more!
I hope you find the resources below helpful and join us in asking how we can work together to close the childcare gap and strengthen our communities.
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Kelly Fluharty
Vice President of Early Childhood
| | Celebrating childcare providers in Springfield | Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Springfield childcare appreciation event! We are grateful for all of your dedicated work to create safe, enriching spaces for the children in Springfield. It was so much fun making salsa with you and sharing in the connection and uplifting moments. | | |
Thank you, ABDO, for the wonderful tour! It was fun to see so many books, and as always, we appreciate your partnership and dedication to early literacy in our region!
ABDO is a longstanding partner with SMIF to get books into the hands of children across southern Minnesota. Read about their most recent donation here.
| | Fun at Conscious Discipline | |
This summer at Conscious Discipline we learned how to use transitions and routines to build regulation and transform classrooms into supportive communities using the School Family model.
Thank you to all of the Early Childhood professionals who joined us! And a special thanks to Trainer Anne Hoff — thank you for joining us in southern Minnesota to share your passion and knowledge!
| | Note: If you attempted to apply and did not see the grants under Opportunities, the link has been fixed. We apologize for any inconvenience. | | Childcare provider resources | | |
SMIF partners with childcare resource providers from across our region. From trainings and grants to technical assistance and community consultations, these organizations have a ton to offer! Explore their websites to discover what resources could be helpful for you.
New opportunities:
Check out more resources.
| | Supporting young learners | | |
Oct. 12
5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Byron
| | Join Holly Eliason, outreach coordinator for Momentum Behavior Services, to understand the basics of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), recognize early developmental signs that may indicate a child needs additional support, understand common behaviors, including stimming and eloping, learn practical classroom strategies to create predictable and supportive learning environments and connect families with community resources and supports. | | Cradle 2 Career's annual education summit | | |
Oct. 20
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Rochester
| | SMIF is partnering with Cradle 2 Career to bring together people from all walks of life who care about educational outcomes in Rochester, including teachers, parents, business leaders, community members, youth-serving organizations and students. Together, we'll explore exciting ways to support our young people from Early Childhood to their careers. | | Healthy homes (MN Dept. of Health) | | |
Oct. 28
5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Owatonna
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Family childcare providers, get the scoop on making your home healthier and safer with tips from the MN Dept. of Health.
Explore common indoor air quality issues and drinking water quality issues in Minnesota homes. Learn about radon, mold and moisture, carbon monoxide, how you can learn about your water quality and common contaminants in Minnesota private well water.
| | Healthy spaces, happy faces: reducing food- and waterborne risks | | |
Nov. 4
5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Kasson
| | Join Stacy Boysen to explore food- and waterborne diseases and review how simple, yet effective, safety practices prevent them from impacting your childcare setting. Review strategies that protect and promote children’s health and wellness during daily meals and snacks, including an overview of the most current “Dirty Dozen” and “Clean Fifteen” lists. Inspire healthier habits and safer routines that support children now and throughout their futures. | | Healthy spaces, happy faces: creating safe and healthy learning environments | | |
Nov. 11
5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Austin
| | Join Stacy Boysen to explore practical ways to reduce the spread of germs and keep Early Childhood environments sparkly clean! Refine cleaning routines and investigate green cleaning solutions that are gentle on children, yet tough on dirt. Discover ways to make your space healthier, safer and more inviting for children every day! | | |
As we celebrate 40 years of impact, we invite you to help us invest in the future of entrepreneurs, children and communities.
Thanks to investment earnings, your gift will continue to grow and have an even greater impact on the region in years to come.
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Leave a lasting legacy with FreeWill, a free online tool to write your legal will at no personal cost to you.
This resource helps protect your family and friends, plan beneficiaries for your assets and support the causes and communities you love.
| | Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation | 507-455-3215 | www.smifoundation.org | | | | |
