{"id":16,"date":"2023-06-30T15:35:46","date_gmt":"2023-06-30T15:35:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thinksmall1.wpengine.com\/?page_id=16"},"modified":"2025-02-03T14:43:00","modified_gmt":"2025-02-03T20:43:00","slug":"providers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/providers\/","title":{"rendered":"����ֱ��"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"providers-top\" class=\"pxblock pxblock--page-header bg--beige \">\n\t\n\t<div class=\"container grid\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col--1\">\n\t\t\t<h1 class=\"text--orange title\"><span translate=\"no\">����ֱ��<\/span translate=\"no\"><\/h1>\n\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"428\" height=\"590\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Screenshot-2023-07-24-at-1.18.12-PM.png\" class=\"attachment-original size-original\" alt=\"an illustration of an educator sitting on a stool reading\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Screenshot-2023-07-24-at-1.18.12-PM.png 428w, https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Screenshot-2023-07-24-at-1.18.12-PM-218x300.png 218w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 428px) 100vw, 428px\" \/>\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"col--2\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"text wysiwyg\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2>Are you a <span translate=\"no\"> child care provider, an early childhood educator or are you looking to become one?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"text--orange\">This is an important job. Every interaction with children helps shape the person they will grow up to be.<\/span> Supporting school readiness and equipping young children with tools for lifelong success provide an opportunity to make a tremendous impact. And we\u2019re all here to help.<\/p>\n<p>����ֱ�� supports excellence in early learning for all types of professionals \u2013 <span translate=\"no\"> providers, parents, and educators. By offering classes, coaching, and financial support, we can help you become the best professional you can be, so you can help kids become the best people <em>they<\/em> can be.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>When you\u2019re thinking of the possibilities, ����ֱ��.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"buttons\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#professional-development\" class=\"btn \" >Professional Development<\/a><a href=\"#cca\" class=\"btn \" >����ֱ�� Care Aware Trainings<\/a><a href=\"#tailored-training\" class=\"btn \" >Tailored Training<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/ramseycounty\/\" class=\"btn \" target=\"_blank\">Ramsey County Early ����ֱ��hood Academy<\/a><a href=\"#advising\" class=\"btn \" >Advising<\/a><a href=\"#coaching\" class=\"btn \" >Coaching<\/a><a href=\"#grants-and-financial-support\" class=\"btn \" >Grants &#038; Financial Supports<\/a><a href=\"#provider-resources\" class=\"btn \" >Provider Resources<\/a>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"professional-development\" class=\"pxblock pxblock--columns bg--white width--default\">\n\t\t<div class=\"container grid\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col text wysiwyg\"><h2 class=\"text--orange\">Professional Development<\/h2>\n<p>We offer high-quality professional development that will improve the knowledge, skills, and competencies of early childhood educators. Our training exceeds licensing requirements, contributes to Parent Aware requirements and counts toward a ����ֱ�� Development Associate.<\/p>\n<p>Our professional development training is expertly designed to prioritize equity. Our courses stand out because they translate evidence-based theory into effective practice, using antiracist pedagogy and diversity-informed practice to equitably meet the diverse needs of the early childhood workforce.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"col image\">        \n    <div class=\"svg-mask mask-4\">\n\n    \n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 398.22 559.46\"  class=\"color--green\">\n            <defs>\n                <style>.m4a-1{fill:none;stroke:#3dbca3;stroke-linejoin:round;stroke-width:3px;}<\/style>\n                <clipPath id=\"mask-4\">\n                    <path class=\"m4a-1\" 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<style>.m2-1{fill:#fad951;}.m2-2{fill:#f15d45;}.m2-3{fill:#e5b6ae;}.m2-4{fill:#231f20;}.m2-5{fill:#1b4342;stroke:#707070;stroke-miterlimit:4;stroke-width:1px;}.m2-6{clip-path:url(/wp-json/wp/v2/pages/16/);fill:none;}<\/style>    \n                <clipPath id=\"mask-2\">\n                    <polygon class=\"m2-4\" points=\"88.45 459.78 0 270.04 79.35 68.12 314.38 0 486.18 99.41 468.38 418.28 227.03 502.5 88.45 459.78\"\/>\n                <\/clipPath>\n            <\/defs>\n\n            <g id=\"Layer_1-2\">\n                <path id=\"Path_711\" class=\"m2-5\" d=\"m5.18,213.7L261.44,32.56l157.6-7.21,105.22,131.01v222.65s-200.05,169.46-200.05,169.46l-243.17-132.15-74.21-19.52-1.65-183.11Z\"\/>\n                <polygon class=\"m2-4\" points=\"88.45 459.78 0 270.04 79.35 68.12 314.38 0 486.18 99.41 468.38 418.28 227.03 502.5 88.45 459.78\"\/>\n                <g class=\"m2-6\"><\/g>\n                <image width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" preserveAspectRatio=\"xMidYMid slice\" clip-path=\"url(#mask-2)\"  xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/stock-photo-selective-focus-children-teacher-lesson.jpeg\" ><\/image>\n                <path id=\"Path_714\" class=\"m2-1\" d=\"m61.93,417.58l37.45-13.41,57.82,17.24,40.3,45.89,68.66-14.93-13.72,37.03-70.56,15.34-49.72-27.13-23.35-31.74-46.87-28.29Z\"\/>\n                <path id=\"Path_713\" class=\"m2-3\" d=\"m454.52,209.89l-45.7,45.97v49.38l103.26-23.91,57.71-13.36-80.12-58.08h-35.15Z\"\/>\n                <path id=\"Path_715\" class=\"m2-2\" d=\"m85.53,155.42l-35.89-37.67,17.94-45,76.6-17.79,24.15,43.43-82.81,57.03Z\"\/>\n            <\/g>\n        <\/svg>\n\n    <\/div><\/div><div class=\"col text wysiwyg\"><h2 class=\"text--orange\">Core Competency Areas<\/h2>\n<p>Divided into 11 core competency areas, you can find training opportunities in multiple formats.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Administration, Management, &amp; Business Practices<\/li>\n<li>Curriculum, &amp; Teaching Practices<\/li>\n<li>Developmental Learning Experiences<\/li>\n<li>Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, &amp; Social Justice<\/li>\n<li>Family ����ֱ�� Care<\/li>\n<li>Family Engagement &amp; Relationships<\/li>\n<li>Health, Safety, and Nutrition<\/li>\n<li>Leadership, Professional Development, &amp; Advocacy<\/li>\n<li>Quality Improvement: Observation, Assessment, &amp; Evaluation<\/li>\n<li>Social and Emotional Competency<\/li>\n<li>Trauma Sensitive Leadership &amp; Care<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"acf-table-block_ebce19214888b56b370585775ce37642\" class=\"pxblock pxblock--table layout--single\">\n\t\n\t<div class=\"container container--s\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<table>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<caption class=\"table__title wysiwyg\"><h5 style=\"text-align: center;\">Learning Format Options<\/h5>\n<\/caption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<thead>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<th class=\"h7\" scope=\"col\">eLearning <\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<th class=\"h7\" scope=\"col\">Minnesota In-Person Instructor-Led Training                   (In-person ILT)  <\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<th class=\"h7\" scope=\"col\">Minnesota Online Instructor-Led Training (online ILT) <\/th>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/thead>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tbody>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td data-label=\"eLearning \" class=\"wysiwyg\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\">Available on-demand, our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/shop\/\">eLearning<\/a> courses are easily digestible and do not have to be completed in one sitting. Most eLearning courses come with IACET CEU credit included.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td data-label=\"Minnesota In-Person Instructor-Led Training                   (In-person ILT)  \" class=\"wysiwyg\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.developtoolmn.org\/v7\/trainings\/search\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">In-Person Instructor- Led<\/a> training is held at ����ֱ�� as well as locations around the 7-county Metro Area in Minnesota. Trainings are available in English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<td data-label=\"Minnesota Online Instructor-Led Training (online ILT) \" class=\"wysiwyg\"><p style=\"text-align: center;\">This form of training is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/shop\/\">(online) instructor-led<\/a> event held online through our Learning Center platform. Currently only Minnesota ����ֱ�� Care ����ֱ�� receive clock hour credit in Develop.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tr>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/tbody>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/table>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"acf-columns-block_5c95aabc2ebd070bcc3aed34b456ea2c\" class=\"pxblock pxblock--columns bg--white width--default\">\n\t\t<div class=\"container grid\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col text-block wysiwyg bg--beige\"><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-15780\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/����ֱ��-Care-Aware-300x190.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"190\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/����ֱ��-Care-Aware-300x191.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/����ֱ��-Care-Aware.webp 302w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"col text wysiwyg\"><h5>In-Person Trainings<\/h5>\n<p>For help finding training that meets your needs or help answering your questions, please email us at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:pdsupport@thinksmall.org\">pdsupport@thinksmall.org<\/a>\u202for call 651-641-3549.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Search for training online at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.developtoolmn.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.developtoolmn.org<\/a>\n<ul>\n<li>How to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.developtoolmn.org\/dhs\/assets\/Creating_an_Individual_Profile_tcm1053-500293.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Create a Develop Individual Account<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Call 651-641-3549 for technical assistance with registering online.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>*Pre-registration is required. No walk-ins are allowed.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-spacer\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\"><strong>Read ����ֱ��\/����ֱ�� Care Aware of Minnesota Training Policies.<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/TS-Registration-Policies_March-2024.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">English<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/SPANISH_TS-Registration-Policies_March-2024.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Espa\u00f1ol<\/span>\u00a0(Spanish<span class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">)<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/SOMALI_TS-Registration-Policies_March-2024.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Somali<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/HMONG_TS-Registration-Policies_March-2024.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-black-color\">Hmong<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"tailored-training\" class=\"pxblock pxblock--columns bg--white width--default\">\n\t\t<div class=\"container grid\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col text wysiwyg\"><h2 class=\"text--orange\">Tailored Training<\/h2>\n<p>Center Directors, Head Start, Family ����ֱ�� Care Associations, and other professional early childhood organizations can schedule Tailored training topics for their staffing needs at their own sites.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/providers\/tailored-training\/\">Ask About Tailored Training<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"col image\">        \n    <div class=\"svg-mask mask-1\">\n\n            <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 525.28 563.12\">\n         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clip-path=\"url(#mask-2)\"  xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/jimmy-dean-M-eA-JzCWUY-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" ><\/image>\n                <path id=\"Path_714\" class=\"m2-1\" d=\"m61.93,417.58l37.45-13.41,57.82,17.24,40.3,45.89,68.66-14.93-13.72,37.03-70.56,15.34-49.72-27.13-23.35-31.74-46.87-28.29Z\"\/>\n                <path id=\"Path_713\" class=\"m2-3\" d=\"m454.52,209.89l-45.7,45.97v49.38l103.26-23.91,57.71-13.36-80.12-58.08h-35.15Z\"\/>\n                <path id=\"Path_715\" class=\"m2-2\" d=\"m85.53,155.42l-35.89-37.67,17.94-45,76.6-17.79,24.15,43.43-82.81,57.03Z\"\/>\n            <\/g>\n        <\/svg>\n\n    <\/div><\/div><div class=\"col text wysiwyg\"><h2 class=\"text--orange\">An Advisor Can Help You:<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Create an Individual or Program-wide Professional Development Plan<\/li>\n<li>Prepare for an initial <a class=\"text--orange\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cdacouncil.org\/en\/\">����ֱ�� Development Associate (CDA) or CDA renewal<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Find trainings that meet state or <a class=\"text--orange\" href=\"https:\/\/www.parentaware.org\/programs\/full-rating-training-requirements\/\">Parent Aware Rating requirements<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Connect you with professional development resources and opportunities<\/li>\n<li>Start or advance your early childhood education career with <a class=\"text--orange\" href=\"https:\/\/www.childcareawaremn.org\/providers\/professional-development\/empower-to-educate\/\">Empower to Educate<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>To contact a Professional Development Advisor, please email: <a href=\"mailto:pdadvisor@thinksmall.org\">pdadvisor@thinksmall.org<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"acf-rule-block_f76b323581b2cda075a58ab3afd4b754\" class=\"pxblock pxblock--rule\">\n\t\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"rule  bg--yellow\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"coaching\" class=\"pxblock pxblock--columns 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stroke=\"#9cc0e6\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\"\/>\n<\/svg>\n<\/div><\/div><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-4212\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/img-logo-300x74.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"420\" height=\"103\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/img-logo-300x74.png 300w, https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/img-logo.png 700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"col text wysiwyg\"><h5>����ֱ�� Care Wayfinder<\/h5>\n<p>Have you ever thought of starting or expanding a licensed family child care program or child care center?\u00a0 ����ֱ�� offers personalized support and resources to help you succeed!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childcarewayfinder.org\/\">����ֱ�� Care Wayfinder<\/a> is your one-stop navigation network for starting and growing child care programs. We provide encouragement, support, and connection to resources required for initial licensing and resources needed for sustaining or expanding currently licensed child care programs.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.childcarewayfinder.org\/\">Visit ����ֱ�� Care Wayfinder Website<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"acf-columns-block_cba317eda3db468821a3908486b47fdf\" class=\"pxblock pxblock--columns bg--white width--default\">\n\t\t<div class=\"container grid\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col text wysiwyg\"><h4 class=\"text--orange\">A ����ֱ�� Care Wayfinder Navigator Can<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Provide an initial assessment of participants program needs<\/li>\n<li>Provide support as participants navigate the Minnesota Department of ����ֱ��ren, Youth and Families ����ֱ�� Care Licensing Process<\/li>\n<li>Register participants for our 4-session Learning Community series<\/li>\n<li>Assist participants in accessing the many resources available through partner organizations and services<\/li>\n<li>Connect you with a Parent Aware Quality Coach who will work with you to build a high-quality, star-rated program<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a class=\"btn\" href=\"https:\/\/hub.childcarewayfinder.org\/s\/contact-us?language=en_US\">Request Free Support<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"col image\">        \n    <div class=\"svg-mask mask-2\">\n\n    \n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" viewBox=\"0 0 569.79 549.08\">\n            <defs>\n                <style>.m2-1{fill:#fad951;}.m2-2{fill:#f15d45;}.m2-3{fill:#e5b6ae;}.m2-4{fill:#231f20;}.m2-5{fill:#1b4342;stroke:#707070;stroke-miterlimit:4;stroke-width:1px;}.m2-6{clip-path:url(/wp-json/wp/v2/pages/16/);fill:none;}<\/style>    \n                <clipPath id=\"mask-2\">\n                    <polygon class=\"m2-4\" points=\"88.45 459.78 0 270.04 79.35 68.12 314.38 0 486.18 99.41 468.38 418.28 227.03 502.5 88.45 459.78\"\/>\n                <\/clipPath>\n     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stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\"\/>\n    <\/g>\n  <\/g>\n<\/svg>\n<\/div><\/div><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3917\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Parent-Aware-Logo_RGB-300x155.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"155\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Parent-Aware-Logo_RGB-300x155.png 300w, https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Parent-Aware-Logo_RGB.png 317w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"col text wysiwyg\"><h5>Parent Aware<\/h5>\n<p>Receive the recognition you deserve for demonstrating high quality practices in early care and education. Parent Aware, Minnesota\u2019s early childhood quality rating and improvement system, gives child care providers the opportunity to showcase the work they are doing to prepare young children for kindergarten and beyond.<\/p>\n<p>Here at ����ֱ��, Quality Coaches and Professional Development Advisors provide guidance to child care program leaders, directors, and teachers every step of the way.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.parentaware.org\/programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Visit Parent Aware Website<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"acf-columns-block_aebeb52923471fb9900a1fb675a5b887\" class=\"pxblock pxblock--columns bg--white width--default\">\n\t\t<div class=\"container grid\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col text wysiwyg\"><h4 class=\"text--orange\">Additional Benefits to Earning Your Parent Aware Rating<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>FREE coaching and advising<\/li>\n<li>Increased access to Early Learning Scholarships for families<\/li>\n<li>Increased ����ֱ�� Care Assistance reimbursement rates for three- and four- star rated programs<\/li>\n<li>Ongoing marketing support<\/li>\n<li>Joining a community of early childhood program committed to providing high quality care<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a class=\"btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.parentaware.org\/programs\/join-us\/\">Request an Application<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"col image\">        \n    <div class=\"svg-mask mask-2\">\n\n    \n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" viewBox=\"0 0 569.79 549.08\">\n            <defs>\n                <style>.m2-1{fill:#fad951;}.m2-2{fill:#f15d45;}.m2-3{fill:#e5b6ae;}.m2-4{fill:#231f20;}.m2-5{fill:#1b4342;stroke:#707070;stroke-miterlimit:4;stroke-width:1px;}.m2-6{clip-path:url(/wp-json/wp/v2/pages/16/);fill:none;}<\/style>    \n                <clipPath id=\"mask-2\">\n                    <polygon class=\"m2-4\" points=\"88.45 459.78 0 270.04 79.35 68.12 314.38 0 486.18 99.41 468.38 418.28 227.03 502.5 88.45 459.78\"\/>\n                <\/clipPath>\n            <\/defs>\n\n            <g id=\"Layer_1-2\">\n                <path id=\"Path_711\" class=\"m2-5\" d=\"m5.18,213.7L261.44,32.56l157.6-7.21,105.22,131.01v222.65s-200.05,169.46-200.05,169.46l-243.17-132.15-74.21-19.52-1.65-183.11Z\"\/>\n                <polygon class=\"m2-4\" points=\"88.45 459.78 0 270.04 79.35 68.12 314.38 0 486.18 99.41 468.38 418.28 227.03 502.5 88.45 459.78\"\/>\n                <g class=\"m2-6\"><\/g>\n                <image width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" preserveAspectRatio=\"xMidYMid slice\" clip-path=\"url(#mask-2)\"  xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/fcc-blog-post-3921.jpeg\" ><\/image>\n                <path id=\"Path_714\" class=\"m2-1\" d=\"m61.93,417.58l37.45-13.41,57.82,17.24,40.3,45.89,68.66-14.93-13.72,37.03-70.56,15.34-49.72-27.13-23.35-31.74-46.87-28.29Z\"\/>\n                <path id=\"Path_713\" class=\"m2-3\" d=\"m454.52,209.89l-45.7,45.97v49.38l103.26-23.91,57.71-13.36-80.12-58.08h-35.15Z\"\/>\n                <path id=\"Path_715\" class=\"m2-2\" d=\"m85.53,155.42l-35.89-37.67,17.94-45,76.6-17.79,24.15,43.43-82.81,57.03Z\"\/>\n            <\/g>\n        <\/svg>\n\n    <\/div><\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"acf-rule-block_1bcb4e487772aa3cb9fec7b724ec9d7c\" class=\"pxblock pxblock--rule\">\n\t\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"rule  bg--pink\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"grants-and-financial-support\" class=\"pxblock pxblock--columns bg--white width--default\">\n\t\t<div class=\"container grid\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col text wysiwyg\"><h2 class=\"text--orange\">Grants and Financial Support<\/h2>\n<p>Operating and maintaining a child care business can be hard! However, there are financial supports out there that can help your business succeed and allow you to offer the quality care you are striving for and ����ֱ�� is here to help.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"col image\">        \n    <div class=\"svg-mask mask-3\">\n\n    \n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 402.75 513.47\" class=\"color--blue\">\n            <defs>\n                <style>.m3a-1,.m3a-2{fill:none;stroke:#9cc0e6;stroke-width:2px;}.m3a-2{stroke-linejoin:round;}<\/style>\n                <clipPath id=\"mask-3\">\n                    <path class=\"m3a-1\" d=\"m220.9,26.17c-31.9-1.96-59.97.54-89.97,1.09s-62.61,7.83-78.33,30.16c-12.11,17.2-11.48,39.38-10.78,60.17,3.66,106.92-.9,213.97-13.63,320.2-1.33,11.09-2.49,23.22,4.41,32.85,8.55,11.93,25.92,15.37,41.34,17.19,77.53,9.16,155.49,5.89,232.96,2.59,19.83-.84,41.89-2.61,54.42-15.97,10.84-11.56,11.19-28.38,11.04-43.84-1.17-115.15-2.33-230.3-3.5-345.45-.15-14.49-.58-29.88-9.4-42.38-13.38-18.98-24.27-19.66-48.64-18.22s-65.4,3.11-89.92,1.6Z\"\/>\n                <\/clipPath>\n\n            <\/defs>\n            <g id=\"Layer_1-2\">\n                <image width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" preserveAspectRatio=\"xMidYMid slice\" clip-path=\"url(#mask-3)\"  xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/kelly-sikkema-WvVyudMd1Es-unsplash-683x1024.jpg\" ><\/image>\n                <path class=\"m3a-2\" d=\"m50.2,6.15c103.09,10.63,215.25-11.01,318.67-3.55,5.63.41,11.74,1.03,15.79,4.67,4.18,3.76,4.91,9.61,5.38,14.98,13.35,151.46,15.29,303.71,5.82,455.46-.47,7.57-1.12,15.54-5.75,21.81-9.61,13.01-30.21,12.23-47.24,11.04-102.89-7.19-205.25,9.53-306.44-2.74-20.52-2.49-35.73-18.82-35.43-37.88C3.35,321.19,4.92,186.8,22.5,36.95c.89-7.57,1.91-15.43,6.35-21.85s8.27-10.3,21.35-8.96Z\"\/>\n                <path class=\"m3a-1\" d=\"m220.9,26.17c-31.9-1.96-59.97.54-89.97,1.09s-62.61,7.83-78.33,30.16c-12.11,17.2-11.48,39.38-10.78,60.17,3.66,106.92-.9,213.97-13.63,320.2-1.33,11.09-2.49,23.22,4.41,32.85,8.55,11.93,25.92,15.37,41.34,17.19,77.53,9.16,155.49,5.89,232.96,2.59,19.83-.84,41.89-2.61,54.42-15.97,10.84-11.56,11.19-28.38,11.04-43.84-1.17-115.15-2.33-230.3-3.5-345.45-.15-14.49-.58-29.88-9.4-42.38-13.38-18.98-24.27-19.66-48.64-18.22s-65.4,3.11-89.92,1.6Z\"\/>\n            <\/g>\n        <\/svg>\n\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 289.64 221\" class=\"secondary  pos--top color--yellow\">\n            <defs>\n                <style>.m3b-1{fill:none;stroke:#fcdb41;stroke-linejoin:round;stroke-width:2px;}<\/style>\n                <clipPath id=\"mask-3b\">\n                    <path class=\"m3b-1\" d=\"m258.28,11.98c-24.82-12.41-40.49-2.39-62.18-6.18C176.83,2.44,156.22.1,136.93,1.33c-23.03,1.48-45.97,11.83-64.24,23.02-29.58,18.12-33.89,48.19-51.29,78.11-8.94,15.37-17.25,31.27-19.34,49.31-2.93,25.3-.57,42.78,16.8,47.95,19.04,5.66,35.31,14.58,55.28,17.04,27.34,3.37,64.11,6.92,88.87-5.11,14.02-6.81,30.22-6.71,45-11.54,13.97-4.57,26.53-10.03,38.22-19.05,22.79-17.59,24.32-43.95,35.4-69.36,8.71-19.97,16.44-79.84-23.35-99.73Z\"\/>\n                <\/clipPath>\n            <\/defs>\n            <g>\n                <g id=\"Group_1760\">\n                    <g id=\"Group_599\">\n                        <image width=\"100%\" clip-path=\"url(#mask-3b)\"  xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/pexels-ksenia-chernaya-8535599-450x350.jpg\" ><\/image>=\n                        <path class=\"m3b-1\" d=\"m258.28,11.98c-24.82-12.41-40.49-2.39-62.18-6.18C176.83,2.44,156.22.1,136.93,1.33c-23.03,1.48-45.97,11.83-64.24,23.02-29.58,18.12-33.89,48.19-51.29,78.11-8.94,15.37-17.25,31.27-19.34,49.31-2.93,25.3-.57,42.78,16.8,47.95,19.04,5.66,35.31,14.58,55.28,17.04,27.34,3.37,64.11,6.92,88.87-5.11,14.02-6.81,30.22-6.71,45-11.54,13.97-4.57,26.53-10.03,38.22-19.05,22.79-17.59,24.32-43.95,35.4-69.36,8.71-19.97,16.44-79.84-23.35-99.73Z\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                <\/g>\n            <\/g>\n        <\/svg>  \n\n    <\/div><\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"acf-accordion-block_960405f4748edbc48a31108469802416\" class=\"pxblock pxblock--accordion \">\n\t\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\n\t\t<div class=\"accordion__frame bg--beige\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion__items\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"item\"><div class=\"item__title\"><strong> Emergency Grants<\/strong><div class=\"plus\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"item__text wysiwyg\"><p>����ֱ�� Care Services Emergency Grants assist existing child care programs who have experienced an emergency that directly affects their ability to provide care. Emergencies include natural disasters such as floods and tornadoes, weather-related damage not covered by homeowners or business insurance such as hail damage, increased costs related to a pandemic, and other unforeseen circumstances.<\/p>\n<p>To inquire about emergency grants please contact our Emergency Grant Administrator via <a href=\"mailto:GrantsRequest@thinksmall.org\">email here<\/a> or via phone at 651-366-6797.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"item\"><div class=\"item__title\"><strong>Parent Aware Grants<\/strong><div class=\"plus\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"item__text wysiwyg\"><p>Parent Aware Grants are offered to Parent Aware participating programs to help them achieve and sustain quality. Programs that participate in the Full-Rating Pathway may be eligible to receive a Building Quality Grant, a Full-Rating Grant, or both types of grants. Participating programs work with their coach and Professional Development Advisor as appropriate, to identify goals and purchases that will support programs to sustain quality, or succeed in improving their quality as they work toward achieving a higher Star Rating.<\/p>\n<p>To register for an upcoming Parent Aware cohort or for additional information on Parent Aware, please <a href=\"https:\/\/www.parentaware.org\/programs\/join-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"item\"><div class=\"item__title\"><strong>Start-Up Grants<\/strong><div class=\"plus\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"item__text wysiwyg\"><p>����ֱ�� Care Services Start-Up Grants offer financial assistance to child care programs who are soon-to-be licensed or have been licensed for less than six months. Start-up grants can be used to help cover the costs associated with the purchase of new items for your business, such as toys, required trainings and health and safety items, or costs associated with making improvements required by licensing or Fire Marshal.<\/p>\n<p>To inquire, please email\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:suegrantrequest@thinksmall.org\">suegrantrequest@thinksmall.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"item\"><div class=\"item__title\"><strong>Regional Grants<\/strong><div class=\"plus\"><span><\/span><span><\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"item__text wysiwyg\"><p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Regional Grants are intended to support, sustain, and increase quality of child care programs. Any program that is actively providing early learning services to children ranging in age from birth to school-age and is currently licensed with the Minnesota Department of Human Services or Tribal Government OR legally license-exempt, including certified centers, may apply for this grant.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>The application period for Regional Grants is open September 1 to September 25.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To inquire about regional grants please contact our Regional Grant Administrator via email at <\/span><a href=\"mailto:GrantsRequest@thinksmall.org\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">GrantsRequest@thinksmall.org<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> or via phone at 651-366-6797.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If licensed by the Minnesota Department of ����ֱ��ren, Youth, and Families, a program must have no current licensing violations such as a temporary immediate suspension, revocation, or a maltreatment determination where the facility was found responsible, as this will prevent the issuance of a grant and\/or will cause withdrawal of a grant.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"acf-rule-block_c86485fce2012ccd42a7e9ed81c3d3ad\" class=\"pxblock pxblock--rule\">\n\t\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"rule  bg--pink\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"cca\" class=\"pxblock pxblock--text bg--white width--default\">\n\t\n\t<div class=\"container grid\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"text wysiwyg\">\n\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:image {\"align\":\"center\",\"id\":6436,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u00a0 <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6436 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/ccametro.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!-- \/wp:image --><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"ui-provider om qk ql qm qn qo qp qq qr qs qt qu qv qw qx qy qz ra rb rc rd re rf rg rh ri rj rk rl rm rn ro rp rq rr\" dir=\"ltr\">Funding through a grant from the Minnesota Department of ����ֱ��ren, Youth, and Families supports child care programs with services offered through the ����ֱ��Care Aware system including trainings, professional development advising, grants, Parent Aware and Wayfinder supports. <\/span><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"acf-rule-block_1bcb4e487772aa3cb9fec7b724ec9d7c\" class=\"pxblock pxblock--rule\">\n\t\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"rule  bg--pink\"><\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"provider-resources\" class=\"pxblock pxblock--columns bg--white width--default\">\n\t\t<div class=\"container grid\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col text wysiwyg\"><h4 class=\"text--orange\">Provider Resources<\/h4>\n<p>����ֱ�� is a trusted resource for child care providers, offering a wide range of support and resources. We strive to empower providers with the knowledge, tools, and funding needed to deliver high-quality care, create enriching learning environments, and ensure optimal development for every child in their care.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/resources\/\">View Resources<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"col image\">        \n    <div class=\"svg-mask mask-3\">\n\n    \n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 402.75 513.47\" class=\"color--blue\">\n            <defs>\n                <style>.m3a-1,.m3a-2{fill:none;stroke:#9cc0e6;stroke-width:2px;}.m3a-2{stroke-linejoin:round;}<\/style>\n                <clipPath id=\"mask-3\">\n                    <path class=\"m3a-1\" d=\"m220.9,26.17c-31.9-1.96-59.97.54-89.97,1.09s-62.61,7.83-78.33,30.16c-12.11,17.2-11.48,39.38-10.78,60.17,3.66,106.92-.9,213.97-13.63,320.2-1.33,11.09-2.49,23.22,4.41,32.85,8.55,11.93,25.92,15.37,41.34,17.19,77.53,9.16,155.49,5.89,232.96,2.59,19.83-.84,41.89-2.61,54.42-15.97,10.84-11.56,11.19-28.38,11.04-43.84-1.17-115.15-2.33-230.3-3.5-345.45-.15-14.49-.58-29.88-9.4-42.38-13.38-18.98-24.27-19.66-48.64-18.22s-65.4,3.11-89.92,1.6Z\"\/>\n                <\/clipPath>\n\n            <\/defs>\n            <g id=\"Layer_1-2\">\n                <image width=\"100%\" height=\"100%\" preserveAspectRatio=\"xMidYMid slice\" clip-path=\"url(#mask-3)\"  xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/pexels-matheus-bertelli-3856033-1024x683.jpg\" ><\/image>\n                <path class=\"m3a-2\" d=\"m50.2,6.15c103.09,10.63,215.25-11.01,318.67-3.55,5.63.41,11.74,1.03,15.79,4.67,4.18,3.76,4.91,9.61,5.38,14.98,13.35,151.46,15.29,303.71,5.82,455.46-.47,7.57-1.12,15.54-5.75,21.81-9.61,13.01-30.21,12.23-47.24,11.04-102.89-7.19-205.25,9.53-306.44-2.74-20.52-2.49-35.73-18.82-35.43-37.88C3.35,321.19,4.92,186.8,22.5,36.95c.89-7.57,1.91-15.43,6.35-21.85s8.27-10.3,21.35-8.96Z\"\/>\n                <path class=\"m3a-1\" d=\"m220.9,26.17c-31.9-1.96-59.97.54-89.97,1.09s-62.61,7.83-78.33,30.16c-12.11,17.2-11.48,39.38-10.78,60.17,3.66,106.92-.9,213.97-13.63,320.2-1.33,11.09-2.49,23.22,4.41,32.85,8.55,11.93,25.92,15.37,41.34,17.19,77.53,9.16,155.49,5.89,232.96,2.59,19.83-.84,41.89-2.61,54.42-15.97,10.84-11.56,11.19-28.38,11.04-43.84-1.17-115.15-2.33-230.3-3.5-345.45-.15-14.49-.58-29.88-9.4-42.38-13.38-18.98-24.27-19.66-48.64-18.22s-65.4,3.11-89.92,1.6Z\"\/>\n            <\/g>\n        <\/svg>\n\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 289.64 221\" class=\"secondary  pos--top color--yellow\">\n            <defs>\n                <style>.m3b-1{fill:none;stroke:#fcdb41;stroke-linejoin:round;stroke-width:2px;}<\/style>\n                <clipPath id=\"mask-3b\">\n                    <path class=\"m3b-1\" d=\"m258.28,11.98c-24.82-12.41-40.49-2.39-62.18-6.18C176.83,2.44,156.22.1,136.93,1.33c-23.03,1.48-45.97,11.83-64.24,23.02-29.58,18.12-33.89,48.19-51.29,78.11-8.94,15.37-17.25,31.27-19.34,49.31-2.93,25.3-.57,42.78,16.8,47.95,19.04,5.66,35.31,14.58,55.28,17.04,27.34,3.37,64.11,6.92,88.87-5.11,14.02-6.81,30.22-6.71,45-11.54,13.97-4.57,26.53-10.03,38.22-19.05,22.79-17.59,24.32-43.95,35.4-69.36,8.71-19.97,16.44-79.84-23.35-99.73Z\"\/>\n                <\/clipPath>\n            <\/defs>\n            <g>\n                <g id=\"Group_1760\">\n                    <g id=\"Group_599\">\n                        <image width=\"100%\" clip-path=\"url(#mask-3b)\"  xlink:href=\"https:\/\/www.thinksmall.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/pexels-gustavo-fring-4172987-450x350.jpg\" ><\/image>=\n                        <path class=\"m3b-1\" d=\"m258.28,11.98c-24.82-12.41-40.49-2.39-62.18-6.18C176.83,2.44,156.22.1,136.93,1.33c-23.03,1.48-45.97,11.83-64.24,23.02-29.58,18.12-33.89,48.19-51.29,78.11-8.94,15.37-17.25,31.27-19.34,49.31-2.93,25.3-.57,42.78,16.8,47.95,19.04,5.66,35.31,14.58,55.28,17.04,27.34,3.37,64.11,6.92,88.87-5.11,14.02-6.81,30.22-6.71,45-11.54,13.97-4.57,26.53-10.03,38.22-19.05,22.79-17.59,24.32-43.95,35.4-69.36,8.71-19.97,16.44-79.84-23.35-99.73Z\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                <\/g>\n            <\/g>\n        <\/svg>  \n\n    <\/div><\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"acf-links-block_bd0732ae039de9c1209de890fab7faee\" class=\"pxblock pxblock--links bg--white\">\t\n\t\n\t\n\t<div class=\"container container--s\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"links\"><a class=\"btn\" href=\"#\" >Back to Top<\/a><\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"footnotes":""},"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.5 (Yoast SEO v24.5) - 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