Child Care Aware of Minnesota Southern

09/01/2026

On behalf of Think Small, here are some upcoming training opportunities:

Think Small Southern District Trainings:
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/September-2026--Virtual-and-In-Person-Trainings.html?soid=1102295467760&aid=zM39pEgisio

Trauma-Responsive Care for Infants and Toddlers:
Participants can sign-up for all 6 sessions at a reduced price. Participants may also sign-up for individual sessions. https://institute.thinksmall.org/learn/external-ecommerce;view=signin;redirectURL=?ctldoc-catalog-0=se-%22trauma-responsive%22


Online Spanish self-paced eLearning only available through the Think Small Institute:
- Módulos en Línea de Conocimiento y Prácticas Que Promueven El Bienestar Infantil
Knowledge And Know-How: Nurturing Child Well-Being
$30.00, 8 horas
To register: https://institute.thinksmall.org/learn/courses/445/modulos-en-linea-de-conocimiento-y-practicas-que-promueven-el-bienestar-infantil

Online Spanish self-paced Child Care Aware of MN/DCYF eLearnings only available through the Think Small Institute: https://institute.thinksmall.org/learn/catalog/view/64

All educators registering will need to create a free Think Small Institute account:
En español: https://www.thinksmall.org/guia-de-usuario-como-crear-una-cuenta-de-think-small-institute-tsi-2/
In English: https://www.thinksmall.org/user-guide-how-to-create-a-think-small-institute-tsi-account/

Email from Think Small Southern Minnesota Southern Minnesota Educators need a free Think Small Institute account to register for all Think Small/Child Care Aware of Minnesota in-person and online trai

07/13/2026

On behalf of Think Small, here are a few trainings coming up in our district that still have spots open:

- Tuesday, July 21, 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Observation and Documentation: Planning for Individual Needs - Kids Come First - Rochester, $10.00, KCF IV.A: Observing, Recording and Assessing Development
To register: https://institute.thinksmall.org/learn/courses/1270/observation-and-documentation-planning-for-individual-needs-7-21-2026

- Tuesday, July 21, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Toilet Learning in Family Child Care Settings - Le Sueur Government Center – Le Center
$10.00, KCF I: Child Development and Learning
To register: https://institute.thinksmall.org/learn/courses/1204/toilet-learning-in-family-child-care-settings-7-21-26

- Wednesday, July 22, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, What the Experts Say; Diversity and Anti-Bias Education – Faribault Community Center
$10.00, KCF II.A: Creating Positive Learning Experiences
To register: https://institute.thinksmall.org/learn/courses/1304/what-the-experts-say-diversity-and-anti-bias-education-7-22-2026

If you need assistance registering for any of the in-person trainings or obtaining a free Think Small Institute account, please reach out to Think Small PD Support at 651-641-3549 or [email protected].

06/30/2026

On behalf of Think Small, here are some upcoming trainings in the Southern District:

Wednesday, July 8, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Active Supervision: Risk Management for Family Child Care – St. Peter Community Center
$10.00, KCF VII.B: Ensuring Safety
To register: https://institute.thinksmall.org/learn/courses/1256/active-supervision-risk-management-for-family-child-care-7-8-26

Saturday, July 11, 8:30am to 3:00pm, Supervising for Safety for Family Child Care – Lincoln Community Center – Mankato
FREE, KCFs: VII.A: Establishing Healthy Practices and VII.B: Ensuring Safety
To register: https://institute.thinksmall.org/learn/courses/1198/supervising-for-safety-for-family-child-care-7-11-2026

Monday, July 13, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Active Supervision: Risk Management for Family Child Care – Le Sueur Government Center – Le Center
$10.00, KCF VII.B: Ensuring Safety
To register: https://institute.thinksmall.org/learn/courses/1311/active-supervision-risk-management-for-family-child-care-7-13-2026

Wednesday, July 15, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Courageous Conversations: Discussing a Child’s Development with Families – Lincoln Community Center - Mankato
$10.00, KCF III: Relationships with Families
To register: https://institute.thinksmall.org/learn/courses/1197/courageous-conversations-discussing-a-childs-development-with-families-7-15-2026

Thursday, July 16, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Teaching and Learning in a Multicultural Environment – New Ulm Middle School
$10.00, KCF II.A: Creating Positive Learning Experiences
To register: https://institute.thinksmall.org/learn/courses/1284/teaching-and-learning-in-a-multicultural-environment-7-16-2026

Tuesday, July 21, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Toilet Learning in Family Child Care Settings - Le Sueur Government Center – Le Center
$10.00, KCF I: Child Development and Learning
To register: https://institute.thinksmall.org/learn/courses/1204/toilet-learning-in-family-child-care-settings-7-21-26

Wednesday, July 22, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, What the Experts Say; Diversity and Anti-Bias Education – Faribault Community Center
$10.00, KCF II.A: Creating Positive Learning Experiences
To register: https://institute.thinksmall.org/learn/courses/1304/what-the-experts-say-diversity-and-anti-bias-education-7-22-2026


If you need assistance registering for any of the in-person trainings or obtaining a free Think Small Institute account, please reach out to Think Small PD Support at 651-641-3549 or [email protected].

06/24/2026

Some exciting news to share!
The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is excited to offer a new program that provides selected benefits through September 2027 to individuals working in qualifying early care and education programs.

Early educators are critical to Minnesota, ensuring children thrive and providing care so that parents and caregivers can work or attend school, yet they often don’t have essential benefits. This benefits program provides participants up to $55 per month to be used toward selected benefits such as dental, vision, telehealth, teletherapy, life insurance and more.

Eligible individuals:
- Work in a licensed child care center, licensed family child care program, Tribally licensed program or certified Head Start program
- Work an average of at least 32 hours a week
- Work at least eight months a year
- Are 18 years of age or older

Additional requirements:
- If employed in a child care center or as a family child care assistant, individuals must provide two most recent pay stubs.
*Note: Family child care owners will not be asked to provide pay stubs.
- Individuals can not currently be receiving benefits through Minnesota Medical Assistance or Medicare.

Benefits:
The benefits program provides participants up to $55 per month through a third-party vendor, Optima Benefits and Payroll. This amount can be used toward selected benefits such as dental, vision, telehealth, teletherapy, life insurance and more. Some benefits may also support family members.

How to apply:
The application opens at 8 a.m. July 6, 2026, and closes at 5 p.m. on September 11, 2026. Eligible applicants should complete an online application and submit information to verify employment in a qualifying program. Space is limited. Eligible applicants may be invited to enroll immediately or placed on a waitlist if all available slots have been filled.

If you're interested in learning more, attend an upcoming webinar about the new program:

Tuesday, June 30, 7-8pm: d3a149d3-410d-47ec-a803-4b0fe338f2dd@eb14b046-24c4-4519-8f26-b89c2159828c" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/d3a149d3-410d-47ec-a803-4b0fe338f2dd@eb14b046-24c4-4519-8f26-b89c2159828c
Thursday, July 2, 7-8pm: 56cd4d78-5c23-4789-9c8c-7490d32c8d34@eb14b046-24c4-4519-8f26-b89c2159828c" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/56cd4d78-5c23-4789-9c8c-7490d32c8d34@eb14b046-24c4-4519-8f26-b89c2159828c

06/24/2026

On behalf of Think Small, here are the summer online trainings coming up.
Any questions can be directed to Think Small PD Support at 651-641-3549 or [email protected].

06/24/2026

On behalf of Think Small, here are the July trainings in the Southern District.
There are also a few in-person trainings coming up:
Inside the Child: Social & Emotional Development with Trainer Kat Doring
Tuesday, July 14, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Pier 55 Red Wing Area Seniors – Red Wing
$10.00, KCF II.C: Promoting Social & Emotional Development
https://institute.thinksmall.org/learn/courses/1320/inside-the-child-social-and-emotional-development-7-14-2026

Observation & Documentation: Planning for Individual Needs with Trainer Kari Olivares
Tuesday, July 21, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Kids Come First – Rochester
$10.00, KCF IV.A: Observing, Recording & Assessing Development
https://institute.thinksmall.org/learn/courses/1270/observation-and-documentation-planning-for-individual-needs-7-21-2026

Love & Logic: Handling Misbehavior without Breaking a Sweat with Trainer Kari Oliveres
Wednesday, August 19, 6:15pm to 8:15pm
Kids Come First – Rochester
$10.00, KCF II.C: Promoting Social & Emotional Development
https://institute.thinksmall.org/learn/courses/1330/love-and-logic-handling-misbehavior-without-breaking-a-sweat-8-19-2026

06/15/2026

Get ready to dive into Conscious Discipline with our friends over at Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation! They are putting on two great trainings in July, and there are still two weeks to register!

Participants will walk away with practical strategies to reduce chaos and increase predictability, engagement, and emotional safety throughout the day. Whether you're new or experienced, this session is packed with tips to make the most out of every interaction. Don't miss out on this chance to grow and connect face-to-face in a fun, engaging setting!

Austin:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985736901527?aff=oddtdtcreator
Mankato:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1985738084064?aff=oddtdtcreator

06/08/2026

Just a few more days to apply for the July cohort! Fill out your application today or apply online through your Develop account.

Questions? Reach out to Allison Connors, Southern District Parent Aware Recruiter, [email protected] or 507-577-1551

05/22/2026

On behalf of Think Small, here are upcoming trainings in the Southern District area:

- Saturday, June 6th, 9:30am to 11:30am, Outdoor Play: Creating Engaging Environments at Northfield Public Library
$10.00, KCF II.B: Promoting Cognitive Development
To register: https://institute.thinksmall.org/learn/courses/1246/outdoor-play-creating-engaging-environments-6-6-26

- Monday, June 8th, 6:30pm to 8:30pm, SUID/AHT Sudden Unexpected Infant Death/Reducing the Risk of Abusive Head Trauma (DCYF) at The Children’s Center in Albert Lea.
FREE, KCF VII.B: Ensuring Safety
To register: https://institute.thinksmall.org/learn/courses/1240/suidaht-sudden-unexpected-infant-deathreducing-the-risk-of-abusive-head-trauma-dcyf-6-8-2026

- Wednesday, June 10th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm, SUID/AHT Sudden Unexpected Infant Death/Reducing the Risk of Abusive Head Trauma (DCYF) at Kids Come First (N Broadway Ave location) in Rochester.
FREE, KCF VII.B: Ensuring Safety
To register: https://institute.thinksmall.org/learn/courses/1201/suidaht-sudden-unexpected-infant-deathreducing-the-risk-of-abusive-head-trauma-dcyf-6-10-26

- Saturday, June 27th , 9:30am to 2:00pm, Spanish Online Super Saturday.

05/12/2026

On behalf of Think Small, a virtual Spanish Super Saturday is coming up on Saturday, June 27. Spots are limited!
Sign up here: https://institute.thinksmall.org/learn/courses/1126/super-sabado-espanol-virtual-6-27-2026

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