June 2019
Early Childhood Updates from SMIF
Now that summer has arrived, I hope you are able to take time to relax and enjoy time with friends and family.

At SMIF, we are having a non-stop schedule of events, trainings and celebrations this summer and fall. Please check it all out in this newsletter and make sure to register! We also continue to recruit for our AmeriCorps LEAP Initiative.

A special farewell and thanks to Teri Steckelberg for the past 13 years of her dedication to SMIF and the Early Childhood field. We look forward to her new role and continued work together.

As ever, if you have questions, concerns or creative suggestions as they relate to early childhood, please contact me at 507-214-7012 or raejeanh@smifoundation.org
Rae Jean Hansen 
Vice President - Early Childhood
Farewell to Teri!
Teri Steckelberg, SMIF's Early Childhood Director, is starting a new chapter as the Business Development Manager with First Children's Finance. Teri has made a major impact on the development of our Early Childhood programming throughout the past 13 years. We are excited that she will stay in the Early Childhood world (and in our region!), working for one of our major partners. We wish Teri the best of luck, and we know we will see her soon!
20,000 children's books awarded through SMIF's Early Childhood Literacy Program
This grant supports early literacy efforts that enhance school readiness for children birth to age five by providing children with books. The books were awarded in partnership with Capstone and ABDO, Mankato-based publishers of children’s books and digital products and services.

AmeriCorps LEAP Initiative accepting applications for 2019 - 2020 service term
AmeriCorps LEAP (Learning Early Achieves Potential) members serve in preschool classrooms and nonprofit organizations focused on the social and emotional development of young children in our 20-county region. SMIF is currently accepting applications for the 2019-2020 term.

Addressing the child care shortage
Earlier this year, SMIF selected five communities to participate in a new program to address the child care shortage. SMIF has been meeting with core teams as they brainstorm the "right-sized" solutions for their community.

Read this article from the Star Tribune about how the Minnesota Initiative Foundations are working to address the shortage.
'Our Kids' documentary premiers
Dr. Robert Putnam is hosting a new four-part documentary  Our Kids: Narrowing the Opportunity Gap   airing on Pioneer Public Television Saturday mornings at 9:30 a.m.   June 15 through July 6.   This series is a unique way to continue learning about the issues facing children living in poverty and hear new perspectives.
Upcoming Events
S.M.A.R.T. K - 3 Workshops

July 23 - 25
Gaylord

This interactive and energetic workshop is designed for any educators and professionals working with K - 3rd grade students.

Elementary Schools in SMIF's  20-county region  qualify for a discounted rate!

Space is limited and registration is on a first come, first served basis.
Conscious Discipline

Level 1 (Intro): June 26 - 27
Level 2 (Advanced): July 24 - 25
Owatonna High School

This training is a "leader in brain-based social emotional learning."

School and community-based preschool teachers and assistants, ECFE, social workers, public health staff, home visitors, family and center-based child care staff and directors, parents, and anyone working with families that have young children are welcome to attend.
Save the Date!
SMIF's Early Childhood Care Conference
October 26, 2019 | Owatonna

Keynote: Re-Energize the Classroom Learning Environment

Jackie Kops will share how you can intentionally set up your classroom centers and environment to be purposeful, interactive, and integrate all learning domains. Get students learning, interacting with each other, and problem-solving even when the teacher is not by their side. Jackie is an enthusiastic preschool teacher with over fourteen years of classroom teaching experience in both full day and half day settings. In addition to teaching, she is the author behind  Pocket of Preschool  and loves to share her passion with other educators.
Support Southern Minnesota's Future
Imagine vibrant communities where entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses, children are prepared for their future and communities build the resources and networks needed to sustain their quality of life.

SMIF is embarking on a three-year Love Where You Live campaign to strengthen our region’s future. Won’t you join us in creating vibrant communities where more than 581,000 people call home?
Watch the video below to learn why Sara Ellerbusch, Early Childhood Coordinator and Teacher at Stewartville Public Schools, loves living in southern Minnesota.
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation | 507-455-3215 | www.smifoundation.org