August 2019
Early Childhood Updates from SMIF
The summer is flying by and everyone is gearing up to go back to school (and some of you have already started!). At SMIF we are getting ready for our annual Early Childhood Care Conference on October 26 in Owatonna where the keynote this year is Jackie Kops, creator of Pocket of Preschool .
 
We are also thrilled to have Jeff Andrews join our Early Childhood Team at SMIF. Many of you know Jeff from the past work he’s done in the region. We are pleased to have his talents and skills in our organization.
 
There have been a lot of great movements in the early childhood world, like the recent announcement from Governor Walz on his commitment to children and families as a legislative priority.

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
Welcome Jeff Andrews!
We are excited to have Jeff Andrews join our Early Childhood team. Jeff supports SMIF's Early Childhood programming through facilitating community solutions to the child care shortage, leading quality training for early educators, providing technical assistance to child care providers and communities and facilitating SMIF's early childhood networking groups. Jeff has over 25 years of business experience and is known for bringing a strategic approach to business and sales challenges.
Hundreds attend Conscious Discipline training
If you attended the four full-day sessions of Conscious Discipline this summer, you were among the hundreds who took advantage of this national brain-based training focusing on internal transformational change. Your evaluations showed comments such as, “Transformational change starts with me," and "Can’t wait to implement opportunities for change." Thanks to all who attended and watch for other trainings in the coming year.
Welcome AmeriCorps LEAP members!
Our new AmeriCorps LEAP Initiative members started their year of service! We look forward to seeing the work they do with children in preschool classrooms and nonprofit organizations in the region. They will be focused on the social and emotional development of young children.

We are still accepting applications for this program. Contact barbarag@smifoundation.org or 507-456-0353 with questions.
SMIF awards 14 grants for child care start-up and expansion
SMIF, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), has awarded 14 grants in the amount of $60,722 to child care centers and family child care for start-up and expansion projects. These grants support an increase of 548 child care slots in SMIF's 20-county region .

These grants were a one-time funding opportunity thanks to the partnership with DHS.

Governor Walz creates new Children's Cabinet
Governor Walz recently signed an executive order launching new actions and accountability for children which will be led by a new Children's Cabinet. SMIF President and CEO Tim Penny attended the August 7 press conference.

The Children's Cabinet will be charged with taking a data-driven and results-oriented approach to ensuring the state's systems are aligned around services and opportunities for Minnesota children and the adults in their lives. The Governor also acknowledged the important work the Minnesota Initiative Foundations have done and continue to do in Early Childhood.
SMIF's Early Childhood Care Conference
October 26, 2019 | Owatonna
We are looking forward to the Early Childhood Care Conference this fall! We are excited to feature Jackie Kops, creator of Pocket of Preschool , as our keynote speaker. Jackie is an enthusiastic preschool teacher and loves to share her passion with others in the early childhood world. 

The conference offers 20 break-out sessions throughout the day, along with numerous vendors and a fire extinguisher safety inspection. You will receive six hours of continuing education from this day full of fun learning and networking. 
Support Southern Minnesota's Future
SMIF's  Love Where You Live   campaign will 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 see how Sara Line, Early Childhood Coordinator at Northfield Public Schools, was impacted by SMIF's programming.
Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation | 507-455-3215 | www.smifoundation.org