Here’s Your
Opportunity
Let the Governor’s
Children’s Cabinet
and the Departments of Education,
Human Services and Health
Know What You Think!
* What early learning experiences are working for
young children and families in your community?
* Where are the gaps in your early childhood system?
* How can we support building the capacity of the early
childhood workforce in your community?
Early
in November, staff of the Minnesota Departments of Education, Health, Human
Services and the Minnesota Children's Cabinet held seven Early Learning
Listening Sessions throughout the state. From Owatonna to Bemidji, over 650
people gathered to discuss the future of early learning in Minnesota. A wide
range of ideas and opinions were shared, and this information is already being
discussed among state agencies as well as the Governor's Office.
Now,
we are conducting a survey to ensure we have captured the thoughts
of every stakeholder in Minnesota who wants to be heard on this important
topic. You will find the link to the survey at the end of this email - the
questions provided here are the same as the ones that were discussed at the
listening sessions. The answer options were crafted based around what was heard
throughout the state at the sessions.
Note: This survey will close at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, December 17, 2015.
The
survey is available in English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong and Vietnamese. We want to hear from you.
If you attended
a listening session, please complete the survey to reinforce your thoughts
and share anything you may have thought of after you left. If you weren't able
to attend a listening session, please complete the survey to share
your thoughts. It should take about five to seven
minutes to complete.
We
also encourage you to share this survey with others whom you believe would like
to be heard. Thank you so much for your participation and your engagement in
this important discussion. Your advocacy on behalf of Minnesota's children is
greatly appreciated!
Thank
you!
You are invited to Policy Hour, January 5th,
2016
Join
us for Policy Hour on Tuesday, January 5 from Noon-1 p.m. to hear from the
Department of Human Services about the Child Care Development Block Grant plan.
This plan describes how the state proposes to
meet the new federal law governing child care assistance. The new law makes
changes to protect the health and safety of children in child care, promote
continuity of access to subsidy for low-income families, better inform parents
and the general public about child care choices, and improve the overall
quality of early care and education.
Bring your lunch. Invite your friends. No RSVP necessary.
Mark your calendars! Policy Hour is held the first Tuesday of each month, October 2015-June 2016, from Noon-1:00 p.m. at Think Small (2021 East Hennepin Avenue, Suite 250, Minneapolis, MN 55413).
Policy Hour is a monthly opportunity for early childhood and school-age care professionals to connect with each other and learn about current policy issues in an informal setting.
