We are working together to ensure every child in Minnesota is physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively prepared for school and lifelong success.
A 19 member collaborative of MN's philanthropic community that provides critical leadership & funding for research, program development, public policy & grantmaking to improve ECE in MN & ensure every child in MN is ready for school and lifelong success. START EARLY FUNDERS COALITION
The Start Early Funders Coalition for Children and Minnesota’s Future is a collaboration of more than 15 members of
02/21/2025
was electric with 200 early childhood advocates, educators, parents and children gathering at the Minnesota Capitol to go !
When 90% of brain development happens before age 5, early childhood is the most critical time to invest. When children start out strong - they stay strong!
02/01/2025
More from yesterday’s Winter Leadership Institute! Learning and leading together is energizing work!
01/31/2025
Today was MNAEYC’s Winter Leadership Institute at the Science Museum of Minnesota.  We are very thankful for all the wisdom in the room that helped us think about trauma informed care, adverse experiences, and opportunities for healing and self-care.
We were also well represented by 12 of our Parent and Provider Advisory Group Members!
12/12/2024
Congrats to the 2024 Nancy Latimer Awardee:
Carolyn Smallwood who is the CEO of Way to Grow.
12/12/2024
Congrats to our 2024 Organizational Leadership Champion Awardee:
Erin Shay who is the Executive Director United Way of Northeastern Minnesota
12/12/2024
Congrats to our 2024 Provider Champion Awardee:
Deborah Shierbeck who is an Early Childhood Education Faculty
12/12/2024
Congrats to our 2024 Parent Champion Awardee:
Netaa-niimid Persia Erdrich; who is a parent and a preschool teacher and Ojibwe Language teacher at Grandma's House
12/12/2024
We are so grateful that Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter joined us at the Little Moments Count annual conference and Start Early Funders Coalition annual awards ceremony! They offered brief reminders to make little moments count for our youngest citizens!
We are especially grateful that Mayor Carter approved the proclamation we submitted and came to read it in person to declare that December 11, 2024 is George and Nancy Latimer day in the city of Saint Paul!!
12/12/2024
Today was our 18th Annual Early Childhood Education Awards. Congratulations to all 4 of our winners!!
2024 Parent Champion Awardee:
Netaa-niimid Persia Erdrich; parent, preschool teacher and Ojibwe Language teacher at Grandma's House
2024 Provider Champion Awardee:
Deborah Shierbeck; Hennepin Tech/Rasmussen Early Childhood Education Faculty
Organizational Leadership Champion Awardee:
Erin Shay; Executive Director United Way of Northeastern MN
The 2024 Nancy Latimer Awardee:
Carolyn Smallwood; CEO of Way to Grow
12/11/2024
There’s still time!!
✨ Have you registered yet? ✨
The Little Moments Count Annual Conference is just around the corner—happening next week on Wednesday, December 11th! 🎉
🧠 Why does it matter?
Because brain building happens in everyday moments. When we talk, play, read, and sing with infants and toddlers, we’re helping their brains grow and their futures shine. 🌟
🎤 This year's keynote speaker is the incredible Gevonee Ford, presenting "Connecting Literacy & Identity to Make Every Moment Count."
👨👧 PLUS, don’t miss our Fatherhood Panel!
Gain fresh perspectives and hear heartfelt stories from dads and father-figures sharing their experiences. This insightful conversation will be moderated by Andre Dukes.
💻 How can you join?
👉 Virtually (open to anyone): https://www.facebook.com/events/1060243772544525/
👉 In-person (for St. Croix Valley communities): https://www.facebook.com/events/1361263961947134/
Mark your calendars, invite a friend, and let’s make every moment count! 💬📚🎶
| Monday | 8:30am - 4:30pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30am - 4:30pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30am - 4:45pm |
| Thursday | 8:30am - 4:30pm |
| Friday | 8:30am - 4:30pm |