From Barriers to Breakthrough — Small Talks Session

Join Think Small for our next Small Talks session: From Barriers to Breakthrough: A Better Future for Child Care Licensing and Quality in Minnesota! We'll share a practical roadmap shaped by a year-long, statewide community convening process using the WeVision EarlyEd initiative as a guide. The report presents a path to real transformation -- goals to reduce unnecessary burdens, clarify roles, uphold safety standards, and expand access to quality early care and education.

In this Small Talks conversation, we’ll:

• Share real perspectives from the field to ground the discussion in lived experience
• Frame the problem clearly—where duplication and confusion show up today, and how it affects providers and families

• Outline practical recommendations designed to reduce red tape while maintaining health and safety expectations

• Invite questions from both in-person and virtual attendees

Who should attend

• Legislators and legislative staff

• State agency and licensing staff

• Child care providers and program leaders

• Community and advocacy partners