 S.M.A.R.T. Steps: Providing ReadinessHow do we best prepare our children for future success? For nearly 25 years, our Minnesota Learning Resource Center has addressed this question via S.M.A.R.T. (Stimulating Maturity through Accelerated Readiness Training), a movement-based program designed to enhance brain development in elementary-aged children. With decades of proven results in academic settings, the S.M.A.R.T. team took the next logical step: In 2020, they launched S.M.A.R.T. Steps, a version of the program adapted for Family Child Care Providers working within their homes with newborns to five-year-olds.
With input from the providers, S.M.A.R.T. activities have been specifically tailored to their needs. And the first 18 providers we’ve trained love it! The plan is to take the program statewide in the near future...Continue reading  Calming Your Mind: De-Stress with Brain Training Wednesday, April 20, 2022 | 6:00-700 pm Learn how brain training can help you de-stress and break free from the noise inside of your head. Gain a better understanding of Neurofeedback and Audio-Visual Entrainment and how they can help you or a loved one who is struggling with anxious thoughts or difficulty focusing. Plus, attendees will have the opportunity to experience a free brain-training session of their choice! Register Here Advanced-Brain Summer Program Preview Wednesday, May 11, 6:00 - 7:00pm If you or a family member struggle with focus, anxious thoughts, aggression, memory, sleep, low mood, or impulsivity, then one of these programs is for you! Learn about our newest brain training program, the Advanced-Brain Wellness program! It's designed specifically for those who don't need an intensive but want to add a little more calm and focus to their life. You'll also learn about the Advanced-Brain Intensive which includes both brain-training modalities so that you have support for the kids in a clinic setting and home support for the parents. There'll be plenty of time for questions, so you can choose the right summer program that meets your needs. And, just for attending, you'll receive special brain training bonuses valued at up to $400! Register Here
Advanced-Brain Summer Intensive
Includes 20 in-clinic Neurofeedback sessions with assessments at each session, as well as your own AVE unit. For intensive pricing and questions, call (612) 789-1236 or email [email protected].  2022 S.M.A.R.T. workshop Dates are Here!Boost your students’ learning readiness skills and prepare them to become life-long learners with our amazing S.M.A.R.T. program! Our experienced instructors will help you understand how to easily implement these brain-stimulating activities in your classroom. If you are an educator working with Pre-K - 3rd graders, this program is for YOU!
Can’t make a 3-day workshop? We are holding a 1-day Bridging the Gap workshop on Wednesday, September 28, 2022. All workshops will be held at A Chance To Grow in Minneapolis, MN unless otherwise noted. Register two weeks in advance and save $25! Register today to secure your spot! Save the Date! Race for the Children Returns!
Get Your Eyes and Ears Checked!
Contract School-Based Services |
| When Sharon was pregnant with Rachel, 26 years ago, they were in a very bad car accident. “Somebody crossed the center line and took us out,” remembers Sharon. “We were never really sure if that had anything to do with anything,” but it was clear from birth that there were problems. > Continue reading Sharon and Rachel's story and hear her advice for parents |  |
Vision Care
for the Whole Family
ACTG’s Vision Clinic is now accepting clients of all ages! If you or a loved one are struggling to see clearly, or if you just need an annual check-up, please call us today at (612) 789-1236 to schedule an appointment. Our Vision Clinic offers:
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S.M.A.R.T. Workshops
Registration Now Open!
We are now accepting registrations for our 2021-22 S.M.A.R.T. and S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K Workshops. Boost your students’ learning readiness skills with this amazing program! Our experienced instructors will help you understand how to easily implement brain-stimulating activities in your classroom. If you are an educator working with Pre-K-3rd graders, this program is for YOU!
| S.M.A.R.T. K-3 Workshops - October 26-28, 2021 - February 22-24, 2022 S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K Workshops - October 19-21, 2021 - March 1-3, 2022 All workshops will be held at A Chance To Grow in Minneapolis. Register two weeks in advance and save $25! |  |
Join the S.M.A.R.T. Steps Team
S.M.A.R.T. Steps, a pilot project to bring S.M.A.R.T. activities to Family Child Care Providers, has entered its second year and is now beginning a new session to train providers.
| This new program will provide children ages 0-5 years with fun, play-like activities that promote natural, healthy brain development, making them ready to succeed in school. The activities are designed to be low-cost and easy to implement in any setting. We are seeking providers in Blue Earth, Brown and Dodge counties in southern Minnesota. Participants will receive virtual training, mentoring and equipment free of charge. If you or someone you know who provides child care services is interested, we invite you to visit our S.M.A.R.T. Steps page and submit the form to see if you may qualify. |  |
Need Help Caring for a Loved
One with Special Needs?
If so, ACTG’s Home-Based Services and Personal Care Assistant (PCA) program can help. Our experienced staff is here to help you navigate the various requirements from the MN Dept. of Health to get you and your loved one the support you need. We are dedicated to helping families achieve positive outcomes by providing custom plans tailored to each situation. Additionally, our services allow clients to hire a family member or a friend to serve as the PCA. To see if you qualify, please call us at (612) 789-1236, or visit our Home-Based Services page to find the right program for your family!
Turnquist is Hiring!
Turnquist is seeking a full-time Assistant Preschool Teacher and a full-time Infant Assistant Teacher. Each position starts at $15/hour, includes health and dental benefits, paid time off, paid training and a $500 sign-on bonus! For more details on the positions, and to apply, please visit our Employment page and submit an application.
Give to the Max Day 2021
is Thursday, November 18
Minnesota’s annual Give to the Max Day is approaching! For 24 hours, donations made to MN nonprofits will provide opportunities for those organizations to win bonus funding! A $5 donation could turn into thousands! When you give to ACTG, you ensure that individuals whose brains have been affected by injury, illness or inadequate development get the innovative, individualized and comprehensive therapies they need. On Thursday, November 18, 2021 please visit www.givemn.org/organization/Achancetogrow/ to help our clients GROW TO THE MAX!
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT AUCTION
OPENS: NOVEMBER 26, 2021 AT 12:15 AM | CLOSES: DECEMBER 5, 2021 AT 11:45 PM
| The holidays are on their way and ACTG is here to help you find the perfect gift for that special someone! Our Holiday Gift Auction returns on Black Friday, November 26 and runs through Sunday, December 5. Registration for the online auction is now open at ACTG.org. |  |
Amazing gifts for all ages! Electronics, outdoor gear, tickets and sports memorabilia, housewares, toys for kids, gift cards and more! Don't miss this 10-day event and your chance to get great deals on fantastic presents!
ACTG's Holiday Gift Auction has something for everyone! Skip the mall and bid on great items for work, home and play! Free shipping and delivery by Tuesday, December 14. Proceeds support the programs and services of A Chance To Grow!
ACTG's Holiday Gift Auction has something for everyone! Skip the mall and bid on great items for work, home and play! Free shipping and delivery by Tuesday, December 14. Proceeds support the programs and services of A Chance To Grow!
featured items:
Thanks For supporting
ACTG at the Race for the Children!
Thank you to all the sponsors and attendees of our 30th Running of the Race for the Children at Canterbury Park this past August. We are so grateful for your continued support of our organization and mission. Your generosity helps us provide essential services to children and adults in need, lifting them up to reach their highest potential. Thanks to you, the event was a tremendous success and we can’t wait to do it again next year!
| We would also like to congratulate Mr. Pat Fagerlee (right), the big winner for our 50/50 Raffle! Pat won $3,020, and ACTG raised the same amount for its programs and services. Pictured alongside Pat is our # 1 ticket seller, Al Morelli! Thanks to Al and Pat, and everyone that bought or sold tickets this summer. If you would like to learn more information about ACTG’s events, including details on sponsorship and partner opportunities, we invite you to visit our events page. |  |
Confidence Breeds Success
Boost-Up Plus is a 3-week multisensory summer camp for children ages 5-11 that focuses on stimulating physical and cognitive development through fun and challenging gross motor, fine motor, vision and auditory activities. Incorporating elements of A Chance To Grow’s S.M.A.R.T. approach, the program is able to influence a child’s ability to learn, think and remember, ultimately giving them the confidence they need to achieve success in and out of the classroom.
Boost-Up Plus is a 3-week multisensory summer camp for children ages 5-11 that focuses on stimulating physical and cognitive development through fun and challenging gross motor, fine motor, vision and auditory activities. Incorporating elements of A Chance To Grow’s S.M.A.R.T. approach, the program is able to influence a child’s ability to learn, think and remember, ultimately giving them the confidence they need to achieve success in and out of the classroom.
| “It’s a holistic approach to help children reach their full potential,” says Patrick Dreher, a Developmental Adaptive Physical Education Teacher in the Robbinsdale district and instructor of the Boost-Up Plus program. “We work on building automatic responses in the brain, like balance, hand-eye coordination and cross-lateral skills through our ever-changing course of activities. As these abilities become more automatic, students are more likely to absorb and retain the information being taught in the classroom, because they are more prepared to learn.” > Click here to continue reading |  |
Boost your child’s body and brain at our multisensory summer camp. The program incorporates developmentally appropriate gross and fine motor, auditory and vision work through a fun and challenging set of physical activities designed for healthy brain development!
> Click here to learn more about the program!
> Click here to learn more about the program!
| S.M.A.R.T. Boost-Up Plus Monday, June 22 - Friday, July 10 Ages: 7-11 (9:30 am - 12 pm) Ages: 5-6 (12:30 pm - 1:30 pm) If you are interested in having your child attend this program, please call our Clinic Services at (612) 440-0047 or fill out and submit an inquiry form online. A staff member will contact you for complete intake information. |  |
Social Motor Works Summer Camp
Social Motor Works is a 3-week summer camp (14 days total) for children ages 5-11 that addresses concerns related to social skills, executive functioning, motor skills and reflexes, reading environmental cues, problem solving and time management. This program provides participants with tools to use in a variety of social situations as well as ways to manage one’s resources to achieve a goal. Participants will work in small groups led by a certified Speech-Language Pathologist. > Click here to learn more about the program!
Social Motor Works is a 3-week summer camp (14 days total) for children ages 5-11 that addresses concerns related to social skills, executive functioning, motor skills and reflexes, reading environmental cues, problem solving and time management. This program provides participants with tools to use in a variety of social situations as well as ways to manage one’s resources to achieve a goal. Participants will work in small groups led by a certified Speech-Language Pathologist. > Click here to learn more about the program!
| Monday, June 22 - Friday, July 10 Ages 7-11 (12:30 pm - 1:15 pm) Ages 5-6 (1:30 pm - 2:15 pm) We request that all those interested please fill out and submit an inquiry form. A staff member will review your submission and follow up with you to discuss your child’s participation in the program. |  |
For more information, including costs or questions, please contact Katie Hansen at (612) 706-5519 or email [email protected].
Social Motor Works and Boost-Up Plus are being offered during the same 3-week period. If you would like your child to have an all-day experience, please let us know by selecting both programs on the inquiry form.
Control school anxiety and help your child to manage fear and calm the mind. In this seminar, you’ll learn the factors most common in children who struggle with school anxiety and discover what is happening within the brain. Click here to learn more about the seminar!
| Also learn about possible environmental causes for stress. Holistic strategies and brain-training interventions will also be discussed to help you empower your child to ovecome their fear. For more information or to register, please visit ACTG.org or contact our Director of Neurofeedback, Kelly Pittman at (612) 706-5551 or email [email protected]. |  |
Neurofeedback rentals are now available!
Combat school anxiety with this effective brain-training system. Our home system is easy to use. Hook up the entire family this winter! Call (612)706-5551 to learn more
or click here request more information!
Combat school anxiety with this effective brain-training system. Our home system is easy to use. Hook up the entire family this winter! Call (612)706-5551 to learn more
or click here request more information!
| 2020 S.M.A.R.T. Workshops Space is still available for several of our upcoming S.M.A.R.T. and S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K Workshops! Sign-up two weeks in advance of any workshop and receive a $25 discount! Click here to view full calendar of workshop dates. |  |
That’s One S.M.A.R.T. Teacher!
|
Karla, from Heavenly Sunshine Preschool in Isanti, has her students Alligator Crawl under the pews in church to get their daily dose of S.M.A.R.T. time. Alligator crawling under the pews provides a physical boundary to keep them in the right form and active inside during the winter! Doing S.M.A.R.T. in a different space helps her keep her course fresh and interesting.
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30th Annual Golf Classic at The Wilds Golf Club
We’re excited to announce the date for our 30th annual Golf Classic event!
We’re excited to announce the date for our 30th annual Golf Classic event!
| Mark your calendars for: Golf Classic at The Wilds on Monday, June 29, 2020 The date for the Race for the Children at Canterbury Park will be announced soon. Check back soon for updates, registration information and sponsorship details! |  |
Thank you to our supporters!
We would like to thank the Northeast Minneapolis Lions Club, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Second Harvest Heartland for helping us host our Socks for Santa and Family Fun Night events in December.
We would like to thank the Northeast Minneapolis Lions Club, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Second Harvest Heartland for helping us host our Socks for Santa and Family Fun Night events in December.
| Because of their generosity, the Socks for Santa event provided 260 pairs of socks and 60 lbs. of food to NE families in need. On Family Fun Night, we were able to provide our Turnquist families with presents, meals, household items and holiday essentials. We are very grateful for the support of our partners and their commitment to supporting the health and happiness of our community. | |
Personal Care Assistants - Hire a Family Member or a Friend!
Are you struggling to care for a loved one with special needs? If so, we invite you to consider our Home-Based Services programs, featuring personal care assistants (PCA), homemaking and respite care. ACTG’s experienced team is dedicated to helping families achieve positive outcomes by providing custom plans tailored to each situation. Even better, our services allow clients to hire a family member or a friend to serve as the PCA, so that your loved ones are cared for by someone they know. To see if you qualify, please call us at (612) 789-1236 to find the right program for your family!
Are you struggling to care for a loved one with special needs? If so, we invite you to consider our Home-Based Services programs, featuring personal care assistants (PCA), homemaking and respite care. ACTG’s experienced team is dedicated to helping families achieve positive outcomes by providing custom plans tailored to each situation. Even better, our services allow clients to hire a family member or a friend to serve as the PCA, so that your loved ones are cared for by someone they know. To see if you qualify, please call us at (612) 789-1236 to find the right program for your family!
Turnquist Child Enrichment Center Now Hiring
Do you have a passion for helping children? Become part of a hard-working, highly dedicated team of teachers taking care of toddlers and infants in the Turnquist Childcare Enrichment Center! Working for A Chance To Grow offers competitve pay starting at $14/hour, PTO, paid holidays, medical and dental benefits. We are currently hiring for two positions:
Do you have a passion for helping children? Become part of a hard-working, highly dedicated team of teachers taking care of toddlers and infants in the Turnquist Childcare Enrichment Center! Working for A Chance To Grow offers competitve pay starting at $14/hour, PTO, paid holidays, medical and dental benefits. We are currently hiring for two positions:
- Toddler Assistant Teacher
- Infant Assistant Teacher
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