S.M.A.R.T. Steps: Providing Readiness

“This crucial stage in a child’s development sets the foundation for a wide range of skills and learning capacities,” says Katie Hansen, Assistant Director of the program. “S.M.A.R.T. activities strengthen these foundations, like balance and coordination, eye movements, and auditory discrimination. Once these skills become automatic, a child is more equipped to sit still in a chair, read smoothly across a page, and hear differences in sounds - all essential for school readiness and academic success.”

Feeling stressed? Trouble focusing? Are you lacking energy? If you said yes to any of these, then this program may be a perfect fit for you! Support your brain’s health and take charge of your wellness with Audio-Visual Entrainment - a holistic brain-training program that uses lights and sounds to improve your focus, energy, and calm. Train once or twice weekly, for 3-6 weeks, in our private training rooms with a custom program that fits your schedule! You’ll be amazed at how you feel after a 30-minute session. Imagine how you’ll feel after regular training tailored to your goals. It’s one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to support a healthy brain and bring back some calm and focus into your life. Register here!

Advanced-Brain Summer Intensive

Skip the summer slide with our comprehensive summer brain-training program! Combining in-clinic Neurofeedback sessions with in-home support via Audio-Visual Entrainment, this flexible program allows you to train your brain on your schedule! If you or a loved one struggles with emotional instability, poor focus or anxious thoughts, we encourage you to visit our Summer Intensive page and submit a program inquiry form.

2022 S.M.A.R.T. workshop Dates are Here!

S.M.A.R.T. Workshops June 21-23, 2022 July 12-14, 2022 October 25-27, 2022 February 21-23, 2023 ​S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K Workshops June 28-30, 2022 (Kasson, MN) July 19-21, 2022 August 2-4, 2022 (New Ulm, MN) November 1-3, 2022 View All Workshops

Save the Date! Race for the Children Returns!

A Chance To Grow is excited to announce we will be holding our 31st Running of the Race for the Children event on Sunday, August 7, 2022 at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, MN. Attendees will receive a complimentary racing form and buffet lunch in the Longshots Party Area, and the event will feature fun activities for the whole family and great live racing! Proceeds support ACTG’s programs and services. Registration is now open and sponsorship opportunities are available.

Get Your Eyes and Ears Checked!

A Chance To Grow’s Vision and Audiology Clinics are here to support all of your vision and hearing needs. If you or a loved one is struggling to see or hear clearly, or you just need an annual check-up, contact us at (612) 789-1236 to schedule an exam. Our experienced clinicians provide comprehensive care plans to quickly identify and address any vision or auditory-related issue. Custom therapy programs are available as well! Visit Clinical Services to learn more or submit a scheduling request.

Contract School-Based Services
Our Clinicians Will Come To Your School!

Home-Based Services: Custom Care Plans

Now Hiring at Turnquist - Join Our Team!

Meet our partner in
the somali community

Join us for the final workshop in our Brain Training Workshop Series, AVE for Improved Relationships, and discover how brain training can support the most significant people in our lives, like our friends and families. When we move out of our stress response, we’re more equipped to express our true selves and strengthen those relationships. Learn more about Audio-Visual Entrainment and try a session for yourself at this interactive and engaging workshop! Registration is now open!

Registration open for
2022 S.M.A.R.T. Workshops

S.M.A.R.T. Elementary Workshop February 22-24, 2022 *Early-Bird Pricing Ends February 7 Standard: $585 | *Early-Bird: $560 | Principal: $300 S.M.A.R.T. Pre-K Workshop March 1-3, 2022 *Early-Bird Pricing Ends February 14 Standard: $450 | *Early-Bird: $425 | Director: $300

S.M.A.R.T. Steps Update

The S.M.A.R.T. Steps pilot program is beginning its third cohort this month, training new family childcare providers on low-cost S.M.A.R.T. activities that promote healthy brain development in children ages 0-5. The program has been implemented in 18 childcare settings in southern Minnesota, with future plans to expand to central and northern Minnesota in the coming years. More details about future S.M.A.R.T. Steps cohorts and training opportunities will be shared soon!

Need Help Caring for a
Loved One with Special Needs?

Neurofeedback rentals available

Are you interested in improving your focus and reducing your stress, but short on time? Neurofeedback brain training may be the perfect solution! With our rental program, you can now train your brain from the comfort of your own home, on your schedule! Works great for families with multiple members that want to try brain training too, and safe for all ages! Start the new year with a calm and focused mind! ​Learn more by visiting our Neurofeedback Rentals page or inquire about the program today by contacting Kelly Pittman, Director of Neurotechnology, at neuro@actg.org.

New to vision clinic - RightEYE

In Memory of Jon Gudding

Now Hiring - Join our team!

Thank you for supporting ACTG's holiday gift auction

A Living, Breathing Miracle

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 

Quick appointments with minimal wait times Exams and assessments for the whole family Preventative eye care and developmental visual testing Referrals and recommendations for continued treatment Most insurance plans are accepted

S.M.A.R.T. Workshops
Registration Now Open!

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

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?

Turnquist is Hiring!

Give to the Max Day 2021
is Thursday, November 18

2021 HOLIDAY GIFT AUCTION
OPENS: NOVEMBER 26, 2021 AT 12:15 AM  |  CLOSES: DECEMBER 5, 2021 AT 11:45 PM

Register for auction 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.

featured items:

Thanks For supporting
ACTG at the Race for the Children!

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.