S.M.A.R.T. Steps

Join the Team!

S.M.A.R.T. Steps is a program designed to bring S.M.A.R.T. to Family Child Care 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.

Our next session begins in January 2025 and will include selected providers from partnering regions in Minnesota. Complete the "Interested in Learning More?" section below if you have questions, and/or let us know if you want to be included in the selection list.

Selected providers from partnering regions will:

Receive free quality training in brain development approved in Develop
- Two courses, each with four virtual modules that are self-paced and completed outside of business hours
- Each module is approximately 2 hours long and can be completed over 2 weeks
Provide valuable feedback to help advance the S.M.A.R.T. Steps program
- Used to make changes to the training and to the activities
Participate in virtual 1 hour mentoring chat sessions with S.M.A.R.T. Steps professionals
- Support your S.M.A.R.T. Steps program
- Answer questions outside of business hours

The activities are low-cost and easy to implement. In fact, Family Child Care Providers might have some of the materials already. Cardboard and stickers can be used to promote “Tummy Time”, an activity that increases the core muscle strength needed to stay seated in a chair. Soup cans or empty coffee containers can be used for Rolling Bowling, an activity that helps develop balance and coordination. Or pillows can be used to make a Creeping course, an activity that helps develop the eye movements needed for reading.

What do our providers have to say about S.M.A.R.T. Steps?

"I started S.M.A.R.T. Steps and did not know what I was getting into. It ended up being the best thing I ever did and has been so great for the children. Knowing what I do now has made me feel that I'm really helping these kids and means so much to me."

“It never ceases to amaze me that as soon as I start any S.M.A.R.T. activity, the behaviors tend to diminish and the kids unknowingly begin to focus so intently on the activities. S.M.A.R.T. has definitely enhanced my program!"

course timeline:

Generous funding from the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation, Northland Foundation, Otto Bremer Trust, and Sheltering Arms Foundation. has allowed the necessary planning for this new program. We are currently working with Family Child Care providers from partnering regions in Minnesota and plan to offer additional opportunities for new providers to experience the S.M.A.R.T. Steps program - stay tuned!