S.M.A.R.T. Steps

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We are excited to introduce S.M.A.R.T. Steps - a pilot project designed to bring the S.M.A.R.T. program 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.

We are currently accepting a limited number of applications for our next session, which begins January 14, 2023, and ends on May 6, 2023.
Selected providers from partnering regions will:
  • Receive free quality training in brain development approved in Develop
    • 8 virtual modules that are self-pace and completed outside of business hours
    • Each is approximately 2 hours long and can be completed over 2 week
  • 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
  • Receive free 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!"
Generous funding from Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation and the Otto Bremer Trust 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!

S.M.A.R.T. Steps is offered in partnership with the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), Northland Foundation, and the Initiative Foundation.

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