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Tribal NEAR Community Wisdom Project Interest Form: https://forms.gle/oSSJjBRikb28BzJM9

Join us for the opening session where we will welcome attendees, introduce the vision and themes for this event, share the event acknowledgments and group agreements, provide an overview of More Resilient Minnesota and the Tribal NEAR and Community Wisdom Project, and orient attendees to the upcoming sessions, webpage, and join links for the event.

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Funds from the Healthy Beginnings, Healthy Families Act are supporting the development of culturally and linguistically inclusive resources and strategies for families to enroll and participate in the Follow Along Program. The Follow Along Program is a free service that supports families with babies and young children as they grow and learn, and with legislative funds has contracted with eight community connector organizations across Minnesota through June 2025. Staff at these organizations offer culturally and linguistically inclusive outreach and navigation support to families as they enroll and engage in the program. In 2024, the program reached approximately 500 new children. Ongoing community of learning meetings with connectors and local public health providers are offering valuable insights, which will inform the creation of a strategy and resource guide as part of the Follow Along Program Redesign.

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In this session, First Steps collaborative managers will explore the critical role family home visiting programs have in supporting parents, caregivers, and families to enhance parent-child attachment and development prenatally through early childhood stages. Attendees will become familiar with how family home visiting can strengthen protective factors, support positive transitions to parenting, help parents learn skills for building healthy relationships, and empower parents to mobilize local resources. In addition, we will highlight the collaborative strengths of our region, how working across county lines enhances services, community partnerships, and eased access to resources for families.

This workshop explores the importance of race consciousness and decentering whiteness in early childhood settings. Participants will examine how racial identity develops in children and the prevalence of racist notions in early childhood. Using local data, we will discuss the impact of white supremacy in Minnesota and its influence on young learners. Participants will learn to recognize white supremacy culture in educational environments and explore strategies to dismantle it through cultural shifts, transparent policies, inclusive curriculum frameworks, and courageous conversations. We will highlight efficacy and challenges by sharing the action research of administrators and educators in Minnesota. This workshop will equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to foster racial equity and meaningful conversations with educators, families, and children. By cultivating awareness, collaboration, risk-taking, and curiosity, we can create learning environments free from prejudicial beliefs and empower children to have a positive sense of self and champion equity.

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This panel will share more about three different organizations that incorporate culturally-specific early childhood programs: Indigenous Montessori, Head Start, and Family Spirit Home Visiting. Learn from a panel of Indigenous leaders doing the work to develop, deliver, and promote Native-led and culturally-specific early childhood programs. This panel will share more about three different organizations that incorporate culturally-specific early childhood programs: St. Paul Montessori American Indian Childcare Center, the Oshki-Inwewin Program Head Start, and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Family Spirit Program. 

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Gain insights into the components of Trauma Informed Care (TIC), its relevance in early childhood education, and its profound impact on executive functioning. Explore practical strategies for fostering executive function skills and nurturing positive relationships among young children within educational settings, especially for those that have experienced traumatic events or experiences.

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Gain insights into the components of Trauma Informed Care (TIC), its relevance in early childhood education, and its profound impact on executive functioning. Explore practical strategies for fostering executive function skills and nurturing positive relationships among young children within educational settings, especially for those that have experienced traumatic events or experiences.

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Keynote - Building a Society of Wellbeing: The Power of NEAR Science and Sustainable Wellbeing

The foundation of a thriving society begins with the wellbeing of its youngest members. This keynote explores the intersection of NEAR Science (Neuroscience, Epigenetics, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and Resilience), Sustainable Wellness, and the critical importance of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH). Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how early experiences shape lifelong health, behavior, and success. This session will emphasize the collective responsibility we all share in fostering environments that promote resilience, healing, and sustainable mental wellness for children. 

Through compelling research, real-world examples, and a call to action, participants will leave equipped with strategies to support children and families, advocate for policy changes, and implement sustainable practices that build a healthier, more equitable society for future generations. 

Learning Objectives: 

• Participants will understand how neuroscience, epigenetics, adverse experiences, and resilience (NEAR Science) shape child development and long-term health outcomes. 
• Participants will recognize the foundational role of infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH) in emotional regulation, social connections, and academic success. 
• Participants will explore sustainable wellness practices and systems that promote long-term mental and emotional health for children, families, and communities. 
• Participants will connect NEAR Science to real-world applications in community programs, healthcare, education, and social services. 
• Participants will commit to actionable steps in policy, practice, and advocacy to create a culture of wellbeing for all children.

Call to Action:

Join Assistant Commissioner Dianne Haulcy (Department of Children, Youth, and Families & Host of Early Risers Podcast) for a call-to-action session.

Closing:

Join Assistant Commissioner Dianne Haulcy (Department of Children, Youth, and Families & Host of Early Risers Podcast) for a call-to-action session.