KIDS PLUS Program

The KIDS PLUS Program is dedicated to improving the well-being of children and youth. Today, KIDS PLUS encompasses the KIDS PLUS Regional Alliance, Minnesota Early Childhood Initiative, Minnesota Thrive Initiative, Youth Leadership Academy, Youth in Philanthropy, and the KIDS PLUS Institute.

Through the community-led efforts of 26 KIDS PLUS Communities, 10 Early Childhood Coalitions, and Duluth-Proctor-Hermantown Thrive, northeastern Minnesotans are strong advocates for children, youth, and families.

 

A Voice for Action

Molly Minkkinen, Ph.D., UMD Associate Professor of Education and Thrive Action Team Leader

Molly Minkkinen, Ph.D., is a mother, teacher, and researcher who has spent 25 years working on behalf of children and families. Now, she is lending her expertise in early education and brain development, and her passion for high-quality child care, to the Duluth-Proctor-Hermantown Thrive Initiative.

As Action Team Leader of this pilot program, one of six in Minnesota, Minkkinen and a group of more than 60 educators, psychologists, physicians, social workers, and others are collaborating to support the healthy social and emotional development of our youngest children. Just one example of their groundbreaking progress is the design of a Reflective Practice model that links eight local early care and education sites to the resources of the renowned University of Minnesota Center for Early Education and Development.

Says Minkkinen of the energy level surrounding Thrive:  “Never before have I seen a group of people come together around an issue as important as this one, like I have seen with Thrive.”