My message is really that racism has no place in the hearts and minds
of our children.
Ruby Bridges
Young Hearts Open Minds™ is a comprehensive, integrated, and focused program that works with entire childcare and preschool centers. Four groups are active participants in the program:
- Children ages 1–5 years attending preschools or licensed childcare centers
- Preschool teachers and childcare center providers who support the Young Hearts Open Minds™ program on a day-to-day basis
- Young Hearts Open Minds™ facilitators/coaches who train teachers and childcare professionals on the content of the program and facilitate group and individual discussions as needed
- Parents of young children attending preschools or childcare centers
Participating Sites
Young Hearts Open Minds™ is engaged with more than 20 childcare and preschool programs in Minnesota and beyond. Examples of sites include:
- New Horizon Academy, St. Paul, MN — Rice Street
- All Seasons Preschool — Eagan & Inver Grove Heights, MN
- Child Care of the Berkshires, Inc. — North Adams, MA
- Rise Early Learning Center — St. Louis Park, MN
- YMCA of the North Preschool Program — Woodbury, MN
Expansion Plans in 2024-2025
- By end of 2025, we will expand to 50 childcare centers and preschools.
- In addition, Young Hearts Open Minds™ will be utilized in the 2024-2025 school year by two Minnesota college programs that provide training for childcare and preschool teachers.