Professional Learning Alternatives, Inc.
is a nonprofit education and advocacy resource for child care professionals, parents, and those interested in supporting the development and education of young children.
Deb Colling, MA
Executive Director
8244 177th Lane
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-8777
Fax: 651-286-0885
April 2013 (docx)
April 2013 (pdf)
March 2013 (docx)
"Is Nature Deficit Disorder Real?"
View the interview with DON SHELBY, keynote presenter for the
10th Annual Child Care Professional Institute (2/25/12), discussing the recommendations and benefits for children and youth in spending more time in the outdoors and the research data upon which the recommendations are made.
Videography and editing by Rand Thill
If you prefer to register offline, download a Registration Form and choose the option that suits you.
Union Misrepresentation in Minnesota
Union Update May 1, 2013
Members of the Minnesota Legislature have offered a bill to unionize licensed child care professionals and unlicensed caregivers who accept child care assistance payments. To speak out against this infringement on small, independent business owners, immediately contact your legislator. For details on the bill, visit www.childcareunioninfo.com.
Visit www.childcareunioninfo.com
for up-to-date, non-political information about this very important issue.
Locate your provider contact to ask your questions about the potential
effects to your private business.
Other legislation related to your business is also pending.
Get the latest and make your voice heard today before it's too late!
You are already empowered. But you must use your power for it to make any difference!
(This information is not intended to be taken as an overall anti-union stance.
For this type of independent, self-employed, small business owner, however, it is not a workable choice.)
Event Flyers
Early Childhood Screening - Get Your Child Onboard! (pdf)
(For information and locations in your community, contact your school's
Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Department or school district office.)
Articles and Flyers
Marijuana and Your Health – Just the Facts Part 1
Drug Guides for Parents and other concerned adults
Caring for Older Adults? Holiday Gift Ideas for Caregivers and Care Receivers (doc)
Top 10 Tips to Minimize Holiday Stress (doc)
Bullying and Disability Harassment in the Workplace - What Youth Should Know (pdf)
Youths in Military Families Since 9-11 (pdf)
Changing Perceptions of Sexual Violence Over Time (pdf)
What You Need to Know About Prescription Drug Abuse (pdf)
Character Counts! Poster (pdf)
EE Week Educators: Ocean Connections - Watersheds to Reefs (pdf)Monitoring Your Teen's Activities: What Parents and Families Should Know (pdf)
Eating and Emotions in Obese Toddlers (pdf)
Community Resources
St. Andrew's Lutheran Church Community Resource Center (pdf)
Community Thread Taxpayer Assistance (pdf)
Washington County Chemical Action Collaborative (CHAC)
Washington County Youth (WACY)
The Alliance for a Violence-Free Anoka County
Activity Ideas
Send us your ideas so we can share them here.
Geometric Shape & Sort
Smack-A-Bug
Seasonal Freebies for Teachers
Smack-A-Bug! Sight Word Game
St. Patrick's Day Paddy Potato Project
Bullying
Crossword Puzzle (pdf)
Family Activities
We All Need Trees
Adopt a Tree
Trees as Habitat
The Fallen Log
Looking at Leaves
Tree Cookies
Signs of Fall
Healthy Habits for Life/Sesame Street
Healthy Habits - 1
Healthy Habits - 2
Healthy Habits - 3
Guide for Parents and Caregivers
Minnesota Symbols Coloring Book
ABCs of Environmental Education
Endangered Species Coloring Book
Science Demonstration - Drinking Water (K-12)
Be Water and Energy Wise! Tips
The Water-Energy Connection Activities
The Field Museum Water Calculator
Send us your ideas and we'll include them here for others to enjoy, too.
NEW:
African Penguins (Minnesota Zoo)
Peregrine Falcon Webcam (downtown St. Paul, MN)
Live Barn Owl Webcam at the Audubon California Starr Ranch Sanctuary
North American Bear Center Live Webcams in Minnesota
Wildlife Research Institute in Ely, Minnesota
Eagle Webcam in Decorah, Iowa
(Scroll down to view recent videos.)
Nestcams in various states
Click here for a list of suggested donation items for
military service members and their families. We will accept your donations at all PLA-INC.-sponsored seminars.
Thank you to all military veterans, current service members, and their families for their dedicated service and untold sacrifices for us.
(November 11, 2012)
Quick Links to:
Seminar Schedule
Promotional Opportunities
Let us know!
**** If you are working on your CDA (or just want to get some concentrated in-service and networking accomplished) and would like to schedule a seminar, please sign up here.
Be sure to include "Seminar" in the subject line.
Also include your city of choice and a selection of topics.
Exceptional education for child care professionals who care.