Professional Learning Alternatives Corporation

Help us provide high quality education required for and desired by the childcare professionals who care for your children and grandchildren.

   We are a volunteer-managed nonprofit training and advocacy resource for caregivers, parents, and those interested in supporting the development and education of young children. 

   PLA-INC. was founded in 2002 by licensed family child care providers to address the wishes of those providers who wanted to attend training that was more focused on their needs, presented by those who more intimately understood those needs, and was located in their neighborhoods.   

    We provide practical and useful learning opportunities and expert training, function as a resource and support system, and advocate for and empower the child care professionals in Minnesota and the families they serve .  Our programs impact children, parents, child care providers, and our community members.

   During the past 8 years, we have successfully worked with those providers and actively included center staff, foster parents, ECFE and elementary school staff, and parents to our audiences.  We provide training that strengthens skills and improves environments and we provide resources and materials.  PLA-INC. now offers a much larger variety of seminars as well as consultation, mentoring, and observation services, and we have significantly expanded our network of speakers and outside experts.  We purchased a skills-based college-level curriculum that can lead to an education degree. 

   As a reliable local resource, PLA is often asked to participate in child care- or family-oriented events.  Parents as well as child care professionals more frequently turn to us for information about their child care needs or professional development; licensors direct providers to our website and educational opportunities and occasionally request curriculum development on specific topics. 

   We have sponsored 12 conferences featuring keynote presenters such as Linda Laitala, entrepreneur and mentor, author and naturalist Douglas Wood, and polar explorer Ann Bancroft.   Our instructors present at state and national conferences, are respected mentors and advisors, and serve on multiple local and state boards and committees.  

   We have built our reputation on accountability to and respect for the child care professional, listening to and serving them as they desire, and continually expanding our networks and efforts to incorporate the best in education and support for those educating and supporting our Minnesota children and youth.  They know they are not alone in their efforts. 

   Your donation will help us continue to make early care and education affordable for both parents and providers.