Eileen Nelson, long-time Director of Redleaf Press, has joined the Minnesota Department of Education as Early Childhood Education Research and Policy Specialist. As the first person in Minnesota to hold this title, Eileen will set professional-development standards for early childhood and child care professionals, oversee school readiness research, and direct the use of early childhood resources to best serve the children of Minnesota. This is an exciting opportunity for Eileen and good news for Minnesota's early childhood professionals.

Eileen came to Redleaf Press as an Editor in 1988. Drawing on her experience as a child care center director, she rose to Director of Redleaf Press in 1994. While at the Press she developed award-winning early childhood education books such as Lessons From Turtle Island. Eileen was also instrumental in launching the on-line learning center for Resources for Child Caring, the parent organization of Redleaf Press, and for expanding the capabilities of the Redleaf National Institute. Redleaf National Institute provides nation wide business training for family child care professionals and provides both tax and business consulting to its members.

When asked about her plans for her new position Eileen replied, "At Redleaf Press, I had the opportunity to positively affect the lives of children. I hope to continue that contribution in my new position. There is no better focus for my life as I believe children are the hope of the world." She holds a masters degree in public affairs from the Hubert Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.