Early Childhood Journeys

Episode 57 features returning guest, Tina Wiggins Sykes and podcast guest debut of Gloria McGinty. Tina Sykes and Gloria McGinty are Arizona based Early Childhood Professionals, ECE Coaches, Trainers, College Instructors, Equity Specialists amongst their past or current roles. They are also long-time friends and colleagues of host, Marissa Calderón. All are involved in equity work both personally and professionally and lend some powerful insights to this subject matter. In this episode, host Marissa discusses the frustration in shifting white dominant curriculum practices that can come off as racists and culturally offensive, especially around the holidays. How do we begin to have these tough conversations in early childhood in public when we know they are being had in private? Addressing these uncomfortable topics can feel intimidating. A very insightful and relatable topic for many early childhood practitioners and eye-opening for early childhood program administrators. Notice: Podcast subject matter is not representative of podcast guest/host employers or specific agencies. Opinions are their own. Connect with host, Marissa and the award-winning Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.com or email at marissa@earlychildhoodjourneys.comLEAVE US A REVIEW!Music track is called Lemon Tea from GYVUS, provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music and connecting people.Used with permission and creative commons.More by Chillhop: http://chillhop.com/listen See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 56 features a Kindergarten Virtual Zoom Chat that was converted to an audio podcast with light editing for clarity.Guests, Lauren Degregorio is a K-1 teacher in New Mexico, previously a Kindergarten Teacher in Arizona. Catherine Norwood is an Arizona Instructional Coach for an Arizona school district. Both Educators are connected thru AZ's The Kindergarten Experience past grant work with podcast host Marissa Calderón.Discussion related to tips and strategies on how to meet the online kindergarten child's needs, what is equitable for the child and their family, what is realistic for families and what is based on the science of learning for young children. Website links are also included and real-life stories of parents and families on the difficult adjustment this new normal has created. The importance of social and emotional development and trauma that school districts have to recognize and focusing on strategies for parents and teachers. Discussion also includes recognition that many teachers are essentially learning a new method of delivery of information and it's stressful for everyone.Connect with host, Marissa and the award-winning Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.comLEAVE US A REVIEW!Music track is called Lemon Tea from GYVUS, provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music and connecting people.Used with permission and creative commons.More by Chillhop: http://chillhop.com/listen See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 55, Carla Rivera-Cruz is back on the podcast to talk about current events involving the oppressive policies and systems in the classroom and at the school board level. The conversation includes the reference of the video, The Four I's of Oppression and how it connects to her work in Education. Carla is a former classroom teacher and school board member as well as the co-host of #LatinasInED with host Marissa. Carla does not hold back discussing the oppressive Arizona education policies and laws that hold back teachers and most of all, Black and Brown students. Get ready for a passionate conversation!Connect with Carla for anti-racism, equity, diversity or other professional development at the teacher and/or admin level through her EDpiphany agency. You can also learn about her future "teachers lounge" set to open in January 2022 in the Phoenix Metro-Area by connecting with her on social media.To follow her on...FacebookTwitterInstagram Connect with host, Marissa and the award-winning Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.comLEAVE US A REVIEW!Music track is called Lemon Tea from GYVUS, provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music and connecting people.Used with permission and creative commons.More by Chillhop: http://chillhop.com/listen See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 54 is with advocate and outspoken champion for BIPOC, Lark Sontag from the Will Start Small Collective.Lark's points include a very honest and uncomfortable array of topics regarding the current injustices of COVID, how child care is rooted in oppressive policies and how much of the programming in early childhood is for the benefit of white populations that hold power. Take a deep breath in this hard-hitting episode and be ready to advocate for child care teachers. More about Lark SontagLark is a New York metro early childhood education specialist, curriculum developer, speaker, children’s advocate, and the author of the children’s book “What Every Child Should Know” on Sanctuary Press. She is committed to writing literature that showcases all children, creating an equitable world for neurodiverse children, and centering children in all discussions regarding economic justice.Lark is also the founder of the Will Start Small Collective which works collaboratively with nonprofits, schools, and social justice groups to create curriculum and programming rooted in anti-racism, critical race theory, and culturally relevant pedagogy. She is the publisher of Sweet Potato Pie, A Children's Literary Journal.Lark holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Mount St. Mary’s University and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Pacific Oaks College.To follow....Will Start SmallTwitterFacebook Connect with host, Marissa and the award-winning Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.comMusic track is called Lemon Tea from GYVUS, provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music and connecting people.Used with permission and creative commons.More by Chillhop: http://chillhop.com/listen See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 53 is with guest and Arizona early childhood education colleague, Tina Sykes. Tina Sykes is a social justice advocate, a poet a wife and parent to three children. Our conversations about the recent murder of #GeorgeFloyd online sparked an opportunity to have a candid conversation on the podcast about racism, white centric views in early childhood and the connection of social emotional development in social justice work. This topic was HEAVY.A call for deep reflection along with some websites to add to your teacher toolkit were also discussed. A big thank you to all of the amazing black women, and IBPOC in my personal and professional circles leading the change in this work!Check out Tina Wiggins Sykes on Facebook or connect with her on Linkedin.Some notable resources:Dr. Kira Banks from Raising EquityWoke KindergartenIndigo Cultural CenterIjuma JordanWill Start Small Connect with host, Marissa and the award-winning Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.comMusic track is called Lemon Tea from GYVUS, provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music and connecting people.Used with permission and creative commons.More by Chillhop: http://chillhop.com/listen See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Season 3 debuts and podcast host, Marissa Calderón updates everyone on being on hiatus and launches the new season addressing homeschool during COVID19 with past guest and K-6 Instructional Coach in Arizona, Catherine Norwood. Catherine and Marissa discuss what the focus should be for teachers during the last weeks of virtual school, what parents can do to help their children get thru the summer and the urgent need to build children's social and emotional skills during these stressful and anxiety inducing times for everyone. Connect with host, Marissa and the award-winning Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.comMusic tracks are called Lemon Tea and Pizza and Video Games from GYVUS, provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music and connecting people. Used with permission and creative commons.More by Chillhop: http://chillhop.com/listen See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 51 of the podcast with host Marissa Calderón and guest, Diana Brown Certified Instructor from Conscious Discipline. Diana shares a bit of her background as a classroom teacher and how she began to train for Dr. Becky Baileys, Conscious Discipline philosophy. Conscious Discipline is a "Transformational Social-Emotional Learning and Classroom Management" system. Many tips and strategies are also shared that easily supplement any current boxed behavioral management curriculum used by school districts or education programs. Connect with Diana Brown at: diana@mindfuldiscipline.comLearn more about Conscious Discipline here. Connect with host, Marissa and the Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.comMusic track is called Lemon Tea from GYVUS provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music and connecting people.Used with permission and creative commons.More by Chillhop:http://chillhop.com/listenGYVUS - Weekend:http://soundcloud.com/gyvusListen on Spotify:http://bit.ly/ChillhopSpotify See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 50 marks a milestone of the podcast! Join host, Marissa chat with the Executive Director of the Arizona Educational Foundation, Kim Graham. Kim shares all of the resources and mentorship programs and initiatives available for incoming teachers and seasoned educators overall. AEF believes that "amazing things happen in schools every day.Their mission is to identify, support and celebrate excellence in Pre-K-12th grade Arizona public education through business and community partnerships."To learn more about the AZ Educational Foundation and to contact Kim Graham, connect with them here. Connect with host, Marissa and the Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.comMusic track is called Lemon Tea from GYVUS provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music and connecting people.Used with permission and creative commons.More by Chillhop:http://chillhop.com/listenGYVUS - Weekend:http://soundcloud.com/gyvusListen on Spotify:http://bit.ly/ChillhopSpotify See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 49 is with the newly elected Superintendent of Arizona's Department of Education, Kathy Hoffman. With her historic electoral win, Marissa and Kathy discuss some of the past campaign rhetoric and the current legislative progress for education she's helped with. We get some additional information on the current education policy focus and what we may expect in the coming year. Superintendent Hoffman's personal background is also inspiring. Did you know Kathy's first job out of college was working for a preschool program? Get ready to learn more about this trilingual Speech Pathologist turned policy pusher and advocate for Arizona's children in this episode. Parents and teachers can begin to breathe a sigh of relief hearing how much her leadership is pushing for more evidenced-based progressive policies for Arizona's classrooms.To stay connected to the AZ Superintendent and her initiatives, please follow her on her official Facebook and Twitter accounts.Learn more about the Arizona Department of ED here. Connect with host, Marissa and the Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.comMusic track is called Lemon Tea from GYVUS provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music and connecting people.Used with permission and creative commons.More by Chillhop:http://chillhop.com/listenGYVUS - Weekend:http://soundcloud.com/gyvusListen on Spotify:http://bit.ly/ChillhopSpotify See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 48, host Marissa Calderón chats with Denisse Hernandez de Ortiz, Senior Program Manager for United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona. United Way of Tucson has an array of services including an Early Childhood Component and grant initiatives for the region. Denisse is not only a parent of a Kindergartner but her background in supporting early childhood practitioners and parents provides listeners some insights on these types of roles in the community and their significance. Take a listen to this conversation on how educators such as Denisse are impacting and partnering with their communities. Connect with United Way of Tucson and Southern AZ here. Learn more about the Great Expectations program at: http://www.getcf.org/Email Denisse Hernandez de Ortiz here. Connect with host, Marissa and the Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.comMusic track is called Lemon Tea from GYVUS provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music and connecting people.Used with permission and creative commons. More by Chillhop:http://chillhop.com/listenGYVUS - Weekend:http://soundcloud.com/gyvusListen on Spotify:http://bit.ly/ChillhopSpotify See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 47 is the first of a series of Kindergarten Readiness Tips and Insight episodes! Joined by Sierra Vista Unified School District in Arizona, Kindergarten Teacher, Julie Decuir. Podcast host, Marissa and Julie chat about the true skills future kindergartners need vs what some parents may think their child needs to master for school. Julie has been a Kindergarten teacher for 17 years and she shares her tips and insights for parents during this busy time of year of kindergarten registration. Connect with host, Marissa and the Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.comMusic track is called Lemon Tea from GYVUS provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music and connecting people.Used with permission and creative commons. More by Chillhop:http://chillhop.com/listenGYVUS - Weekend:http://soundcloud.com/gyvusListen on Spotify:http://bit.ly/ChillhopSpotify See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 46 is with a very special guest. Podcast host, Marissa chats with her own daughter, Salma, who is a High School Senior. Salma shares her confessions about her destain feelings on homework packets, math and other high school frustrations. She can't wait for graduation and shares her plans for the future. A connection with Early Childhood and a candid conversation every parent of a teenager can relate to with added insights for the High School teacher too. Connect with host, Marissa and the Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.comMusic track is called Lemon Tea from GYVUS provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music and connecting people.Used with permission and creative commons. More by Chillhop:http://chillhop.com/listenGYVUS - Weekend:http://soundcloud.com/gyvusListen on Spotify:http://bit.ly/ChillhopSpotify See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 45 is with Kristen L. Orton! Kristen is a Kindergarten teacher at Vernon Elementary School in Vernon Arizona. Vernon is a very rural community in Apache County, in the White Mountains area of Northern Arizona. She was recently hired last year to teach Kindergarten and if she wasn't busy enough finishing her Masters, she had the vision that the K-8 school she was just hired at, also needed a preschool classroom. After a in-depth proposal, several school board meetings and community buy in, her vision to have a preschool classroom came true. Listen to the conversation as we break down how it went down with host Marissa Calderón.Resources Mentioned:Perry Preschool ProjectTeaching Strategies GOLDVernon Elementary School DistrictConnect and follow Kristen's Preschool programs journey through her Blog at EdublogsEmail Kristen.Connect with host, Marissa and the Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.comMusic track is called Lemon Tea from GYVUS provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music and connecting people.Used with permission and creative commons.More by Chillhop:http://chillhop.com/listenGYVUS - Weekend:http://soundcloud.com/gyvusListen on Spotify:http://bit.ly/ChillhopSpotify See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 44 with Arizona Educational Foundations 2019 Teacher of the Year, Kareem Neal and three of the four Ambassadors for Excellence, Jonathan Perrone, Sheri Loyd and Lee Ann Howell sit down with host, Marissa Calderón. The interview took place at the Highway 85 Creative podcast studio in Peoria Arizona and they chat about their journey in receiving the recognition and how the community can support their work in the classroom.This episode is marked as "explicit language" due to the use of using "Badass" as to describe these phenomenal educators!The episode transcript is also available via the EC Journeys Blog page here.Kareem Neal is the 2019 AEF Arizona Teacher of the Year, a 9th-12th Grade Self-Contained Special Education Teacher from Maryvale High School at Phoenix Union High School District in Arizona.Jonathan Perrone is a 8th Grade STEAM Teacher at Mountain Sky Middle School of Washington Elementary School District in Phoenix Arizona.Lee Ann Howell is a 7th Grade Science Teacher at Colonel Smith Middle School of Fort Huachuca Accommodation School District at the Fort Huachuca Army base in Arizona.Sheri Loyd is a 3rd Grade ELA and Math Teacher at Mountain View School of Dysart Unified School District in Waddell Arizona.Connect with host, Marissa and the Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.comMusic track is called Lemon Tea from GYVUS provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music and connecting people.Used with permission and creative commons.More by Chillhop:http://chillhop.com/listenGYVUS - Weekend:http://soundcloud.com/gyvusListen on Spotify:http://bit.ly/ChillhopSpotify See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 43 with Tina Martin from Southwest Human Development, Services for Children with Disabilities. Tina has been with Southwest Human Development since 1997 and is now the Assistant Director for this department. She provides us with her story on how she came across the Early Intervention field as well as a tour of the Birth to Five ADAPT Shop. This shop focuses on changing lives — identifying, modifying and building customized equipment that give children with disabilities hope and opportunity. The shop really takes conscious custom innovation for children to the next level!Learn more about the ADAPT Shop here and how you can support them this holiday season!Connect with host, Marissa and the Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.comMusic track is called Lemon Tea from GYVUS provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music and connecting people.Used with permission and creative commons.More by Chillhop:http://chillhop.com/listenGYVUS - Weekend:http://soundcloud.com/gyvusListen on Spotify:http://bit.ly/ChillhopSpotify See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 42 is with comic book artist and creator of Jetpulse Comics, Led Bradshaw. Led is also dad to his 8 year old son, Jake who is on the autism spectrum and the inspiration of his phenomenal comic book hero Jake Jetpulse. In this conversation with host, Marissa Calderón, they discuss parenting, how his son Jake created the initial character of the comics through his drawings and how dad Led created superhero flashcards and later comic book stories to encouraged his son to improve his engagement at school.Connect with host, Marissa and the Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.comMusic track is called Lemon Tea from GYVUS provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music and connecting people.Used with permission and creative commons. More by Chillhop:http://chillhop.com/listenGYVUS - Weekend:http://soundcloud.com/gyvusListen on Spotify:http://bit.ly/ChillhopSpotify See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 41 with host Marissa Calderón reflecting on an upcoming blog post, soon to be released on the Mexican art of Alebrijes. She provides some guides on how to connect students interest authentically while incorporating 21st Century Skills in the classroom. For the full blog post on lesson guides for Alebrijes & 21st Century Skills in the Early Childhood classroom and to learn more, visit the website at, earlychildhoodjourneys.com .Intro and Outro Music track is called Lemon Tea from GYVUS and in podcast track is called, Canals by Joakim Karud provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music and connecting people.Used with permission and creative commons. More by Chillhop:http://chillhop.com/listenGYVUS - Weekend:http://soundcloud.com/gyvusListen on Spotify:http://bit.ly/ChillhopSpotify See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ep. 40 with Ana Arbel from Arizona's Southwest Human Development, Birth to Five Helpline. Ana talks about the toll-free hotline for parents of children birth to five, describing it as having a professional friend... who is well-informed and trained in all things Child Development and keeps your conversation confidential! The hotline is toll-free AND multilingual including in Spanish. Ana is the Bilingual Senior Program Manager of the program and provides host Marissa with valuable advice for parents and for early childhood classroom teachers. Connect with host, Marissa and the Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.comMusic track is called Lemon Tea from GYVUS provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazz hop and trip hop music and connecting people.Used with permission and creative commons. More by Chillhop:http://chillhop.com/listenGYVUS - Weekend:http://soundcloud.com/gyvusListen on Spotify:http://bit.ly/ChillhopSpotify See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ep. 39 is with Marissa Flores from the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Community, Education Division's Early Childhood department. Marissa is a parent educator and Home Visiting Specialist, serving families on the FMYN. Host, Marissa Calderón chats with Marissa Flores about her role on the nation, living with her 8 siblings, being raised by her mom and starting the position of supporting parents with children birth to 3 years old.Learn more about the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and community services provided here. Contact Marissa Flores at her email here. Connect with host, Marissa and the Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.comMusic track is called Lemon Tea from GYVUS provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music and connecting people.Used with permission and creative commons. More by Chillhop:http://chillhop.com/listenGYVUS - Weekend:http://soundcloud.com/gyvusListen on Spotify:http://bit.ly/ChillhopSpotify See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 38 with Legislative District 30 Arizona Candidate, Raquel Terán chats with host and past colleague, Marissa. Raquel shares her foundation in early education when she first started years ago in the classroom, then to roles in the early childhood sector and now at Planned Parenthood in Arizona. As a wife, a mom of a toddler and now a local candidate for Arizona's House of Representatives, she passionately shares about her journey as a vocal advocate for Arizona families including our Latino communities and the importance of voting."Nearly 50% – approximately 700,000 – of all K-12 students in Arizona are Latino, yet only 3 of the 30 board members is Latino. More than 25% of the governor-appointed board members on the three boards have terms that have already, or will soon, expire."Learn more about the lack of representation here. Learn more about Raquel Terán here. Register to vote in Arizona at: servicearizona.comConnect with host, Marissa and the Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.comMusic track is called Lemon Tea from GYVUS provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music and connecting people.Used with permission and creative commons. More by Chillhop:http://chillhop.com/listenGYVUS - Weekend:http://soundcloud.com/gyvusListen on Spotify:http://bit.ly/ChillhopSpotify See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 37 is in celebration of a fellow Latina Educator for Hispanic & Latin American Heritage Month, Erika Argueta. Erika is a Bilingual Arizona Department of Education Early Childhood Unit's Program Specialist for Yuma, La Paz and Mohave County, and a bit of Maricopa County too! Erika talks about the work that the Early Childhood Unit does, her role in Arizona as well as her early childhood journey as a migrant farm worker before she started in the early childhood field. Arizona has a growing Latino population and that includes many migrant families that pick our food whose children are enrolled in various early childhood programs and AZ school districts.#HispanicHeritageMonthLearn more about the Arizona's Early Childhood Unit here. Connect with Erika via email at: erika.argueta@azed.gov Resources on Hispanic Heritage Month via the #LatinasInED page here. Resource from Colorin Colorado to help migrant students succeed here.Support the podcast by visiting our Patreon Page here. Connect with host, Marissa and the Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.comMusic track iscalled Lemon Tea from GYVUS provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated tofinding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music andconnecting people.Used with permission and creative commons. More by Chillhop:http://chillhop.com/listenGYVUS - Weekend:http://soundcloud.com/gyvusListen on Spotify:http://bit.ly/ChillhopSpotify See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ep. 36 host Marissa Calderón has a conversation with Jessica Hipskind, a newly found foster care mom to her young 7 year old sister after a tragic death occurs in their family. Get ready to be inspired, meet a new hero, and grab some tissue for some possible tears too!Excerpt: "Take your whole family to the special needs classes...so that your whole family gets well versed into this new life with special needs..."For more about Raising Special Kids visit their website here. To connect with Jessica Hipskind, follow her on Twitter at @HipskindJessica. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 35 pre-recorded LIVE from the AZ First Things First Early Childhood Summit at the Phoenix Convention Center with participants Elsa Bonilla and daughter Stefany Paredes. Host Marissa Calderón chats with them after the conference for their summit reflections including how they will use the content in their practice.Connect with Elsa Bonilla, a ECE COP Coordinator and FTF Regional Partner Council Member from the the Tohono O'odham Community College at: www.ece4tocc.org and email at ebonilla@tocc.edu.Connect with Stefany Paredes, North Pima Regional Partnership Council Member and Infant Lead Teacher at: stefparedes97@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ep. 34 host, Marissa Calderón chats with Christopher Lawrence from Teaching Strategies, a curriculum for Early Childhood Educators for Birth through 3rd grade. Christopher and Marissa chat about his practice, family and the importance of the male early childhood teacher including the common misconceptions about their role in the classroom.Connect with Christopher via email at: Christopher.L@teachingstrategies.com Learn more about Teaching Strategies here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bonus Episode with host Marissa Calderón and Carla Rivera-Cruz from the EDphiphany Podcast. Carla and Marissa chat about the #LatinasInED upcoming twitter chat, being Latina Educators and lack of representation of classroom teachers in the K-12 space over some bomb-ass Tequila in the beautiful Studio 85 Podcast Studios in Peoria, AZ. Warning: curse words are said in this episode! To book a FREE podcast session at the Studio 85 studios, connect with Joe Anderson here. To learn more about Carla Rivera-Cruz check out her website here. To follow the #LatinasInED twitter chat go here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 33 of Season 2! Podcast Host, Marissa Calderón is joined by Treasures 4 Teachers Tucson Director Adrienne Ledford. They chat about this 100% volunteer run non-profit teacher resource and how they also provide a high-school volunteer job program for Special Ed youth. More about all the good things this Tucson gem provides visit their website at: T4Teachers.org Check them out on Facebook and on Instagram. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 32 with Developmental Pre-K Educator Elena Estrada. This episode was recorded at Los Reyes de La Torta in Tempe, AZ so you'll hear some background audio from the location.Elena works as an Educator with Isaac School District in Phoenix AZ where she supervises and supports preschool children and their families who have a preschool age child with special needs. Many insights on what this looks like for teachers in the classroom as well as for the community on the importance of having these resources for families of children with a diagnosis.Have questions about Developmental Pre-K or Parent Workshops? Contact Elena Estrada here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ep. 30 with Al Pajak from STEM Nation, a former Vertebrate Paleontologist AKA a working scientist...Al shares his experience as a past classroom teacher and his new journey as a PH.D student in the science field. Al also provides STEM workshops and trainings for K-12 grade classrooms and stresses the importance of student-driven learning and trusting your students!Connect with Al Pajak via email at: stems.nation@gmail.comAl Pajak on TwitterMore about the Virtual Curation Laboratory blogpost here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Podcast host, Marissa Calderón chats with Bilingual ELL Kindergarten Teacher Deb Guerrero from Yuma, AZ. Discussion includes the typical summer time teacher prep work, teacher wellness and teacher self care tips for incoming new teachers. Great info for parents and those not familiar with background work teachers complete to prepare themselves and for their students. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ep. 29: Host Marissa Calderón is joined by Lauren Harness, Kindergarten Teacher for Mesa Public Schools on her experience and reflections during the #RedforEd movement in Arizona. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Spanish Segment: Crónicas Chilindrinas Segmento #2 con Guadalupe Valenzuela, Proveedora de Cuidado Infantil de Hogar y participante de la beca llamado PDG o el Preschool Development Grant de Arizona. Platicamos con ella durante la conferencia en Yuma, AZ para Educadores del Aprendizaje a Temprana Edad patrocinado por AZ PBS y First Things First. Nos comparte sus reflexiones como Educadora Prescolar. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 28 with Michael Gaffney a AZ PBS Regional Outreach Coordinator for the AZ Early Childhood Workforce Registry from AZ PBS Educational Outreach were he serves the White Mountains area of the state. Michael chats about how he landed his current position, parenting and how the registry provides scholarship opportunities for parents and the early childhood community to go back to school. Podcast recorded on April 12th on the day of the Kindergarten Readiness Event hosted by Sequoia Village School in Show Low, AZ. More about the AZ Early Childhood Workforce Registry click here.Connect with Michael Gaffney through his email at: michael.j.gaffney@asu.edu See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Special Bonus Episode with Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade teachers Heather Grey, Amanda Luptak and Kristen Orton from Sequoia Village School in Show Low Arizona discussing their Kindergarten Readiness Regional Event held on April 12th for kinder bound kids and their families. The event included several regional Early Childhood partners as well as health, safety and wellness community agencies. More info about this event, connect with Sequoia Village School here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 27 is with current substitute teacher, Kara Lyn Curtis who was visiting Arizona from Utah. Kara and Podcast host, Marissa chat about Kara's substitute experience, some frustrations but also insights and tips on how both full-time and sub teachers can support the classroom child. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Podcast 26 es en ESPANOL! Mamá y Especialista de Finanzas con el Departamento de Educación de Arizona, invitada Juliana Panqueva Camargo y anfritióna de podcast, Marissa Calderón platican sobre los comportamientos de sus hijos y dan sugerencias.Este show es parte de los segmentos en Español de Crónicas Chilindrinas.Más sobre el grupo de Crónicas Chilindrinas y el grupo en Facebook, haga click aqui.El libro, Easy to Love, Hard to Discipline en Español (Edúquelos Con Amor) aqui. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 25 with Susana Ibarra-Johnson from First Things First in Arizona. Susana is the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Southeast Region of Maricopa County. Susana shares her personal background, journey in helping and connecting with families and underserved communities as well as insights for parents of children birth through 5. You don't have to be a parent to understand the importance of early childhood in our state and this podcast episode shares many reasons why. To learn more about Susana Ibarra-Johnson, email her at: sibarra@firstthingsfirst.orgTo learn more about First Things First and all their programs for families including the health and education programs they fund, visit their website at: firsthingsfirst.org See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 24 with guest host, Vincent Orleck Social Media Director with Attic Salt interviews Marissa Calderón LIVE from PHX Startup Week. Podcast recorded from the ZCast Popup Podcast Studio courtesy of #yesphx. Talking Early Childhood, tech, parenting and the joy of podcasts.For more about the appropriate use of technology with young children visit the Fred Rogers Center here. More about Vincent Orleck visit here. More about Attic Salt visit here. More about the most generous community for startups and entrepreneurs #yesphx here. Learn more about PHX Startup Week here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 23 recorded LIVE from PHX Startup Week at Basecamp at the George Washington Carver Museum and Culture Center in Phoenix with guest, Carla Rivera-Cruz. Carla is a High School Educator and Ed Consultant. Podcast recorded with the assistance of ZCast with podcast tech, Raz! #phxstartupweek #yesphxMore about Carla and her CRC Ed Services, LLC here. More about ZCast podcasting service here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 22 with Catherine Norwood a Reading Interventionist or more like a Reading "Strategist" with Mesa Public Schools at Pedro Guerrero Elementary School in Arizona. Catherine sits down with host, Marissa Calderón to chat about her practice, passions, advice for parents and misconceptions about the work of Early Childhood Educators and those in similar positions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 21 with Jessica Beresford, Director of Operations with Father Matters based out of South Phoenix. Podcast Host, Marissa Calderón sits down with Jessica to have a candid conversation about the services Father Matters provides, common misconceptions about the agency, parenting talk and the importance of supporting people of color. More info about Father Matters visit their website here. More info about Jessica Beresford, contact her at jessica@fathermatters.org See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 20 with Kindergarten Teacher Lauren Harness starts out the 2018 New Year with host Marissa Calderón. Lauren teaches out of Mesa, Arizona and shares her past experience starting as a new Kindergarten teacher, how she got administrator buy-in for her classroom setup and some candid stories about her teaching journey coming from New Mexico into a new school. Lots of laughs are heard and teacher advice is also shared! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 19 with Amy Corriveau, the Deputy Human Services Director for City of Phoenix. Amy oversee the education components for Head Start Birth to Five Services for the city of Phoenix and sits down with host Marissa Calderón to talk about her journey in the field, how she started in the profession, advice for teachers and some holiday memories. To learn more about the City of Phoenix including Head Start services please visit their website HERE. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 18 with host Marissa Calderón is joined by Dr. Karen Ortiz, Vice President, Early Grade Success Initiatives at Helios Education Foundation. Dr. Ortiz shares her story on how she became involved in the early childhood field in Arizona, the power of parent advocacy, what Helios does in our communities and her role within it. Amongst her admirable work, Dr. Ortiz shares with the listeners the importance of following your dreams and aligning our work in a culturally sensitive manner to support families. For all the amazing programs Helios Education Foundation supports and to learn more please visit them here. To learn more about Dr. Karen Ortiz and her inspiring work in the Early Childhood field, click here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 17 with Vicki Mayo, a foster and adoptive parent, child advocate and strong believer in reducing children's ACEs score. Vicki is the Co-Founder of the TouchPoints Solutions device that we like to refer to as a game-changing tool for parents and educators. A non-invasive neuroscientific wearable device that uses patent pending BLAST technology to relieve stress in as few as 30 seconds. Although not a sole substitute for providing children with more authentic intervention strategies or individualized teaching approaches, it's another tool for the parenting and educator toolbox. Learn more about Touchpoints and how many many parents and caregivers who have children on the spectrum have benefited from the wearable tool.Learn more about Vicki Mayo. Learn more about ACEs. Consider a contribution to the podcast! Contribute here to bring more high quality conversations and highlight educators and advocates of Early Childhood. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Nicol Russell makes her debut on the Early Childhood Journeys podcast for episode 16! Nicole is the Deputy Associate Superintendent for Early Childhood AND Head Start State Collaboration Director with the Arizona Department of Education! Feeewww what a mouthful! Listen in on Nicol sharing her insights on how she represents Early Childhood at the state level, clarifying misconceptions on what the Department of Education's role is and how she works on keeping her personal and professional life in balance. Nicol is on the front lines advocating for teachers and her past experience in Special Ed makes her a champion for all children and their families. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 15 with Linda Pauley, Business Manager for the Arizona AEYC Board and the Director of the Early Learning Program at Risen Savior Preschool and Kindergarten, a faith-based Early Childhood NAEYC and Quality First Accredited Program. Linda discusses her life as a child care director and the AzAEYC Toolkit and the many benefits the toolkit provides for child care administrators. Linda shares her journey in the EC field and love for her work including tips on how to better support families and our educators at the admin level.For more about Risen Savior located in South Chandler, AZ visit: http://www.rslcs.org/preschool/get-to-know-us/For more about the many benefits and resources of the Arizona AEYC Toolkit visit: https://www.azaeyctoolkit.org/index.aspxFor more about AzAEYC and how to get involved visit: https://www.azaeyc.org/For more about Quality First visit: http://www.qualityfirstaz.com/For more about NAEYC, a national association visit: www.naeyc.org See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 14: A conversation with Lisa Cobb from Arizona PBS Educational Outreach as a Regional Coordinator. Discussion regarding the Arizona Early Childhood Workforce Registry and the incentives and benefits including cash stipends for those who qualify to complete college course work and how to register was discussed. Lisa Cobb's extensive background as a past teacher and Early Childhood Director from Illinois provides the AZ EC family with another vital connection and support to the field. Her candid insight about her journey and experience working with different types of families is relatable and inspiring.Connect with Lisa at AZ PBS at: lisa.cobb@asu.eduArizona Early Childhood Workforce Registry: azregistry.org See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 13 features a special #TacosForTeachers early childhood conversation at a local taco shop, Tacos Chiwas in Phoenix, Arizona! Early Childhood Consultant, Regina Sung Aldridge is a former classroom teacher who is currently working with Alesi Group with The Kindergarten Experience. Amongst the spicy salsa aftermath and delicious tacos consumption, podcast host, Marissa chats with Regina where she candidly shares about her past teaching journey, working with kindergarten teachers and what she's planning for the next months ahead for DIY workshops for educators. More info about Regina Sund Aldridge here. More about Alesi Group and Dr. Isela Garcia here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In Episode 12, Early Childhood Journeys podcast host Marissa, chats with Isabel Garcia, MSW and Program Director at Unlimited Potential in South Phoenix. Unlimited Potential is a non-profit program providing ESL and GED classes for adults with an early childhood education component. Isabel Garcia talks about her social work journey working with children and how she became connected to this grassroots program that primarily serves marginalized populations. Her focus on empowering parents of the program shows her passion for social advocacy. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 11: Join Early Childhood Consultant Marissa Calderón as she chats with local Phoenix area Preschool Teacher and future Quality First Coach with ASCC, Oksana Beatty from Desoto Market in downtown Phoenix. Oksana shares her journey on how she became a pre-k teacher, helping her kids cope with her leaving the classroom, the importance of her relationships with her kids families as well as the excitement of starting a new job as a Quality First Coach! Going to school, being a single parent as part her early childhood journey, juggling multiple jobs including one in retail and having the drive to continue to learn more about children and her excitement to make an impact in our local early childhood community will truly leave you energized! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Episode 10: We've made it to 10 episodes and to commemorate, Marissa shares an interview with Kindergarten teacher, Stacey Heath from Blue Ridge Unified School District. Stacey shares how she shifted her teaching practice of mundane worksheet and repetitive kill-joy teaching style to a more meaningful and engaging experience for both her students and herself after attending The Kindergarten Experience training sessions. "There's not a lot of joy in worksheets" and other notable remarks made in this episode that most kindergarten educators can relate too.For more about the kindergarten experience visit: thekindergartenexperience.comFor more about Dr. Judy Harris Helm and The Project Approach visit: bestpracticesinc.net For past Podcast Episodes visit us at: www.earlychildhoodjourneys.com/podcast See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.