Early Childhood Policy Matters

In the last episode of our three-part series on the early childhood workforce, we speak with a panel of state and national experts about the early childhood workforce, and how health and wellness strategies can help to improve retention in early childhood settings.  Host Denise Mauzy (SRI International) joins Yale University's Walter Gilliam, the University of Delaware's Laura Lessard, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Holly Hatton-Bowers, and the South Carolina Infant Mental Health Association's Kerri Schnake to discuss new research, findings, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the panel's recommendations for stakeholders across the country.     Guests include Walter Gilliam, professor of child psychiatry and psychology, and Director of the Edward Zigler Center in Child Development and Social Policy with the Yale Child Study Center and the Yale School of Medicine; Laura Lessard, associate professor in the Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition at the University of Delaware, and program coordinator for the Delaware IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence; Holly Hatton-Bowers, associate professor and early childhood extension specialist with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Education and Human Services; and Kerri Schnake, CEO of the South Carolina Infant Mental Health Association.    Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care.    For episode transcripts and more information visit: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second episode of our three-part series on the early childhood workforce, host Martine Sadarangani Gordon (ACF) speaks with a panel of state experts about how they are professionalizing the workforce through nontraditional career ladders. Guests from Georgia, Illinois and Michigan discuss their state's ongoing efforts to address the diversity and community needs of the early childhood workforce. Guests include Christi Moore, Director of Professional Learning with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning; Dr. Jamilah Jordan, Executive Director of the Illinois Governor's Office of Early Childhood Development; and Robin Zeiter, Professional Development Specialist, and Candace Vinson, Education Consultant, with the Michigan Department of Education. Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first episode of our three-part series on the early childhood workforce, host Ciearra Norwood (SRI Education) speaks with national experts about the history, progression and evolution of the workforce, and a number of federal priorities and supports for the workforce in states across the country. Guests include Richard Gonzales, project manager of the Preschool Development Grants Birth Through Five at the Department of Health and Human Services, in the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Early Childhood Development; and Chrishana Lloyd, Research Scholar with Child Trends.Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we discuss equity, and the work being done in one state to embed equity in all aspects of its early learning system. Host Nancy vonBargen (ICF) sits down with three state leaders from Oregon to discuss their work, their successes, and what a commitment to equity really looks like in early childhood care and education. Guests from the Early Learning Division of the Oregon Department of Education - soon to be the Department of Early Learning and Care – include Karina Guzmàn Ortiz, Partner Engagement Specialist; Jenny Mendoza, Research and Evaluation Manager; and Kimberly Moua, Early Childhood Equity Fund Manager.Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we explore the New Jersey Enterprise Analysis System for Early Learning (NJ-EASEL), an early childhood integrated data system facilitating cross-agency collaboration and supporting children and families in the Garden State. Host Rebecca Valenchis (SRI Education) speaks with two state leaders about the system, its development with support from PDG B-5, and some valuable lessons-learned for early childhood leaders and stakeholders across the country. Guests include Erika Kelley, Project Sponsor and Director of the New Jersey Council for Young Children and Founder of Sage Horizons, LLC; and Riddhi Parmar, NJ-EASEL Business Analyst with Mathtech, Inc., for the New Jersey Department of Education. Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we discuss Tribal sovereignty, and how it relates to early childhood care and education systems. Host Mandy Reeve (SRI Education) speaks with a panel of federal and state experts to explain Tribal sovereignty, the value of including Tribal voices in strategic planning and systems building, and offer real-world examples and lessons learned at the state level. Guests include Moushumi Beltangady, Director of Tribal Early Childhood at the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Early Childhood Development, and Program Manager for the Tribal Home Visiting Program; Melody Redbird-Post, Project Director for the Tribal Child Care Capacity Building Center; Tracie Kenney, PDG B-5 Project Director at the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families; and Tleena Ives, Director of Tribal Relations at the Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families. Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore Virginia's unique “Ready Regions” program, designed to bring unprecedented levels of coordination, accountability, and family engagement to early education programs in every community in the Commonwealth. Host Laura Kassner joins leaders from the state and regional levels in Virginia to discuss the program, developed with support from the Preschool Development Grants Birth-To-Five initiative, and their recommendations for early childhood leaders in states across the country. Guests include Kris Meyers, Associate Director of Quality Measurement and Improvement with the Virginia Department of Education; and Catie Sumner, Preschool Development Grant Coordinator with the United Way of Roanoke Valley. Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we explore new funding models being piloted in Rhode Island in an effort to expand access to high quality pre-K programs. Host Mary Klute joins two state leaders to discuss the pilots, funded with support from the Preschool Development Grants Birth-to-Five initiative, and some recommendations for leaders hoping to fund and expand high-quality programs in states across the country. Guests include Kayla Rosen, Director of Early Childhood Strategy with the State of Rhode Island Governor's Office, and Lisa Nugent, Coordinator of Early Learning with the Rhode Island Department of Education. Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we explore Colorado's new Department of Early Childhood and statewide voluntary universal preschool program, which were established this spring with support from the Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) initiative.Host Mandy Reeve joins Lindsey Dorneman, PDG B-5 Director with the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, to discuss the origins and goals of the new initiatives and their potential benefits for children and families across the Centennial State. Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we explore Minnesota's new state partnerships with American Indian and Tribal Nations, which were established to provide underserved children and families with equitable access to culturally responsive early childhood care and education programs.Host Syritha Robinson joins two state leaders to discuss the design of those partnerships, and share some valuable lessons-learned for states across the U.S. Guests include Lucy Littlewolf Arias, Preschool Development Grant Tribal Nations Lead with the Minnesota Department of Education, and Janice LaFloe, Founder and Primary Guide with the Montessori American Indian Childcare Center.Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we explore First Five South Carolina, a new online portal designed to help families self-navigate through the state's early childhood system and connect with valuable programs and resources. Host Debra Anderson sits down with two state leaders to discuss the portal, its development, and some valuable recommendations for states working to better support children and families. Guests include Georgia Mjartan, Executive Director of South Carolina First Steps and the South Carolina Early Childhood Advisory Council; and Rachal Hatton-Moore, Two-Generation Coordinator also with the South Carolina First Steps and the Early Childhood Advisory Council. Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast we explore “Our Tomorrows,” an innovative story-gathering tool being used to connect and engage with families in Kansas. Host Mandy Reeve (SRI Education) speaks with two state leaders about the program, how it was influenced by the PDG B-5 initiative, and how it is being used to serve children, families, and communities across the state. Guests include Melissa Rooker, Executive Director of the Kansas Children's Cabinet and Trust Fund; and Sara Gardner, Assistant Director of the Center for Public Partnerships and Research at the University of Kansas. Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast we explore “EC Guides,” an innovative pilot program in Louisiana providing individualized support to families seeking childcare assistance. Host Laura Kassner (SRI International) sits down with a panel of state leaders and EC Guides to discuss the program, and its growing impact in communities across the state. Guests include: Devon Camarota, Education Program Consultant, Louisiana Department of Education; Lizzie Cosse, Director of Access Strategy, Louisiana Department of Education; Kanedra Brooks, EC Guide, East Baton Rouge Parish; and Kim Jones, EC Guide, Jefferson Parish. Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this podcast, national experts and state leaders discuss best practices and recommended policies that support transitions across systems. Learn about successful strategies and varying state approaches to those transitions, and ways to embed transition practices from leaders supporting transitions across state and local early childhood care and education mixed delivery systems. Host Howard Morrison (SRI Education) talks with Kristie Kauerz, director at the National P-3 Center and associate clinical professor at the University of Colorado, Denver School of Education and Human Development; Matt Weyer, principal at the Education Commission of the States; Lee Anne Larsen, early learning team coordinator at the Maine Department of Education; and Marcy Whitcomb, early childhood monitor at the Maine Department of Education. Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, two early childhood leaders in California discuss the development of their Master Plan for Early Learning and Care. The master plan created a roadmap that put into action past recommendations and research about the benefits of quality early learning and care, and includes five substantive issue areas within California's early learning and care system: access, quality, universal pre-kindergarten, facilities, and financing. Host Howard Morrison (SRI Education) talks with Kris Perry, deputy secretary for Early Childhood Development with the California Health and Human Services Agency, and senior advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom; and Lupe Jaime-Mileham, deputy director for the Childcare and Development Division at the California Department of Social Services. Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we discuss the implementation of Washington State's Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program, which increases capacity to the early learning and family support systems in the state for infants and toddlers and their families. Host Howard Morrison (SRI Education) talks with Kelli Bohanon, Director of Early Learning Program at the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families; and Joel Ryan, Executive Director of the Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP. Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, hosts Missy Coffey (SRI Education) and Richard Gonzales (Administration for Children and Families) sit down with Dr. Ruth Friedman, director of the Office of Child Care with the Administration for Children and Families at the US Department of Health and Human Services; and Dr. Joan Lombardi, director of Early Opportunities LLC, to discuss key issues on early childhood comprehensive systems. Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For decades, Head Start programs have provided mixed delivery services for children and families across the U.S., and offered guidance for states building and growing statewide early care and education systems using the perspective of the community. Hosts Missy Coffey (SRI Education) and Richard Gonzales (Administration for Children and Families) sit down with Dr. Bernadine Futrell, director of the Office of Head Start at the US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. Futrell discusses some key lessons learned from the history and growth of Head Start in America, the benefits of mixed delivery systems, and some successful strategies for incorporating community voice into options for families. Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit: https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How are states using the Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) Initiative to build and grow comprehensive early care and education statewide systems? We look at the work being done to serve children and families in two very different states: California and Georgia. Host Missy Coffey (SRI Education) sits down with Stephanie Myers, Director of the California Head Start State Collaboration Office with the Childcare and Development Division at the California Department of Social Services; and Bentley Ponder, Deputy Commissioner of Quality Innovations and Partnerships with the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Federal agencies have set a new course for comprehensive early childhood care and education under President Joe Biden, strengthening existing systems and identifying new opportunities to support children, families and communities in the years ahead. Host Missy Coffey (SRI Education) dives into those initiatives with Miriam Calderon, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Early Learning in the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education with the U.S. Department of Education, and Katie Hamm, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Early Childhood Development with the Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Calderon and Hamm discuss federal perspectives, priorities and opportunities for building and growing comprehensive early care and education systems in states across the U.S., and the administration's efforts to improve parental choice through mixed delivery systems. Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To ensure program success and sustainability, early childhood mental health must be carefully integrated into a state's existing early childhood system. In this episode host Neal Horen, Director of the Early Childhood Division at the Center for Child and Human Development at Georgetown University, speaks with state-level early childhood mental health leaders to learn how their states incorporated early childhood mental health services into their mixed delivery systems. Participants also discuss benefits of these services for children and families. Guests include Teya Dahle, Minnesota Department of Human Services Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Coordinator and instructor for the University of Minnesota Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health program; Catherine Wright, Minnesota Department of Human Services Early Childhood Mental Health System Coordinator; and Tamilah Richardson, Associate Director of Early Childhood Learning with the Virginia Department of Education. Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Successful implementation of early childhood mental health services requires collaboration and coordination across all levels. What does early childhood mental health consultation look like on the ground, and how can a state best support their providers in their work? In this episode host Neal Horen, Director of the Early Childhood Division at the Center for Child and Human Development at Georgetown University, speaks with two early childhood mental health practitioners about common challenges and successful strategies of providers in this field. Guests include Dr. Dominque Charlotte-Swilley, clinical child psychologist and licensed school psychologist based in Washington D.C., and Trista Vonada, Early Head Start Mental Health Coordinator and Early Childhood Lead Clinician with Aware Inc. in Montana. Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What resources does my state needs to effectively implement early childhood mental health programs? And how do I determine which model is the best fit for my state? In this episode host Neal Horen, Director of the Early Childhood Division at the Center for Child and Human Development at Georgetown University, speaks with Dr. Nikki Edge about the implementation of Arkansas' early childhood mental health consultation system. Later, host Todd Grindal, Principal Senior Researcher at SRI International, speaks with Vanderbilt University's ML Hemmeter about the Pyramid Model. These experts discuss strengths, challenges, and lessons learned with their models as well as key partnerships for successful implementation. Guests include Dr. Nicola Edge, Professor and Associate Director of the Research and Evaluation Division in the Department of Family and Preventative Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; and Dr. Mary Louise Hemmeter, Professor of Special Education at Vanderbilt University. Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My state is ready to incorporate early childhood mental health consultation into its early childhood system. Now what? In this episode, host Neal Horen, Director of the Early Childhood Division at the Center for Child and Human Development at Georgetown University, speaks with leaders in California and New York about the different approaches to establishing early childhood mental health consultation at the state level. Guests include Jennifer Miller, Project Director with the Center for Prevention and Early Intervention at WestEd (California),and Evelyn Blank, Associate Executive Director for the New York Center for Child Development and co-chair of the Strong Families Work Group on the Early Childhood Advisory Council of New York State. Early Childhood Policy Matters is supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. For episode transcripts and more information visit https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Early Childhood Policy Matters, a podcast for early childhood professionals and strategic partners hoping to use research to inform policy and better serve children, families, and their communities. In this series, we'll be talking with state leaders and national experts about early childhood policy and efforts supporting the Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five (PDG B-5) initiatives happening across the country. We'll share valuable knowledge, strategies, success stories, and some lessons learned on a wide range of critical topics from the local level to the federal level, from mental health practice to program development. The series, supported by the National Technical Assistance Center for Preschool Development Grants Birth through Five, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care, begins with a focus on early childhood mental health. In future episodes we'll focus on topics including the development of strategic partnerships, establishing financing models for mixed delivery systems and coordinating eligibility and enrollment processes across agencies and across states. Join us for an informative and engaging look at the PDG-B5 initiative, and learn from the nation's top early childhood professionals and leaders. For episode transcripts and more information visit https://childcareta.acf.hhs.gov/resource/early-childhood-policy-matters-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.