Podcasts about Early childhood education

It's time to build your family's future on a foundation of true health and freedom. Join us at Future Foundations—because your future generations deserve the best start to the mission that will outlive us… Check it out here. Use code FREEDOM25 for 25% off!    Whether you're looking for tinctures, topicals or teas or a deeper connection to your INNATE healing capacity, Noble Task Homestead is here to serve you. Join the movement. Visit NobleTaskHomestead.com/noblestan today and enjoy a 10% discount on your order.   San Diego area residents, take advantage of our special New Patient offer exclusively for podcast listeners here. We can't wait to experience miracles with you! Welcome to the Future Generations Podcast with Guest Alyssa Campbell, author of "Tiny Humans, Big Emotions" (New York Times Bestseller) and her newest book "Big Kids, Bigger Feelings" out this September. In this episode, Dr. Stanton Hom talks with Alyssa Campbell, diving deep into the complex world of children's emotional intelligence and nervous system development. Targeting parents of children aged 5-12, educators, and child development professionals, the conversation explores the nine sensory systems, how children process stimuli, and provides practical strategies for supporting emotional growth. Campbell breaks down the unique ways children experience and regulate their emotions, offering insights that can help parents move from reactive parenting to intentional, compassionate guidance.   Highlights: "All behaviors are communication of a need."   "What we're sensitive to drains our nervous system. What we're seeking recharges it."   "We're all unique humans, and the way our nervous system works is unique."   "It's not a question of whether your body is wise. The question is, what is your body trying to say?"   Timestamps: 03:45 - Introduction 08:01 - Exploring the Nine Sensory Systems 13:07 - Understanding Sensitivity vs. Seeking in Nervous System 25:38 - Collaborative Emotion Processing Method Explained 30:34 - Practical Strategies for Nervous System Regulation 34:38 - Deep Dive into Emotion Processing Steps 41:16 - COVID-19's Impact on Children's Emotional Development 44:27 - The Power of Compassion in Parenting 49:33 - Alyssa Campbell's Mission and Future Vision 53:07 - How to Connect and Learn More   Resources:   Remember to Rate, Review, and Subscribe on iTunes and Follow us on Spotify!   Learn more about Dr. Stanton Hom on:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstantonhom  Website: https://futuregenerationssd.com/    Podcast Website: https://thefuturegen.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/drstantonhom  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanhomdc  Stay Connected with the Future Generations Podcast:   Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/futuregenpodcast  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futuregenpodcast/    Links:    https://www.thehivemethod.co/ https://www.instagram.com/thehivemethod.co   About Alyssa Campbell: Alyssa Campbell M.Ed., is an emotional intelligence researcher, Founder and the CEO of Seed & Sew, host of the Voices of Your Village podcast and author of Big Kids, Bigger Feelings: Navigating Defiance, Meltdowns, Anxiety to Raise Confident, Connected Kids (HarperCollins Harvest, 9/16/25). Alyssa has a Master's of Early Childhood Education and strives to change the way adults experience children's emotions so they can respond with the intention to raise emotionally intelligent humans. This new book is an essential guide to supporting children's social and emotional growth through the elementary school years (ages 5–12), a critical but often-overlooked developmental stage.     The desire to go off grid and have the ability to grow your own food has never been stronger than before. No matter the size of your property, Food Forest Abundance can help you design a regenerative layout that utilizes your resources in the most synergistic and sustainable manner. If you are interested in breaking free from the system, please visit www.foodforestabundance.com and use code “thefuturegen” to receive a discount on their incredible services.   Show your eyes some love with a pair of daylight or sunset (or both!) blue-light blocking glasses from Ra Optics. They have graciously offered Future Generations podcast listeners 10% off any purchase. Use code FGPOD or click here to access this discount, and let us know how your glasses are treating you!   One of the single best companies whose clean products have supported the optimal wellness of our family is Earthley Wellness. Long before there was a 2020, Kate Tetje and her team have stood for TRUTH, HEALTH and FREEDOM in ways that paved the way for so many of us. In collaboration with this incredible team, we are proud to offer you 10% off of your first purchase by shopping here.   Are you concerned about food supply insecurity? Our family has rigorously sourced our foods for over a decade and one of our favorite sources is Farm Match and specifically for San Diego locals, “Real Food Club PMA”. My kids are literally made from their maple breakfast sausage and the amazing carnitas we make from their pasture raised pork. We are thrilled to share 10% off your first order when you shop at this link.   Another important way to bolster food security is by supporting local ranchers. Our favorite local regenerative ranch is Perennial Pastures. They have the best nutrient-dense meats that are 100% grass-fed and pasture-raised. You can get $10 off of your first purchase when you use the code: "FUTUREGENERATIONS" at checkout. Start shopping here.  

Unlock the secrets to transforming early childhood education by focusing on the actions — not just the topics — that captivate young minds. Join me as I sit down with Heather Jackson, author of "Actions of Play," to explore how play schemas can revolutionize the way we approach learning. Discover how understanding the verbs that inspire children can lead to rich, inquiry-based projects that resonate with their natural curiosities. From the mesmerizing roll of a fire truck's wheel to the gentle crawl of a ladybug, we dissect the underpinnings of play that drive meaningful and complex learning experiences. As the conversation unfolds, we explore the power of curiosity and introspection in education. Heather shares her insights on how "slow pedagogy" and observation can capture the essence of play, leading to transformative, magical educational experiences. We also explore the enchanting story of "Rainbow City"—a unique project inspired by a child's drawing that became a medium for creativity and emotional expression. This episode invites educators to embrace wonder and magical thinking, ultimately enriching both teaching and learning for educators and students alike. Find Show Notes at: https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode80

In this episode of Healing Generations, Maestro Jerry Tello engages in a profound dialogue with Rebeca Barrera, exploring themes of cultural identity, advocacy for children, and the importance of community support. They discuss personal histories, the impact of cultural heritage on resilience, and the significance of bilingual education. The conversation highlights the journey of leadership and the collective efforts needed to uplift communities, particularly in the context of early childhood education and children's rights. Through shared experiences and reflections, they emphasize the importance of grounding oneself in cultura and the power of giving back to the community.     Chapters:   00:00 Introduction   02:25 Meeting Rebeca Barrera   04:59 Personal History and Cultural Identity   12:16 The Importance of Cultural Identity in Healing   18:55 Early Childhood Education and Community Impact   27:52 Advocacy for Children's Rights and Education   31:17 Bilingual Education and Literature   39:49 Cultura and Community Engagement   44:10 Reflections on Life's Journey and Advice for Future Generations     To learn more about Somos Cultura y Más, visit: https://www.somosculturaymas.org/   To reach out, visit: https://www.somosculturaymas.org/contact     And to learn more about the National Compadres Network, please visit:   Website: https://nationalcompadresnetwork.org/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/la.cultura.cura/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/laculturacura   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/national.compadres.network   Email: HGP@compadresnetwork.org 

In this episode of Reimagine Childhood, hosted by Monica Healer and brought to you by Early Childhood Christian Network, children's author Valerie Ellis joins the conversation to discuss the impactful role of stories and story time in early childhood education. With extensive experience in teaching and children's ministry, Valerie explains how stories uniquely connect with children and help in teaching both academic and non-academic skills such as emotional literacy and social behavior. She provides practical strategies for making story time effective in classrooms and at home, including her point, pause, and ponder method. Valerie also shares book recommendations and introduces her new book, 'Let's Go Bible Adventures,' which uses transport themes to make Bible stories engaging for young children. This episode is filled with insights for educators and parents on leveraging the power of stories for childhood development. Additional resources and book links are available in the show notes.   00:00 Introduction to Reimagine Childhood 00:42 Meet Valerie Ellis: Author and Educator 01:13 The Power of Stories in Early Childhood Education 03:13 Engaging Children with Stories: Techniques and Tips 09:59 Book Recommendations for Various Learning Domains 16:41 PrimeTime 2025 17:29 Let's Go Bible Adventures: A Unique Bible Storybook 32:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts https://oureverydayparables.com/books/ - 75+ book recommendations for kids ages 0 to 12 in five categories, perfect for families and classrooms pursuing faith, compassion, and fun. We talked about an activity pack for The Mixed-Up Chameleon. Here is the link to that free download: https://oureverydayparables.com/teach-kids-about-god-with-popular-picture-books/ Valerie's books can be found at  https://valerieellis.com/books/ Valerie also does in-person and virtual classroom visits! You can connect with her on Instagram @iamvelerieellis https://instagram.com/iamvalerieellis 

Around 96.8% of children in New Zealand attend some sort of Early Childhood Education at some point before entering school. Some begin right from a few months old, while some are only enrolled at 2 or 3 for kindergarten. But why is ECE so important? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To share her birth story today on Yoga | Birth | Babies, I have Emily Silver. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Emily is 34 year old PYC alumni and Kindergarten teacher on the Upper West Side. She went to school at SUNY Brockport with majors in Dance and Interdisciplinary Arts for Children, and earned her Masters at Hunter College for Early Childhood Education. Emily's story is a lesson in recognizing your needs, staying true to yourself, allowing birth to switch course, and how valuable a well-gathered support team is. Enjoy this inspiring birth story. Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com Don't forget to grab your FREE guide, 5 Simple Solutions to the Most Common Pregnancy Pains HERE  If you love what you've been listening to, please leave a rating and review! Yoga| Birth|Babies (Apple) or on Spotify! To connect with Deb and the PYC Community:  Instagram & Facebook: @prenatalyogacenter Youtube: Prenatal Yoga Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

* French Quarter construction project is causing headaches for some * Are we investing enough in early childhood educators in Louisiana? What are some of the biggest challenges they're facing?

Many parents out there will be familiar with the first-time preschool drop off, the cries for mammy or daddy not to leave, and tears flowing - from both the toddler and parent. With the first week almost halfway done what can parents do to ease that separation anxiety? To discuss we heard from Dr Mary O'Kane, Lecturer in Psychology and Early Childhood Education.

Many parents out there will be familiar with the first-time preschool drop off, the cries for mammy or daddy not to leave, and tears flowing - from both the toddler and parent. With the first week almost halfway done what can parents do to ease that separation anxiety? To discuss we heard from Dr Mary O'Kane, Lecturer in Psychology and Early Childhood Education.

It's still summer, but many children and teachers are back in school or preparing to return to the classroom. About a year ago, we sat down with Rebecca Silverman, a professor of education, to discuss the complex process of learning how to read. Professor Silverman unpacks the challenges of decoding and comprehension, two things that are vital for reading instruction to be successful. Whether you're supporting a new reader or curious about the hurdles new readers must overcome, we hope you'll tune in to this conversation again.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your question. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Rebecca D. SilvermanConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces Rebecca Silverman, a professor of education at Stanford University.(00:01:59) Why Reading Is HardWhy reading is a complex, non-natural skill essential for education.(00:03:14) Decoding & ComprehensionThe core components of reading and the challenges of comprehension.(00:05:07) Improving ComprehensionWhy improving comprehension takes years and sustained support.(00:06:40) Variability in LearningWhy some kids excel, others need help, and many struggle.(00:08:26) Nature vs. NurtureHow genetics and environment combine to shape reading ability.(00:09:17) Reading Across LanguagesHow different writing systems affect how quickly kids learn to read.(00:10:57) Identifying Struggling ReadersResearch challenges in identifying decoding and comprehension issues.(00:14:42) Paper vs. Digital ReadingKey differences between reading on paper and screens.(00:18:04) Technology in LiteracyHow technology is effective for decoding but less so for comprehension.(00:19:58) Family InfluenceThe importance of family and storytelling in literacy development.(00:21:52) Adult LiteracyWhether adults can learn to read as easily as young learners.(00:23:13) Challenges For TeachersThe challenges teachers face in teaching literacy alongside multiple subjects(00:25:15) The Future of AI in ReadingThe potential of AI and digital tools to help tailor literacy support.(00:28:50) Conclusion Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

At National College of Ireland, we are dedicated to highlighting alternative entry routes into third level education. Students who have just received their Leaving Certificate results should be aware that the Available Places facility opens August 28th, 2025 What is Available Places? Available Places is a facility that highlights places that are still available on selected programmes for CAO Applicants. This means you can choose to study at NCI in September! There are a number of courses currently available on the Available Places facility, which can be viewed on our Available Places Courses page. Students interested in exploring NCI's Available Places options can explore areas of marketing, childhood education and care, as well as business and data science. How does Available Places benefit students? The Leaving Certificate year can be an uncertain time for many students. When all the stress of the exams has ended, some students may feel that they did not put a course down on their CAO choices that they should have, or perhaps when they have a better gauge of how they feel they did, they may wish they had have put some more choices down. When the Available Places facility opens, students have another opportunity to expand their CAO options or apply for courses they did not put down in the first place. For students who maybe did not get the exact results they were hoping for, the Available Places facility displays course options that may suit them. Regardless of how things played out on results day, the Available Places facility gives all students another opportunity to expand their study options for September. We hope that knowing that there is always another way in gives all students some peace of mind as they make their decisions about what and where they will study this September. You can view the NCI courses in Marketing Practice, Data Science, Business, Computing, and Early Childhood Education and Care that are available on our Available Places Courses page. Why Choose National College of Ireland? At National College of Ireland, we want to not only ensure that you meet your education ambitions, but we also want to ensure that your learning experience supports you personally through the services and supports we offer. Our mission is 'to change lives through education.' Choose your programme, and we will work with you to help you succeed. Located at the heart of the ISFC, NCI is one of Ireland's most innovative third-level institutions, we work closely with industry and professional bodies to ensure courses remain closely aligned to industry needs, and we welcome international students from all over the globe. We strive to continually provide a warm, welcoming, supportive environment so that all students can thrive in their academic, professional, and personal life. We look forward to welcoming new students this September. See more breaking stories here. More about Irish Tech News Irish Tech News are Ireland's No. 1 Online Tech Publication and often Ireland's No.1 Tech Podcast too. You can find hundreds of fantastic previous episodes and subscribe using whatever platform you like via our Anchor.fm page here: https://anchor.fm/irish-tech-news If you'd like to be featured in an upcoming Podcast email us at Simon@IrishTechNews.ie now to discuss. Irish Tech News have a range of services available to help promote your business. Why not drop us a line at Info@IrishTechNews.ie now to find out more about how we can help you reach our audience. You can also find and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat.

Following on from a discussion about crèche waiting lists, Chair of the Federation of Early Childhood Providers Elaine Dunne, and Principal of The Glebe National School in Donegal Town Alison Pasquier join Kieran to discuss the benefits of Early Childhood Education.

 In this episode of The Teacher's Lounge, Isa shares the joy (and chaos) of the very first week of preschool. From silly slip-ups—like mixing up song lyrics that turn into class favorites—to rookie mistakes and unpredictable moments, Isa reminds us that the first week never goes perfectly, and that's okay. Alongside the chaos come the sweetest surprises: children finding their voices, making new friends, and building trust in small but powerful ways. This uplifting episode encourages educators to let go of perfection, embrace connection, and improvise like a pro—because those are the moments that truly make the first week unforgettable. LET'S CONNECT!We would love to connect with you!  Here are all the ways we can support you in your early education career!The Teacher's Lounge Website:     theearlyeducationteacherslounge.comPodcast:   The Teacher's Lounge For Early EducationFacebook:  The Early Education Teacher's LoungeInstagram:  @eecteachersloungePinterest:

On this episode of #LatinosOutLoud, Rachel La Loca was invited back to City Hall, and this time to chat it up with the Deputy Mayor of Strategic Initiatives, Ana Almanzar--or as she's known to her staff, and now Rachel, "DM Ana". In this interview, we learn about the Deputy Mayor's day-to-day responsibilities and the initiatives she oversees. Reporting to her in this role are the commissioners and executive directors of the Center for Innovation through Data Intelligence, City University of the City of New York, New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, Mayor's Office of Child Care and Early Childhood Education, Mayor's Office of Equity, Mayor's Office of Food Policy, Mayor's Office of Nonprofits, and the Mayor's Fund and City Affiliated Nonprofits. Ana grew up in the Dominican Republic and moved to Bushwick, Brooklyn when she was 17 seeking not just the American dream, but the New York City dream. She is the FIRST Dominican Deputy Mayor for the City of NY. This episode is filled with inspiration, laughs and of course, a LIGHTNING ROUND with the Deputy Mayor. #LatinosOutLoud #RachelLaLoca #Comedy #DeputyMayor #NYC #AnaAlmanzar #podcast #Latinos #Dominican #Stories #Government #NY

Executive Director of First Eight Memphis, Kandace Thomas, and President of Porter-Leath, Sean Lee, discuss pre-K access, the $32 million Head Start funding, and the challenges of quality early learning, with The Daily Memphian's Eric Barnes and Laura Testino.

Rosalba is a highly experienced pedagogist with over 29 years dedicated to early childhood education and pedagogical research. Holding a degree in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Psychology, she began her career as an educator in 1994. Her deep interest led her to explore and research the innovative Reggio Emilia approach, including direct visits to its renowned schools. As the former owner of a private nursery school that also served as a learning lab, Rosalba pioneered a new approach to early learning in her community, advocating for the rights of both children and educators. She has shared her expertise as an Early Childhood Education professor at a college and has served as a pedagogical consultant for over two decades, guiding various educational institutions. In this capacity, she also develops comprehensive modules, offering educators structured series for deeper knowledge development and access to valuable resources. Rosalba embraces modern professional learning, developing online workshops, webinars, and contributing to podcasts for various agencies and organizations. These virtual spaces offer a wide community of educators, artists, chefs, families, and researchers opportunities for professional development and collaboration. She continues to present at workshops and conferences, both in person and virtually. Passionate about intentional material use, Rosalba advocates for thoughtful engagement with resources, drawing inspiration from the Reggio Emilia approach to foster deeper connections with the environment. She emphasizes shifting from a culture of consumption to one of creative resourcefulness, promoting resilience and sustainability in early learning. Viewing children as future citizens, Rosalba champions educational practices that empower them to explore and grow, fostering their development as responsible contributors to society. Her expertise also extends to food pedagogies, collaborating with chefs to develop workshops for educators, families, and children, and contributing a chapter to "Beautiful Stuff in Nature" on the journey of a tomato. Currently, Rosalba continues her work as a consultant, speaker, and pedagogical companion, actively writing blogs and contributing to the Pedagogist Network Ontario. She is also a certified Play Worker and volunteers as chair of the York Region Nature Collaborative, connecting educators with outdoor learning experiences. Her extensive background and innovative methods consistently contribute to the advancement of early childhood education. For updates and current events, visit www.acorncollaborative.com or connect on social media: @acorncollaborative (IG) and Rosalba Bortolotti (FB, LinkedIn).

In this episode of the Braun Performance & Rehab Podcast, Dan is joined by Dakotah Trader to discuss her journey in field hockey, originating from Pocomoke City in Maryland, a small town on the eastern shore, to her current level of play as a D1 athlete in Towson. The two dive into obstacles Dakotah has overcome along her journey, lessons she has learned, and gratitude for those who have helped get her there.Dakotah Trader is a Division I field hockey student-athlete at Towson University, where she is pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Special Education. A native of Pocomoke City, Maryland, a town with a rich field hockey tradition. Dakotah developed a passion for the sport at a young age and has been dedicated to advancing her game ever since.During her high school career, she was a key contributor to her team's success, helping secure two Maryland 1A State Championships and one State Finalist title. She also competed at the club level with Shorebyrds, where she trained under experienced coaches and alongside elite teammates, further sharpening her skills and deepening her commitment to the sport.To prepare for collegiate-level competition, Dakotah trained at Competitive Sports Performance (CSP), focusing on both physical conditioning and mental resilience. Her training at CSP played a pivotal role in her development, equipping her with the tools to thrive at the next level.Dakotah committed to Towson University in March of her junior year of high school and continues to make an impact on and off the field as she enters her sophomore season in 2025. Her dedication, leadership, and work ethic reflect her commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics.For more on Dakotah, be sure to follow @dakotahtrader on Instagram.*SEASON 6 of the Braun Performance & Rehab Podcast is brought to you by Isophit. For more on Isophit, please check out isophit.com and @isophit -BE SURE to use coupon code BraunPR25% to save 25% on your Isophit order!**Season 6 of the Braun Performance & Rehab Podcast is also brought to you by Firefly Recovery, the official recovery provider for Braun Performance & Rehab. For more on Firefly, please check out https://www.recoveryfirefly.com/ or email jake@recoveryfirefly.com***This episode is also powered by Dr. Ray Gorman, founder of Engage Movement. Learn how to boost your income without relying on sessions. Get a free training on the blended practice model by following @raygormandpt on Instagram. DM my name “Dan” to @raygormandpt on Instagram and receive your free breakdown on the model.Episode Affiliates:MoboBoard: BRAWNBODY10 saves 10% at checkout!AliRx: DBraunRx = 20% off at checkout! https://alirx.health/MedBridge: https://www.medbridgeeducation.com/brawn-body-training or Coupon Code "BRAWN" for 40% off your annual subscription!CTM Band: https://ctm.band/collections/ctm-band coupon code "BRAWN10" = 10% off!Ice shaker affiliate link: https://www.iceshaker.com?sca_ref=1520881.zOJLysQzKeMake sure you SHARE this episode with a friend who could benefit from the information we shared!Check out everything Dan is up to by clicking here: https://linktr.ee/braun_prLiked this episode? Leave a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform

An organisation representing early childhood centre owners and managers has filed a complaint with the commerce commission about a sector advocacy group called the 'Office of Early Childhood Education'. Alexa Cook reports.

What role does Mississippi play in the ongoing conflict along the Gaza Strip? Two members of the Israeli community share their thoughts.Then, the state's largest non-profit supporting pre-k education shares details on what Mississippi students need to succeed.Plus, a new initiative by the Department of Agriculture and Commerce could help prepare Mississippi's farmers for the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning (CHS) marked a major milestone with the grand opening of its newest location in Middletown — the third of six planned centers in Pennsylvania. For Senate Alexander, Executive Director of CHS and a Milton Hershey School graduate, the opening is deeply personal."It’s a special moment for me personally as an MHS graduate… to now bring this program that’s needed to another community," Alexander said. "We’ll be able to serve almost 450 children next year." The new CHS Middletown location will provide care and education for 150 children, adding to the 300 already served at CHS centers in Hershey and Harrisburg. Designed with a unique touch, the facility includes 25,000 square feet of outdoor play space. "This particular plot used to be a farm," Alexander explained. "Now we’re transforming it into high-quality early childhood education for a community that needs it."Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Children's Education and Care Assurance (CECA) hosted itssecond ACT Early Childhood Education and Care Symposium at the National Museum of Australia.This year it explored governance requirements under the National Quality Framework and how to embed good governance in ECEC.Attendees were welcomed by Minister Yvette Berry, DeputyChief Minister, Minister for Early Childhood Development and Minister for Education, who spoke about the Legacy building work of developing new leaders in the sector. Respected academic Dr Leanne Gibbs from Charles SturtUniversity talked about good governance and leadership theory in early childhood settings and the realities that come with it. She spoke about her own varied experience and about developing empowered teams who are accountable and responsible even touching on embracing compliance to foster high-quality governance and leadership.The CECA Quality Engagement Program Team who presented on Quality, its roads blocks, questions and how to leadership and governance promote sustainable quality improvement. YWCA Colleagues shared their Quality Improvement plan journey and learnings from the being part of the Quality Engagement Program.Sarah Wilcox, from Wonderschool, with over 30 years'experience in both the profit and non-profit sectors, a Bachelor of Early Childhood Studies and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors discussed what good governance looks like in practice, including the responsibilities of those in management positions.The ACT ECEC Professional Learning Network and theleadership group who are supporting the design and implementation were introduced by Amanda Tobler, from ELM, a dedicated advocate for children and young people. With over 30 years of experience in the social services sector, including early education and care.The symposium concluded with a panel discussionabout governance and leadership

 Get ready to start your school year strong! In this episode, Isa is sharing 5 powerful things to prepare before day one—simple, practical steps that help you create a smooth schedule, set up calming spaces, choose smart tools, and build joyful connections with your students. Let's make your first day (and beyond) organized, welcoming, and full of heart. The Teachers Lounge – • Offering early education teachers a tool to set your classroom onto a path of success and build a cohesive and strong team of educators. (theearlyeducationteacherslounge.com)SocialsFACEBOOK:  (1) The Early Education Teachers Lounge | FacebookINSTAGRAM:  The Teacher's Lounge (@eecteacherslounge) • Instagram photos and videosPINTEREST:  (4) PinterestYOUTUBE:  https://youtube.com/@eecteacherslounge

In this episode, Nathan Pierce of Family Protection Ministries pulls back the curtain on how FPM prepares year-round for California's legislative battles that impact homeschool freedom. From proactive research and legislative analysis to writing letters and mobilizing action, you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into advocacy work long before a bill is heard in committee.Even during legislative recesses, FPM is hard at work—tracking upcoming threats, studying patterns, and building readiness for when lawmakers return. Learn how your support makes this ongoing work possible and discover ways you can get involved in protecting parental rights and homeschool freedoms.Whether you're new to advocacy or a veteran defender of educational liberty, this episode will equip and encourage you for the battle ahead.FPM Document Center:https://fpmca.org/document-center/Early Childhood Education: https://fpmca.org/ecestudy/Responses to Homeschool Criticism:https://fpmca.org/homeschool-law/response-to-2019-homeschool-criticism/FPM Website: fpmca.org

Did you know your body is never truly sterile—even before you're born? From semen and placenta to umbilical cord blood, your microbial journey begins early on. And it doesn't stop there. The type of birth, nurturing, and how you explore the world as a child play a crucial role in shaping your unique microbiome. The introduction of solid foods, interactions with your environment, and social contact add even more layers of complexity. By adulthood, your gut microbiome reaches its peak flexibility and resilience—but its foundations are built much earlier in life.As a young child, you explore the world with your hands, mouth, and curiosity—interacting constantly with an invisible universe of microbes. However, science has only recently started to seriously explore the deep and complex relationships between children and microbes.One pioneering initiative is the Microbial Childhood Collaboratory—an international, interdisciplinary research group exploring the concept of the biosocial child: not merely as an individual, but as an ecological being, deeply entangled in microbial and biospheric communities that sustain life. One of their projects, Microbial Childhood: Restor(y)ing Daycare Ecologies, emerges from research and experimentation around the design of a microbial-friendly daycare in Tampere, Finland.The Collaboratory brings together community artists, environmental ecologists, sociologists, anthropologists, and early childhood education researchers—including Zsuzsa Millei, Professor of Early Childhood Education at Tampere University, who joins us in this episode.

Connecting Communities: Abir Mahmoud - Early Childhood Education by 2mfm

 In this episode, we're exploring how reflection can elevate your teaching and strengthen your classroom team. You'll learn simple, practical steps to reflect individually and collaboratively, turn insights into action, and boost connection and growth. It's time to move beyond troubleshooting—and discover how reflection can help you teach better, together. The Teachers Lounge – • Offering early education teachers a tool to set your classroom onto a path of success and build a cohesive and strong team of educators. (theearlyeducationteacherslounge.com)SocialsFACEBOOK:  (1) The Early Education Teachers Lounge | FacebookINSTAGRAM:  The Teacher's Lounge (@eecteacherslounge) • Instagram photos and videosPINTEREST:  (4) PinterestYOUTUBE:  https://youtube.com/@eecteacherslounge

Hillary helps us learn how newborns experience their brand-new world —and how we as educators and doulas can help families understand them in ways they may have never been taught. Rather than seeing babies as a blob to be shaped, we can recognize them as fully formed people with unique needs. Transitioning from an internal dark, warm, water-filled home to the bright, ever-changing world can be quite an undertaking— but with our love and guidance, we can help them grow to their full potential, starting from the very first breath. Learning more about how we can teach this in a wonderfully sensitive way can change families' lives. About Hillary Hillary Menke, ICCE, is a childbirth and newborn care instructor with The Women's Clinic of Northern Colorado whose passion lies in the respectful, intentional care of very young children. She earned her BS in Early Childhood Education from the University of Northern Colorado and began her career working with infants through kindergarteners in the classroom. To deepen her understanding of whole-child development, she pursued Waldorf Teacher Training at Sound Circle Center, focusing on supporting children's growth beyond academics—nurturing what it means to be deeply, joyfully human. It was with the birth of her own little one and coming to grips with the awe-filled, wild ride of motherhood that this passion extended to the care of new parents in their journeys through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She earned her childbirth educator certification through ICEA and now helps families navigate this transformative time with evidence-based education and compassionate guidance. Her goal is to build confidence in parents as they care for their babies in ways that reflect their values, wisdom, and dreams. What You'll Learn: What current neuroscience reveals about how babies actually perceive the world Why educators need to role model respectful interaction with their “babies” in the classroom What the differences are between infant and adult brain waves How we can demonstrate ways for parents to empathize with their babies Why a parent's calm demeanor can change the interaction with baby How to teach ways to decode infant cues Why free movement is part of respectful infant care Hillary's Favorite Resources: Baby Bare by Stephanie Johnson The Nurture Revolution by Greer Kirshenbaum Unruffled with Janet Lansbury (Podcast) Anything from Magda Gerber or Dr. Emi Pikler Related Products from InJoy:  Understanding Your Newborn Curriculum Understanding Birth Curriculum Understanding Breastfeeding Curriculum Educator Media Library Related Blogs and Podcasts from InJoy:   Podcast: Season 9 Episode 2: Gentle Sleep Support with Sierra Brooks Contact Hillary at hillary.menke@gmail.com.

On this week's episode of Women Speak — a segment on Northeast Newscast — hosts Northeast News Editor-in-Chief, Julia Williams and former Missouri House Representative for District 19 Ingrid Burnett sat down with CEO of Early Start, June McDaniel to kick off a new series, where we highlight women in education.Throughout this episode, McDaniel discusses her journey of how she went from working a professional career in human resources (HR) to shifting into early childhood education — including how her previous skills have transferred into her current work. She delves into some particulars of Early Start and how the program works to best serve its students. McDaniel goes on to discuss her personal background as a Kansas City native and how her personal experiences have helped her build connections with students and families today. Williams shares a history of a few women who pioneered early education — leaving an impact on what it is today. This includes an education system — The Montessori Theory — which was developed in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries that is still utilized in many early childhood institutions today, including Early Start. Burnett and McDaniel how these systems have and are currently working in the education system. Cohosts and McDaniel additionally discuss ways for community members to get involved in early childhood education through City, County and State boards and commissions. Music used within this Women Speak episode is a song called “I Wish I Knew You Then” by Kansas City local artist Honeybee and the group's lead female vocalist, Makayla Scott. “I Wish I Knew You Then” is a recent single, which Honeybee released in March 2025.  Honeybee's latest single “Lindenlure,” was released on May 30 and is now available on its streaming platforms. 2025 singles “I Wish I Knew You Then,” “Charmed Life” and “Lindenlure” as well as additional Honeybee tracks are available on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, TIDAL and Youtube Music. *Disclaimer* I Wish I Knew You Then and any previous or future Honeybee songs used by The Northeast News within the Women Speak podcasts are courtesy of and approved by Makayla Scott and Honeybee under proper copyright law. Honeybee songs are not royalty-free nor subject to free use and should not be used by additional publications or organizations without proper consent. This podcast as well as all Women Speak episodes are made possible by The Northeast News, Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and Independence Avenue Community Improvement District.

Send us a textThe One About…What Should PA Instruction Look Like?Tiffany Peltier, and Marianne Rice PhDQuote:“The case for using letters in PA instruction is stacking up higher & higher… New research out today: An upside-down U curve found for oral PA instruction (diminishing returns after less than10hrs) but the OPPOSITE—increasingly MORE returns after 16 hrs—for PA w/LETTERS ��”Tiffany Peltier, PhDTiffany Peltier bio:Tiffany Peltier is a Research Scientist in the Collaborative for Student Growth at NWEA. Sheearned her PhD in Learning Science at the University of Oklahoma and her Masters in Reading and Bachelors in Early Childhood Education from Texas A&M University.Marianne Rice: Academic Researcher, Educator, and Reading Specialist at the Department of EducationalPsychology, Texas A&M UniversityEmail: Marianne.Rice@TAMU.EDUArticle:A Meta-Analysis on the Optimal Cumulative Dosage of Early Phonemic Awareness InstructionFlorina Erbeli, Marianne Rice, Ying Xu, Megan E. Bishop & J. Marc GoodrichPublished online: 25 Jan 2024https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10888438.2024.2309386RIP to Advanced Phonemic Awareness by Tim Shanahan (Reading Rockets)https://www.readingrockets.org/blogs/shanahan-on-literacy/rip-advanced-phonemic-awarenessBREAKING News: A revolutionary breakthrough in dyslexia intervention is HERE!/Dysolve-Created By Dr. Coral HohIt's bold. It's brain-based. It's changing lives.And it's available for schools, districts and individual families.This is next-level literacy.Listen now. Then email us: FaithandJudy@gmail.comLet's bring this cutting-edge work to YOU!

In episode of All Things Sensory, we sit down with the incredible Dr. Tessa Grigg - PhD, Dip Tch (Primary) Dip Tch (ECE). She has a wide range of experience within the Early Childhood Education field. She has taught in a Primary School, supervised a preschool with specialist work in the sensory-motor area, worked as a Child and Family Therapist, taught adult students in teaching and child development, and owned and operated a GymbaROO centre for nine years. Tessa is the "Tessa" in Tessarose Productions, a business that has produced music for children for over 30 years. Currently, Tessa is a certified Rhythmic Movement Training Practitioner and runs a Kinesiology clinic for children and adults. Following the completion of a PhD focused on children's primitive reflexes, Tessa now works part-time as a lecturer at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, and is the Research and Education Manager for GymbaROO-KindyROO in Australia.We chat about:How Tessa's career path led her to primitive reflex researchThe surprising effects of natural disasters (like earthquakes) and the pandemic on reflex development in childrenHer fascinating classroom-based research showing how simple, rhythmic movement interventions can dramatically impact learning, emotional regulation, and behaviorWhy crawling and skipping might just be two of the most important activities your child can do dailyHow to bring reflex integration into schools and homes without overwhelmWhether you're a parent, therapist, or educator, this episode is filled with practical tips, lightbulb moments, and hopeful reminders that everything can change when we meet kids where they are.LINKSTessa's Research Articleshttps://jneuroscience.com/jnen/articles/v9n1/jnen-103-tess-grigg.pdfhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29529872/Visit Tessa's website https://www.gymbaroo.com.au/We'd love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/Harkla Website https://harkla.co/Harkla YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamilyHarkla Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/

In this podcast, Isa Price shares how to navigate one of the hardest parent conversations teachers face—when a parent says, “My child would never.” She walks you through a simple three‑step approach: Validate, Pivot, and Partner, turning a tense moment into a chance to build trust and teamwork.The Teachers Lounge – • Offering early education teachers a tool to set your classroom onto a path of success and build a cohesive and strong team of educators. (theearlyeducationteacherslounge.com)SocialsFACEBOOK:  (1) The Early Education Teachers Lounge | FacebookINSTAGRAM:  The Teacher's Lounge (@eecteacherslounge) • Instagram photos and videosPINTEREST:  (4) PinterestYOUTUBE:  https://youtube.com/@eecteacherslounge

Follow us on X: @PhilBryantMS @americasrt1776 @ileaderssummit @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk Join America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy with Governor Phil Bryant, the State of Mississippi's 64th governor, former lieutenant governor, state auditor, legislator in the Mississippi House of Representatives and chairman of the Southern States Energy Board. Governor Bryant was just appointed by President Trump vice chairman of the President's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council, which is co-chaired by Secretary Kristi Noem of the Department of Homeland Security and Secretary Pete Hegseth of the Department of Defense. Phil Bryant is a founding member of BSS Global where he provides strategic advice and business development services to some of the world's largest industry leaders. He serves on the executive advisory board of International Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable conversation with Governor Bryant brings to the forefront key policies addressed by the Trump administration and Congress including extension of tax cuts through the Big Beautiful Bill, effective immigration policy in blocking illegal immigration, foreign policy of peace through strength, and the most recent data of increased employment. The conversation also addresses concerns of the rise of socialism in America, manifested again with socialist Zohran Mamdani winning the primary election for New York City's Mayor. Governor Bryant relays a special message to fellow Americans as we celebrate the July 4th, The Independence Day and look forward to the 250th anniversary in 2026. The timely discussion is focused on President Trump's policies — and their impact on America's citizens, taxpayers, local communities and states. Further reading: Magnolia Tribune | Vice President Vance touts ‘Mississippi Miracle,' calls the education reform “pretty incredible” (https://magnoliatribune.com/2025/04/08/vice-president-vance-touts-mississippi-miracle-calls-the-education-reform-pretty-incredible/) Brief excerpt from the article: “This is pretty incredible,” Vice President Vance wrote on X. “Smart education reform drastically improved Mississippi's schools.” The reforms began in 2012 under then-Governor Phil Bryant (R), Lt. Governor Tate Reeves (R) and Speaker Philip Gunn (R). As previously noted by Laurie Todd-Smith in a 2023 Magnolia Tribune column on the making of the “Mississippi Miracle,” only 33 percent of third graders and 32 percent of 8th graders were reading proficiently on state tests that year. She led the governor's education policy team and is now the Assistant Secretary for Early Childhood Education at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Bryant presented lawmakers with an education vision titled “Framing Mississippi's Future” and in 2013, reforms such as the Literacy Based Promotion Act (3rd Grade Reading Gate), the Pre-K Collaborative, the Mississippi Charter School Act, Dyslexia Education Scholarships, and more were passed and signed into law. Mississippi unites with Israel at Jerusalem Leaders Summit (https://www.jns.org/mississippi-unites-with-israel-at-jerusalem-leaders-summit/) Jerusalem | Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant bounded on stage and, in his obvious Southern drawl, greeted the guests of the Jerusalem Leaders Summit, which took place last month at the Inbal hotel. Bryant was presented with the Distinguished Leadership Award for his efforts to strengthen the Israel-U.S. strategic partnership. He is a strong Israel advocate and his emotions were on full display when he addressed the crowd. “We have so many friends around the world,” he said, “but none as close, and none that I love more than Israel. I am called to be here. Perhaps sometimes we cannot explain exactly why, but that call, that voice, is stronger than any other that we hear, to come to Israel, to Jerusalem, to do what I can to strengthen this relationship.” The Third Jerusalem Leaders Summit held from Nov. 18-20, proved a unique event featuring leading voices who articulated principled solutions in addressing the 21st-century's economic concerns, global threats and security challenges. The parent organization—the International Leaders Summit, co-founded by Joel Anand Samy and Natasha Srdoc—brought together leaders from America, Britain, continental Europe, India and Israel to its inaugural Jerusalem Leaders Summit event in 2015, affirming the rule of law of civilization, based on shared principles and values. americasrt.com (https://americasrt.com/) https://summitleadersusa.com/ | https://jerusalemleaderssummit.com/ America's Roundtable on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/americas-roundtable/id1518878472 X: @PhilBryantMS @americasrt1776 @ileaderssummit @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio program focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 68 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Tune into WTON in Central Virginia on Sunday mornings at 6:00 A.M. (ET). Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla explores the power and potential of intergenerational teams in early childhood education. With multiple generations working side by side in many ECE programs, there is an opportunity to create stronger, more dynamic teams when we learn to lean into our differences with curiosity and respect. Carla shares real stories, practical tools, and reflection prompts that will help you embrace diverse perspectives and build bridges between experience and innovation. Whether you're new to the profession or a seasoned educator, this episode will leave you feeling inspired, valued, and ready to co-create meaningful change with your team.Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/198Email Newsletter: ⁠Click Here

The Transformational Work of the STAR House Foundation (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 883) In Roswell, Georgia, hundreds of children face steep challenges outside the classroom. Those challenges don't stop when the school day ends. That’s where the STAR House Foundation comes in. In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray speaks […] The post The Transformational Work of the STAR House Foundation appeared first on Business RadioX ®.

The Transformational Work of the STAR House Foundation (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 883) In Roswell, Georgia, hundreds of children face steep challenges outside the classroom. Those challenges don't stop when the school day ends. That’s where the STAR House Foundation comes in. In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray speaks […]

Join Isa from The Teacher's Lounge in Tiny Notes, Big Shifts A podcast for early childhood educators who believe small moments can lead to big transformation. Isa shares quick insights, relatable stories, and real classroom strategies to help you reflect, grow, and create joyful learning spaces—one tiny note at a time.  The Teachers Lounge – • Offering early education teachers a tool to set your classroom onto a path of success and build a cohesive and strong team of educators. (theearlyeducationteacherslounge.com)SocialsFACEBOOK:  (1) The Early Education Teachers Lounge | FacebookINSTAGRAM:  The Teacher's Lounge (@eecteacherslounge) • Instagram photos and videosPINTEREST:  (4) PinterestYOUTUBE:  https://youtube.com/@eecteacherslounge

Doubts over the amount of admin needed for families to get the FamilyBoost scheme. The Government's announced changes, which mean eligible families can now get 40% early childhood education fee rebates, up from 25%. The threshold household income has risen to $229 thousand. Early Childhood NZ chief executive Kathy Wolfe told Heather du Plessis-Allan ECE providers have to help families access the scheme, which creates more admin for services. She says it would better for providers to have more control, and help families afford the fees. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, host Brian Mavis and co-host Courtney Williams engage with Congressman Greg Landsman, who discusses his advocacy for children and families, particularly those in the foster care system. Landsman shares his journey from local politics to Congress, emphasizing the importance of community support and early childhood education. He introduces his bill aimed at allowing foster care youth to use housing vouchers for on-campus living, highlighting the positive impact of community and belonging on educational success. The conversation explores the complexities of Congress, the importance of bipartisan support, and the need for consistent adult advocates in the lives of foster youth.Learn more about Senator Landsman at house.gov or senate.gov Thank you for listening to this episode of The Foster Friendly Podcast.Learn more about being a foster or adoptive parent or supporting those who are in your community.Meet kids awaiting adoption. Join us in helping kids in foster care by donating $18 a month and change the lives of foster kids before they age out.Visit AmericasKidsBelong.org and click the donate button to help us change the outcomes of kids in foster care.

#135Discover how to navigate your homeschool journey with confidence in "Homeschooling Through Chaos: Finding Your Family's Flow

In this podcast episode, Sara McBryde explores the significant role of games in early childhood education, discussing how they facilitate cognitive, social, and emotional development. The benefits of both structured and unstructured play in games help improve problem-solving skills and encourage cooperation and creativity. Games provide a supportive environment where children can experiment, make decisions, and learn from their mistakes. Join us as we dive into practical examples and insights on how games can be an essential tool for nurturing young learners.

Send us a textEver wondered how to explain AI news to the curious young minds in your life? This episode of AI for Kids Scoop breaks down the latest artificial intelligence developments from early to mid-June in language kids and adults can understand together.We dive into Apple's new "Apple Intelligence" features unveiled at their Worldwide Developer Conference. Picture asking your iPhone to translate a FaceTime call in real time or edit photos simply by describing what you want to change. We explore what this means for families who use these devices and how AI is quietly transforming everyday tech experiences.The conversation turns to Mattel's groundbreaking partnership with OpenAI, which promises to bring AI-powered toys to market later this year. Yes, Barbie's getting a brain! While these interactive toys offer exciting possibilities for creative play and learning, we discuss the important privacy considerations parents should keep in mind as toys begin collecting and processing children's data.We also unpack significant research from the Alan Turing Institute showing that 22% of children ages 8-12 have already engaged with AI chatbots, often without distinguishing between human and machine interactions. This highlights the critical need for AI literacy in schools and homes. Our screen-free activity encourages critical thinking about AI by having kids identify potential AI failures and develop human backup plans—a perfect way to build digital discernment without more screen time.From European AI regulations to Microsoft's transparency reports and Meta's privacy defaults, we translate complex tech developments into actionable insights for families navigating the AI revolution. Join us for this enlightening discussion that keeps your curiosity switched on while keeping screen time in balance. Download, share with friends, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!Support the showHelp us become the #1 podcast for AI for Kids.Buy our new book "Let Kids Be Kids, Not Robots!: Embracing Childhood in an Age of AI"Social Media & Contact: Website: www.aidigitales.com Email: contact@aidigitales.com Follow Us: Instagram, YouTube Gift or get our books on Amazon or Free AI Worksheets Listen, rate, and subscribe! Stay updated with our latest episodes by subscribing to AI for Kids on your favorite podcast platform. Apple Podcasts Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Other Like our content, subscribe or feel free to donate to our Patreon here: patreon.com/AiDigiTales...

Dr. Luke Woods was the Keynote speaker at the Givens Foundation's annual conference conference,  Dr. Luke Wood returned to his alma mater, Sacramento State to become its ninth president on July 16th, 2023. A nationally renowned scholar on racial equity with a specific focus on early childhood education and community colleges. Dr. Wood has authored or co-authored 16 books and published nearly 200 articles, focusing on racial inequity in education. Dr. Woods' bold vision for the university includes 23 strategic action items, including the creation of the Nation's First Black Honors College, which welcomed its inaugural class of scholars in the fall of 2024. President Wood holds a bachelor's degree in Black history and Politics and a Master's degree in higher education leadership from Sacramento State and a master of Education in Early Childhood Education, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with a higher education concentration from Arizona State University. “From Resistance to Resilience: The Evolution of African American Reading,” was an extraordinary opportunity to champion literacy, cultural equity, and social justice. Held on June 3, 2025, this event was made possible through the generous support of the Minnesota Humanities Center.  

Chapters00:00Introduction and Background01:29Coming Out Journey03:50First Experiences and Relationships07:55Finding Love and Long-Term Partnership11:46Becoming an Author14:43Writing Themes and Audience18:28Future Projects and Aspirations21:19SummaryIn this conversation, Blake Allwood shares his journey of self-discovery, from his coming out experience in a conservative environment to becoming a successful author. He discusses the challenges he faced growing up in a small town, his exploration of sexuality, and the impact of his relationships on his life. Blake also delves into his writing career, revealing how he transitioned from being terrified of writing to publishing numerous books, primarily focused on gay romance. He reflects on the importance of authenticity and the lessons learned.Takeaways*Blake's coming out story was influenced by his upbringing in a conservative environment.*He didn't fully understand his sexuality until he was in college.*Therapy played a crucial role in Blake's self-discovery.*Blake's first sexual experience was with a man he met at a bar.*He identifies as demisexual, preferring emotional connections over casual encounters.*Blake has been with his husband for over 30 years, emphasizing the importance of finding the right partner.*His writing journey began as a way to help a troubled foster son.*Blake has published around 35 books, mostly focused on gay romance.*He enjoys writing stories that offer hope and happy endings.*Blake's audience primarily consists of straight women who enjoy gay romance.BioBlake Allwood was born in Tennessee, then moved to Missouri after earning a degree in Early Childhood Education from Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa. He met his husband Shaun in 1995 and they officially married in 2015, once gay marriage was legalized; although they still consider Valentines Day 1995 as their true “anniversary date”. Twenty-two years later (2017), after fostering 12 children together, he and his husband sold their home, purchased an RV and began traveling the country with their two dogs. Most of Blake's stories are inspired by the places they have visited in their ongoing travels. His first book, Aiden Inspired, was released in 2019 and he has now written over 30 books. On June 1st, Blake released his latest book, Cleats and Pumps, which is an NFL football player to drag queen star novel. Blake also writes under the pen name of Adam J. Ridley for his urban fantasy fans looking for stories revolving around gay characters. His first series is The Witch Brothers Saga, starting with Emerald Earth.  He will release two new books under Adam J. Ridley this fall.Contact Info:Email: Blake@blakeallwood.comWebsite: blakeallwood.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/blake.allwood.5Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blakeallwood9/BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/authorblakeallwood.bsky.socialTo contact Wilkinson:  BecomingWilkinson@gmail.com

Early childhood education helps kids develop social, cognitive, and physical skills. Whether that learning comes from a formal child care setting or a stay at home parent, this episode covers what you need to know about early learning experiences.  Host Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez talks with Ruth Ray, the Program Director of Early Learning Professional Support at Candelen, about how to support your child's growth and development. Host:Jessica Stewart-Gonzalez is the Chief of the Office of Children's Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. She is married, has two young children, and loves reading (anything except parenting books!) and watching movies and TV.  She enjoys spending time with her kids (when they aren't driving her crazy) and celebrating all of their little, and big, accomplishments. Jessica has been in the field of family and child development for over 20 years, focused on normalizing the hard work of parenting and making it easier to ask the hard questions.Links: Strong Families AZHost: Jessica Stewart-GonzalezGuest: Ruth RayCandelenQuality FirstArizona Child Care Resource and Referral

Do you have a dog who panics on a trip to the vet or groomer? It can be quite an ordeal! It's something we experienced recently with our Bernedoodle, Jovy, on grooming day. While the perceived threat wasn't real, her reaction to it could have put her (and Joanna!) in real danger.We can sometimes react just like Jovy as we interact with our spouse. Something that seems simple on the surface can trigger instant feelings of stress and anxiety. Our bodies go into overdrive. And in our fight to feel secure with our spouse, we only push them further away.These painful patterns can occur in any relationship—not just marriages—and when they do, we can end up on a trajectory that causes even more pain and frustration. That's why we are so grateful to have Ron and Nan Deal joining us for a conversation about how emotional reactions can hurt instead of help our relationships.Ron is a bestselling author, licensed marriage & family therapist, podcaster, and popular conference speaker who conducts marriage and family seminars and professional trainings. Nan has a degree in Early Childhood Education and taught in schools for over 25 years. She is a leader with a local Re-Generation ministry and, together with Ron, leads a support group for parents who have lost a child.Together, Ron and Nan are co-authors of The Mindful Marriage: Create Your Best Relationship Through Understanding and Managing Yourself.In this episode, Ron and Nan share:The four reactive coping stylesPractical steps to uncover your painful patternsThe role regulation plays in the equationAnd much more!This is such a rich conversation about how we can resolve the patterns of the past and find healing in our relationships. Enjoy!Show Notes: growinghometogether.com/ron-nan-deal-110

In this compelling episode, Vishal Sunil, Co-Founder and CTO of Rocket Learning, offers a nuanced and forward-looking perspective on the intersection of artificial intelligence and early childhood education in India. Rocket Learning, a social impact organization working with over 3.2 million students across 10 Indian states, is radically transforming how foundational learning is delivered to underserved communities. The organization's vision is to ensure that every child, particularly those aged 0 to 6, reaches their full potential by empowering both caregivers and early childhood educators through scalable, tech-enabled interventions. Central to Rocket Learning's success is its deep integration with India's vast public daycare infrastructure, the anganwadi system. These centers, which serve a majority of the country's early learners, were historically under-resourced and underutilized for educational purposes. Rocket Learning is spearheading efforts to convert anganwadi workers into effective early childhood educators, a mission now backed at the national level through initiatives such as “Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi” — a government campaign that integrates nutrition with learning and is supported by a significant financial commitment. What sets Rocket Learning apart is its product philosophy: pragmatic, accessible, and deeply embedded in community. Rather than building flashy new platforms, the organization leverages ubiquitous tools like WhatsApp to facilitate parent-child and teacher-child engagement. Their pedagogy prioritizes social reinforcement by fostering community-based learning environments, where shared participation amplifies motivation and adoption. By rejecting highly individualized and gamified approaches in favor of communal learning, they offer an alternative paradigm rooted in behavioral science and cultural context. The discussion takes a particularly insightful turn as Sunil introduces Appu, Rocket Learning's new voice-based, AI-powered tutor developed in collaboration with Google.org. Appu is not merely a chatbot, but a human-centric educational interface designed to engage children in two-minute voice conversations tailored to their learning level, interests, and local context. The system is engineered with a guardrail framework — ensuring safety, consistency, and pedagogical alignment — while still offering dynamic, personalized experiences. This form of “guided discovery” allows children to learn through everyday interactions, and it encourages parents to participate actively in the process, thereby reinforcing learning through familial bonding. Multilingualism, minimal screen time, and culturally responsive design are at the core of Appu's development. The tool is already operational in several Indian languages and can be quickly adapted to new linguistic and regional contexts, with the ambition of one day serving learners globally. Importantly, Rocket Learning is not just interested in innovation for its own sake. As Sunil notes, the organization is committed to rigorous evidence-building. Their forthcoming randomized controlled trial, conducted in partnership with J-PAL, will offer critical insights into the impact of AI tutors on early childhood learning outcomes — potentially shaping global policy and philanthropy in this domain. Sunil's personal journey, from a data scientist in the United States to a purpose-driven social entrepreneur in India, is emblematic of a new generation of technologists who view scale not just as a metric, but as a moral imperative. His reflections are deeply grounded in the lived experiences of Rocket Learning's users — parents who sacrifice convenience for their child's future, and educators who evolve from caretakers to catalysts of cognitive development. Thank you for downloading this episode of the Do One Better Podcast. Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.  

Early childhood educators are making a big impact on the Boston community. Their work affects not only the local economy, but even more importantly, the course of a child's future.“If we invest and pour into our children — not as the proverbial babysitters, but as educators at the earliest of ages — that will absolutely change the trajectory of a child's life,” said Sandra McCroom, president and CEO of Children's Services of Roxbury (CSR), one of the largest Black-led nonprofits in Massachusetts.In this episode of PNC C-Speak: The Language of Executives, McCroom and Ben Hires, CEO of the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, discuss early education, the importance of trauma-informed care and their visions for the future of their communities. This episode is the latest segment in a C-Speak miniseries exploring the relationship between early childhood and the economy. Tune in to learn more about:The importance of investing in early childhood education (11:40)Opportunities for growth within the early childhood education sector (14:21)What business leaders need to know about early education (24:34)Trauma-informed care, and why it's critical in early education (21:05)How McCroom and Hires stay energized while managing a demand career (29:08)Powered by PNC Bank.

Reset talks with early childhood education advocates about Head Start's uncertain future. The panel includes Pamela Epley, Vice President of Academic Affairs at the Erikson Institute and Nadia Gronkowski, Program Manager of Advocacy & Policy at Start Early. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Isabelle Hau, executive director of the Stanford Accelerator for Learning, joins Vicki Davis to explore why the early years gap is our greatest educational inequity. Discover how 90% of brain development happens before age five and why relationships are fundamental to learning. Hau's book "Love to Learn" (the #1 new release on Amazon in Early Childhood Education) reveals why we need more "relational intelligence" in education and less focus on standardized metrics. She explains why young children today play 50% less outdoors than their parents did and how early childhood educators are literally "sculpting brains." A must-listen for anyone passionate about early childhood education! Show notes, bio, and infographic at https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e889 Solution Tree - Show Sponsor For over 25 years, Solution Tree has partnered with schools and districts to deliver research-driven professional development that helps teachers turn their passion into real progress for their students. See the results they've helped schools achieve at SolutionTree.com/10MinuteTeacher.