Podcasts about Early childhood education

Cheryl sits down with Katie Vieira — a former 4th grade teacher turned homeschool mom — to talk about what surprised her most when she stepped outside the traditional school system. They unpack how early academic pressure has changed, why many kids feel burnout younger than ever, and how standardized testing and school accountability can shape what happens in the classroom (and the stress teachers carry).They also dive into the real-life side of homeschooling: finding community, handling seasons where screens sneak in more than you planned, keeping reading and learning positive when kids resist “lessons,” and the ongoing challenge of balancing motherhood with creative work and personal goals. Katie shares about her children's book “Into the Field: Tennessee Summer,” inspired by shifting away from screen-heavy days and toward outdoor adventures, confidence-building, and learning through experience — plus what's next in her planned series.In this episode, we cover:Katie's path from certified teacher to homeschool momWhy kindergarten/early elementary standards feel so intense nowStandardized testing pressure (and how it can impact teachers)Lockdown drills, school anxiety, and what parents weigh in their choicesScreen time seasons, outdoor resets, and the “thousand hours outside” ideaHomeschool balance: work, creativity, and family rhythmsColorado homeschool options and one-day-a-week enrichment programsHow to keep learning positive when kids push backLinks & resources mentioned: Katie Vieira + Into the Field: Tennessee SummerKatie's Instagram 

This week on Herbal Radio, we are joined again by the educator, gardener, author, and 2022 recipient of the Grants 4 Plants program, Tyrone Ledford. Join host Lucretia Van Dyke and Tyrone as they explore: Navigating life through trauma: adolescence into adulthood Community gardening to grow awareness of wellness How enslaved Africans cultivated American agriculture Bridging the gap between the person and the plant Tyrone's new book, Cultivating Abundance in Harsh Climates: A Guide to Desert Gardening As always, we thank you for joining us on another botanical adventure and are so honored to have you tag along with us on this ride. Remember, we want to hear from you! Your questions, ideas, and who you want to hear from are an invaluable piece to our podcast. Email us at podcast@mountainroseherbs.com to let us know what solutions we should uncover next within the vast world of herbalism. Learn more about Tyrone and Lucretia below! 

Gov. Matt Meyer's State of the State address and budget proposal called for huge investments in early childhood education– about $50 million in state and federal monies.Part of the federal money comes from a federal grant, meant to bolster childcare infrastructure in the First State.Gov.Meyer tapped Lt. Governor Kyle Evans Gay to take the lead managing this grant and the state's larger effort to improve access to early childhood education and the results it produces.This week, Delaware Public Media State Politics reporter Bente Bouthier sat down with Lt. Gov Gay to discuss the state's plans.

"Meet the Helpers" As Director of Programs, Sarah Goehring supports educators and caregivers learning from the life and work of Fred Rogers. Sarah serves as the Director of the Fred Rogers Scholars Program for undergraduate students at Saint Vincent College, supports communities of learning for children's helpers, and assists with programmatic and event coordination for the Institute. Prior to her current role, Sarah joined the Institute as a Fred Rogers Scholar and work-study student while earning a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Saint Vincent College. She then earned an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Saint Vincent College while working as a Graduate Assistant at the Institute. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys baking and spending time with her husband and son. Kenzee's role as a program associate allows her to celebrate and convey Fred Rogers' values and long-lasting impact on our neighborhood and beyond. Her involvement in Educators' Neighborhood inspires educators to connect in the spirit of empathy, kindness, and community. Kenzee engages in the study of archival material through various speaking and research opportunities. She also collaborates with undergraduate students in the Fred Rogers Scholars program as they embody Fred's important values through community outreach efforts. Before her role as a program associate, she worked at the Fred Rogers Institute as a work-study while obtaining her B.A. in English with a secondary education certification at Saint Vincent College. She was a Fred Rogers Scholar as well. She acquired her M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from SVC during the fall of 2025. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her border collie, Winston, and read.

The Creator Economy - beyond social media with Brian FitzgeraldI'm Brian Fitzgerald, former IP attorney, artist and serial tech entrepreneur.  I have founded and sold several companies.  My latest venture is Liquid Canvas, the Spotify of art for TVs.  My value is that I site at the crossroads of tech, entrepreneurship, business, and culture.  I have over 35 years of deal making, investing and operational experience.Links:https://www.liquidcanvas.art/TagsArts,Dogs,Early Childhood Education,Education Technology,Immersive Art,Non-Fungible Token (NFT),Photography,Tech Entrepreneur,Technology,Technology Executive,Live Video Podcast Interview,Podcast,Podmatch ,Interview,AISupport PEG by checking out our Sponsors:Download and use Newsly for free now from www.newsly.me or from the link in the description, and use promo code “GHOST” and receive a 1-month free premium subscription.The best tool for getting podcast guests:https://podmatch.com/signup/phantomelectricghostSubscribe to our Instagram for exclusive content:https://www.instagram.com/expansive_sound_experiments/Subscribe to our YouTube https://youtube.com/@phantomelectricghost?si=rEyT56WQvDsAoRprRSShttps://anchor.fm/s/3b31908/podcast/rssSubstackhttps://substack.com/@phantomelectricghost?utm_source=edit-profile-page

In this episode of The Admittedly Podcast, Thomas Caleel sits down with Kathy Yellen, Senior Program Consultant at Advantage Testing, to pull back the curtain on what most families misunderstand about tutoring and test prep. With 16 years at Advantage Testing and a background spanning early childhood education, classroom teaching, and performance, Kathy explains what her role actually looks like: listening to families, building a roadmap, and "matchmaking" students with the right tutors so the relationship works, not just the schedule. Together, Thomas and Kathy unpack the real concerns parents bring to the table when they're navigating SAT/ACT prep or academic tutoring for the first time, including confusion, misinformation, and the fear that "we're behind."  Key Topics: What Advantage Testing "program consulting" actually is, and why the student-tutor match matters as much as expertise How families should approach test prep and academic tutoring when they don't know where to start Why there is no "only way" to prep and how to tune out conflicting opinions and social media noise What tutoring is (and is not): scaffolding, mentorship, and confidence-building, not replacement or shortcutting When to consider tutoring, including support, remediation, and enrichment, and why timing depends on the student Why practice test scores often fluctuate and how to evaluate progress using trendlines, not single data points How to handle mid-process stress and what to do if the match isn't working (and why course correction should happen early) Guest: Kathy Yellen: Senior Program Consultant at Advantage Testing with 16 years of experience supporting families through academic tutoring and test preparation. Kathy holds a BA in English from Tufts University and an MST in Early Childhood Education from Fordham University, and has worked as a teacher, tutor, actor, and singer before joining Advantage Testing. Learn more about Admittedly's partnership with Advantage Testing: admittedly.co/programs Follow Admittedly: Instagram and TikTok: @admittedlyco Follow Advantage Testing: Instagram: @advantagetesting  

There's fears parents aren't teaching their children basic skills like talking, eating, or using the toilet. The Auckland Primary Principals' Association reports 87 percent of schools say children now need more support than ever before. 92 percent say new entrants don't know the letters in their own name. Psychologist Sara Chatwin says it raises questions about what's going on at home. "And then I think it speaks to how important good quality early childhood education is - in that it's really helping those kids transition from that state to school." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New entrants are needing more help than ever. Primary schools are reporting record levels of children arriving without basic skills such as talking, eating and toileting. Data from the Auckland Primary Principals' Association shows 92% of schools report new entrants don't know the letters in their own name. Director of New Shoots Children's Centre Kelly Seaburg told Mike Hosking there isn't good data on what kids have learned prior to attending school. She says they know whether children have attended Early Childhood Education, but they have no idea how many hours they've spent there. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As children head off to school this week, many of them for the first time, a woeful number of young ones are ill-prepared for the classroom. A recent survey conducted by the Auckland Primary Principals' Association and released by the ECE sector partnership, found nearly 90% of Auckland primary schools have reported an increasing number of children starting school without basic skills, such as talking, eating, and toileting. To be very clear, these are not children who have mental and or physical disabilities. These are erstwhile normies, kids who should be able to do all of these basic, basic skills. The same survey, undertaken with 120 primary and intermediate schools, said all but 2% of those who responded said there's a real prevalence of new entrants having trouble with following directions and sharing. 92% of schools have new entrants who don't know the letters of their own names. Schools also reported new entrants who have real challenges dressing, identifying their name, they're unable to hold a pencil or drawing utensil, those fine motor skills. Now, probably there'll be retired teachers sitting there muttering, going, well this is nothing new, there have always been children in new entrant classes who have required extra help. But the schools in the survey have around 15 children per cohort, per new intake cohort, who need extra help in getting them learning ready. That's a lot of kids, and a lot of extra time and effort to spend on children to get them to the same start line as the other new entrants. One of the schools has introduced, in effect, streaming. At Massey Primary, they've set up two new entrant classes to support children at the different ends of the school readiness spectrum. So, those who are able to identify their names, who are hungry to learn, who can hold pencils, they're in one class, those who need help in going to the toilet are in another class. It's a sensible solution to a problem that really should not exist. The report is, in effect, talking up the value of quality early childhood education, and it's calling for more funding for the sector. It can make a huge difference to the school readiness of a child, which is quite true. But so too does a parent who takes an interest in their child. The report, while talking up ECE, is very quick to excuse parents. It says this should not be attributed, the lack of school readiness should not be attributed to parents who are juggling a myriad of obligations in an increasingly busy environment that includes a cost of living crisis. So the lack of a child's ability to be ready for school should not be attributed to parents who are juggling myriad of obligations in an increasingly busy environment that includes a cost of living crisis. Come on – how can it not be a parent's responsibility? I would have thought it would take an enormous effort to dumb a child down to the extent that some of them are turning up at school. Children are naturally curious, they want to learn. That's why we're not still primordial slime – we have a natural, innate desire to know. Children also naturally want to be clean, they don't want to be in a nappy at six, unless that's what they've had to get used to. It doesn't have to cost anything to develop a child's natural curiosity, it's just time spent with them. Every single child psychologist will tell you that, those first 1,000 days. It's not about the flashiest pens and pencils and buying them books and it's not even, it's just having a safe, warm, dry place, which can be difficult for some, but then spending time with them. And if you're not confident about answering questions or reading to them, or you can't be bothered taking them to the park, then you can send them to childcare where the well-trained educators will do the hard work for you. There's free hours at childcare centres. Please, when we're talking about the readiness or not of children for school, sure, talk up early childhood education, ask for more money, but please, do not exculpate parents who know they can and should be doing better by their children. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textIn this episode, Kate and Carrie get interviewed in an episode of The Child Care Director's Chair. Erica Saccoccio sits down with them to chat about building real, lasting partnerships between schools and families. They share smart, down-to-earth tips—like swapping rushed updates for meaningful stories and asking parents thoughtful questions at pick-up. The trio reminds us that when educators and families become true “co-pilots,” kids thrive and communities grow stronger. Plus, there's a special invite to the Early Childhood Empowerment Conference! If you're ready to lead with heart and connect deeper, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, we're joined by Alyssa Blask Campbell—educator, emotional-development expert, and author of the bestselling book Tiny Humans, Big Emotions. Alyssa invites us into the heart of her groundbreaking framework, the Collaborative Emotion Processing (CEP) method—a research-based approach designed to help parents and educators respond to children's emotions with intention rather than reactivity.Through this rich conversation, Alyssa explains what it truly means to process emotions collaboratively, starting with the adult's ability to regulate their own nervous system. She shares how the CEP method reframes emotional moments not as crises to fix, but as opportunities for connection and co-regulation. Together, we explore how this framework helps both parents and teachers move beyond behaviour management and into deeper relational understanding—where curiosity, empathy, and attunement replace power struggles and frustration.Alyssa's insights offer a refreshing reminder that emotional intelligence begins with us. When adults pause, breathe, and reflect before reacting, they model the very skills children need to thrive. Her work bridges cutting-edge neuroscience with compassionate, practical tools that fit into everyday life—whether you're navigating a toddler tantrum, a classroom meltdown, or the quiet undercurrent of stress in your own body.Tune in for an inspiring and empowering conversation about what it means to raise and teach with emotional awareness, and how cultivating calm within ourselves is the most powerful gift we can give the children in our care.Alyssa Blask Campbell, M.Ed., is an emotional development expert, teacher, parent, and the founder and CEO of Seed & Sew—a global platform dedicated to raising emotionally intelligent humans by supporting the adults who care for them. She holds a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education and is the creator of the Collaborative Emotion Processing (CEP) method, a research-based framework that helps parents and educators respond to children's emotions with intention rather than reactivity.Alyssa is also the host of the popular Voices of Your Village podcast and author of Tiny Humans, Big Emotions (HarperCollins), where she translates the science of emotional intelligence into practical, compassionate tools for everyday life. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post and other major outlets, and she has trained educators and families across the globe on how to build connection through co-regulation and nervous system awareness.LInk to Alyssa's books: Tiny Humans, Big Emotions , and Big Kids, Bigger Feelings Sensory Quiz: https://www.seedandsew.org/linksThe Parent Coach:We're launching The Parent Coach—your new go-to place for instant parenting support. Ask a question and get immediate guidance plus a three-minute expert video, all at your fingertips. No more endless scrolling or long courses.Join now and become one of our first 1,000 early adopters to lock in a heavily discounted introductory price.The 2026 ICP Parenting Summit is coming!Join us March 16–19 for 35+ expert masterclasses and four interactive half-day workshops, featuring leading voices like Ross Greene, Laura Markham, Robert Melillo, Lawrence Cohen, Kim John Payne, and Jon Fogel. We'll be diving into the topics parents need most: screens, discipline, anxiety, emotional regulation, neurodiversity, resilience, play, and more.The summit is completely free, and VIP packages include lifetime access, toolkits, certificates, and a digital copy of The Parenting Handbook.Click here to save your seat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The cost of child care is at an all-time high. The typical American family with young kids now spends more on child care than housing. In most of the developed world, the government pays for child care so parents can work and contribute to the economy. But free, universal child care is nearly unheard of in the U.S. At least it was until a few months ago. In November, New Mexico became the first state to launch free, universal child care. On today's episode, what can Washington learn from a state that managed to pull it off?GUEST:Elizabeth Groginsky, Cabinet Secretary for New Mexico's Early Childhood Education and Care DepartmentThank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/boomingnotes.Booming is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. Our editor is Carol Smith. Our producers are Lucy Soucek and Alec Cowan. Our hosts are Joshua McNichols and Monica Nickelsburg.Support the show: https://kuow.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Cyril Ramaphosa says early childhood education is critical in developing well rounded young people. He was delivering the keynote address at the Basic Education Sector Lekgotla in Boksburg East of Johannesburg. The three-day annual meeting brings together senior education officials including those from provinces as well as policy makers and sector experts. Ramaphosa says early investments lead to greater rewards...

Send us a textWhat if the most powerful thing we could give young children is time to play?Early childhood expert Rae Pica joins Dr. Diane for a candid conversation about why play, movement, and joy are essentials, not extras -- and how rushing children into academics is doing real harm.

In this episode of the Asking Why podcast, host Clint Davis speaks with Lisa Danahy about the importance of movement and mindfulness in education, particularly for children. They discuss how movement can help children feel safe and regulated, which is essential for learning. Lisa shares her experiences with yoga and mindfulness in schools, emphasizing the need for co-regulation between adults and children. The conversation also touches on the physiological aspects of stress responses and the benefits of incorporating simple movement and breath practices into daily routines. Lisa provides practical tools for educators and parents to foster a supportive environment for children's emotional and social development. Websites: www.CreateCalm.org. www.childrensyoga.com. www.MondayMindfulness.com. www.INAwellness.com.  Facebook: Lisa Danahy  https://www.facebook.com/lisa.danahy.1 Create Calm  https://www.facebook.com/INAwellness Radiant Child  https://www.facebook.com/RadiantChildYoga Instagram: Create Calm  https://www.instagram.com/create_calm_yoga Lisa Danahy  https://www.instagram.com/yogatherapywithlisadanahy Radiant Child  https://www.instagram.com/radiantchild   Books: Creating Calm in Your Classroom  A Mindfulness-Based Program for Social Emotional Learning in Early Childhood Education  https://www.balboapress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/859194-creating-calm-in-your-classroom  Sample pages: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/  1IIl18BcT0HnEmHTDuXjNTQwy1kpFvm75?usp=sharing  Press Release: https://drive.google.com/file/d/  1qcyDSelyw1RQ6we2aFpM59k2znO__5Fz/view?usp=sharing  Washington Parent Magazine  Stress Relief for Children of All Abilities  https://washingtonparent.com/stress-relief-for-children-of-all-abilities/  Highlights Magazine  Move It! Specialized segment for High Five  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HUN-kwrtFziLaBFWBAO5KSKTZe6PTzrW?usp=sharing  National Association for the Education of Young Children  5-Part Series for Teaching Young Children  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QaCXunYFva  BkSaAklKVqfOCZW0qGxS52?usp=sharing 

Wellbeing consultant Monica Rollins, founder of Rooted Wellness Collective, joins Carla to explore what it really takes to move beyond burnout in Early Childhood Education. Together, they unpack the systemic roots of educator exhaustion and how to create H.E.A.R.T.-centered programs where teachers feel supported and children flourish.Monica shares her personal journey through burnout, the lessons she's learned about leadership and wellbeing, and practical ways educators and administrators can reconnect with purpose, presence, and joy.Listen in for a conversation filled with honesty, hope, and real strategies to help you nurture both yourself and your team.MONICA ROLLINSMonica Rollins is a wellbeing consultant dedicated to transforming the early childhood profession, where she has spent nearly two decades as a teacher, leader, and strategist. After walking through her own season of burnout and loss in 2024, she realized that exhaustion in ECE isn't just an individual struggle—it's a systemic story the profession has carried for far too long. Now, she is on a mission to help schools rewrite their burnout stories and build H.E.A.R.T.-centered communities where teachers thrive, teams feel supported, and children flourish.LINKSThe ECE Wellbeing Playbook:  https://www.rootedwellnesscollective.org/playbook LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-kaye-rollins/SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more ECEs who are in the thick of it!. Thanks for tuning in to The Everything ECE.  See you next week! shape their early years.CONNECT WITH CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

This special episode comes directly from an inspiring day at the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) in Toronto, where the global launch of the Smart Start program was celebrated through a landmark symposium titled Music and the Mind: A Smart Start to Early Childhood Education. The event focused on the transformative role of music in early childhood learning and development. Educators, researchers, policymakers, and arts advocates gathered in Koerner Hall in Toronto to explore how music influences the developing brain, supports emotional and social growth, and enhances early learning well beyond songs and rhythm. The symposium also examined the evolving role of technology and artificial intelligence in education and creativity. Smart Start is the Royal Conservatory of Music's early childhood music program, designed for young learners at the very beginning of their musical journey. Grounded in research on child development and learning science, the program uses play-based, developmentally appropriate activities to nurture musical skills alongside cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Smart Start is about more than learning music—it supports whole-child development through music. For more background on how the program was developed, listen to the previous episode featuring Alexander Brose, President & CEO of The Royal Conservatory of Music: https://www.theartandscienceoflearning.com/blogsidebysidee/124-music-amp-neuroscience-the-royal-conservatory-of-musics-innovative-approach-to-early-childhood-education-alexander-brose The day opened with a powerful keynote from Renée Fleming, celebrated soprano and author of Music and Mind, who spoke about the impact of music and music therapy on health and wellbeing. She invited the audience to sing together in harmony—setting the tone for a day centered on connection, research, and shared experience. Alexander Brose, President & CEO of The Royal Conservatory of Music, welcomed attendees and shared the story behind Smart Start's creation and development. Throughout the day, internationally recognized voices from across disciplines contributed to panels and discussions on music, neuroscience, education, creativity, and innovation. Speakers and panelists included Evan Solomon, Canada's Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Raffi, the beloved children's singer-songwriter, Steve Paikin, the award-winning journalist, Eric Radford, Olympic figure skater and composer, and many more. The symposium also featured hands-on learning experiences led by Catherine West, pedagogy leader and early childhood education specialist, allowing participants to experience Smart Start exactly as children would in a learning environment. This episode brings the symposium to life through three in-depth interviews with key speakers: • Dr. Indre Viskontas – Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of San Francisco, musician, and host of the Inquiring Minds podcast, discussing the neuroscience of music and learning • Kevin Chan – Senior Director at META, exploring the connections between creativity, technology, AI, and education • Dr. Sean Hutchins – Director of Research at The Royal Conservatory of Music and co-developer of the Smart Start curriculum, unpacking the research and educational thinking behind the program Together, these conversations offer a rich picture of why Smart Start matters and how early, play-based music education can help develop cognitive skills, emotional regulation, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, setting children up to become lifelong learners. Dive in to revisit the ideas, insights, and inspiration from the Music and the Mind symposium, celebrating the global launch of the Royal Conservatory of Music's Smart Start program. Links: Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Neuroscience: https://www.rcmusic.com/about-us/rcm-neuroscience Music and the Mind Symposium (October 31st 2025): https://www.rcmusic.com/about-us/news/global-launch-of-rcm-early-childhood-music

In this episode of Reimagine Childhood, Monica Healer, the host, offers a heartfelt discussion aimed at early childhood educators, focusing on how personal growth in wisdom, physical well-being, and faith can impact their teaching and caregiving roles. Drawing from Luke 2:52, Monica emphasizes the continuous journey of learning, the importance of physical care, and the necessity of deepening one's relationship with God. She shares practical strategies for daily reflection, self-care, and spiritual development, encouraging educators to seek God's guidance, nourish their bodies, and strengthen their faith. Ending with a reminder of the eternal impact educators have on children and their communities, Monica provides actionable steps to grow in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man in the coming year. 00:00 Introduction to Reimagine Childhood 01:01 A Different Kind of Episode 01:41 Growing in Wisdom 04:39 Taking Care of Your Physical Body 10:26 Nurturing Your Relationship with God 16:50 Growing in Favor with Man 20:39 Final Encouragement and Farewell

SoCal is bracing for major rainfall to hit the area later tonight. LAUSD is expanding its winter break learning program. Plus, LAist early childhood reporter shares her top stories of 2025. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!Support the show: https://laist.com

Send us a textSome Georgia high school students are getting a jump start on their careers in early childhood education by taking classes on the subject as early as high school. For example, Maxwell High School of Technology in Gwinnett County offers early childhood education offerings that include a fully operational Georgia's Pre-K Program classroom.  Joining us to talk about the program is Karey McFall, an Early Childhood Education Instructor, along with Laurynn Martin, a paraprofessional and former student at the program, plus current students Aubrey Hoyt and Justin Davilla Mora. And Rokeya Stone is a Georgia's Pre-K Program Specialist who works with the team at Maxwell High School of Technology. Support the show

Heather Bernt-Santy, author of "Using Schema Play Theory to Advocate for Free Play in Early Childhood" has been living her commitment to children, their families and their teachers for over 30 years. You may know Heather from her work as the host of the popular early care and education podcast "That Early Childhood Nerd," but she also loves her work as a speaker, consultant, writer and professor. She has held just about every position possible in the field of early care and education: teacher, director, family child care provider, education director—you name it, she's probably tried it! Heather is an enthusiastic believer in children's right to play and of the research that tells us play IS right.  Amy Reyes has been serving in the Early Childhood space in Wyoming for many years and plays an important role in bridging gaps in ECE across the United States. She is an expert in Early Learning, with specializations in Social Emotional Learning specifically digital tech wellness, Outdoor Learning and Early Literacy. She has over 26 years of combined experience in child development and early childhood education, with expertise in leadership, strategic planning, inclusion models and transformational change. Amy spent her career as a Head Start Director also spending a good portion of her career as a kindergarten teacher. Amy holds degrees in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education, Outdoor Learning and Education, Child Development, and Organizational Leadership with a minor in law. Amy currently works as the State of Wyoming's State Early Learning and Literacy Specialist with the Wyoming Department of Education.  Amy is an advocate for outdoor learning and emotional intelligence regarding digital tech addiction. She has integrated outdoor learning into over 200 classrooms across her home state of Wyoming with the Get Wild Wyoming Initiative. Amy is an early childhood speaker and motivator who firmly believes children learn best in outdoor learning settings where they are able to self regulate through natural colors, shapes, sounds, feelings and most importantly disconnected from devices. 

In this episode of Reimagine Childhood, host Monica Healer welcomes Renee Blaine, associate preschool minister at Brentwood Baptist Church in Nashville, Tennessee. With over three decades of early childhood experience, Renee shares her passion for building biblical foundations in young children in age-appropriate ways. They discuss how to integrate biblical literacy into the classroom, drawing parallels to teaching emerging literacy. Key strategies include building oral language, introducing repetitive truths, and creating a love for God's Word. The episode highlights the importance of partnering with parents and provides practical tips for incorporating faith-based messages into everyday learning. 00:00 Introduction to Reimagine Childhood 00:48 Meet Renee Blaine: A Journey in Early Childhood Education 02:22 The Importance of Biblical Literacy in Early Childhood 07:18 Practical Strategies for Teaching Biblical Literacy 18:47 Regional Conference Promotion 21:03 The Importance of Music in Early Childhood 21:56 Laying a Solid Foundation of Faith 25:41 Teaching God's Word Effectively 29:53 Equipping Parents and Educators Download the Gospel cube Renee talked about in the episode - https://elevatechurchconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/8.5x11_GospelCubeImages-1-1.pdf Renee's cube is adapted from this resource (which has TONS of other resources for teaching the Bible)! https://sundayschoolzone.com/bible-story/gods-unfolding-story/ Renee wrote a blog article with great tips for sharing the gospel in an age-appropriate manner with young children, including instructions for using the cube above: https://elevatechurchconference.com/preschool-ministry-sharing-the-gospel/

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Keanna Sanders.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Keanna Sanders.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Keanna Sanders.

How do you define creativity?Would you be able to spot creativity in the wild?What about creativity in the classroom?This endless human quest to define the seemingly undefinable, and somehow make it useful for educators, is what today's guests Tom Rendon and Zachary Stier set out to do, bringing together philosophy, neuroscience, and site visits, in a years-long collaboration that became Creativity in Young Children: What Science Tells Us and Our Hearts Know.In this conversation, Tom and Zach help me understand the counterintuitive ways creativity shows up in the world, in the human condition, and how we can cultivate creativity and connection in the classroom.

In this episode of PNC C-Speak, Jon Bernstein, regional president for PNC Bank New England, turns from host to guest as he's interviewed by Boston Business Journal Market President and Publisher Carolyn Jones. They discuss Bernstein's career journey at PNC Bank, as well as his commitment to furthering early childhood education.Bernstein also provided advice for the next generation of leaders. “The best in the world are the best at something because they're always finding ways to get better. No matter where you are or what you're doing, there are ways to get better. You need to maintain that curiosity and that exploration and that passion,” Bernstein says.Listen to hear more about:-              PNC's growth in the New England region (0:45)-              The bank's efforts to improve early childhood education (6:38)-              Bernstein's appointment as chair of the Mass Business Roundtable (11:37)-              What Bernstein wishes for Boston (18:14)

Dr. Machesky visits the TSD Preschool to learn and share more about our early childhood programs. He is joined by Preschool Director Erin Keyser, Early Childhood Instructional Specialist Stacey Beloungea, Teacher Pat Grandy, and Supervisor of Preschool Programming Katie Haener.

What can Indigenous knowledge teach us about raising and educating children? Anishinaabe visiting scholar Professor Jan Hare, from the M'Chigeeng First Nation and Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of British Columbia, joins host Dr Sophie Specjal to explore how Indigenous principles can guide the way we care for and teach children. Professor Hare shares stories such as The Three Sisters, highlights the role of ceremony and learning with the land, and invites educators to see young children as ‘gifts.' She also reflects on how these perspectives could help shape policy reforms in Australia.https://education.unimelb.edu.au/talking-teaching

Kisha Reid and Trisha Dean discuss how we can and have reimagined early childhood education to align with the latest research. 

Join Dr. Pinkston for a vital conversation with Dr. Rose, a passionate children's advocate and educator with 40 years of experience. They discuss the critical need for an integrative approach to health and healing for children, especially those who have experienced trauma, abuse, and adverse childhood circumstances. Dr. Rose shares her inspiring journey of personal healing and decades of professional work, from building schools in the inner city to teaching at the college level, emphasizing the resilience of children and the power of creative outlets like art in healing. In this episode, you will learn: The powerful, often unseen, impact of trauma and anxiety that can be epigenetically transmitted from parent to child. The importance of self-healing for parents and the danger of "dumping" unresolved issues onto children. The crucial role of early childhood development (ages zero to five) and why a nation that neglects its children is a nation in peril. Insights into recognizing signs that a child is struggling, how to provide an outlet for them, and strategies to stop cycles of abuse and bullying. The challenges faced by teachers and the societal responsibility to establish policies that support educators and protect the most vulnerable. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elizabeth Groginsky New Mexico Cabinet Secretary of the Early Childhood Education and Care Department joins TJ to talk about No income limit, free early child care in the State. All this and more on News Radio KKOBSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the radio show this week we dive into the freedom of speech, the constitutional crisis we find ourselves in, and the role of public schools in defending our democracy. We hear about the rising costs of afterschool care and how to advocate for these programs to your lawmakers. We cover the current political climate and the impact on families, federal workers, and public services. Finally, we discuss the economic and social benefits of Head Start, and how to fight back against recent attacks. Following that segment, we look into hearing the inside scoop from someone who is inside the beltway, what is actually happening and why, and then we close the show, looking into Head Start, SNAP, health care, how those programs are under attack, and how we can really work together to stop the cuts and to build a better nation with a better tomorrow.  SPECIAL GUESTS:  Eric Fiske, National Educators Association, @NEAToday, @neatoday.bsky.social; Jodi Grant, Afterschool Alliance, @afterschool4all; Ruth Martin, MomsRising & MamásConPoder, @MomsRising, @MamasConPoder, @momsrising.org, @mamasconpoder.org;  Joel Ryan, Washington State Association of Head Start and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program  

Heidi Reeves – Founder of Mousewood Forest and Nature Early Learning and Family CentreBorn and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Heidi Reeves has dedicated her life to nurturing children, families, and educators through compassion, curiosity, and innovation. Her journey in early childhood education began in Vancouver, where she completed her Early Childhood Education training and taught preschool in culturally diverse communities. In the 1990s, she opened her first daycare, Kindercastle—a beloved centre known for its enrichment programs and joyful approach to learning.Heidi often laughs when recalling a story from her own childhood: at five years old, she announced she wanted “ten children and no husband.” By the time she was thirty, running her daycare and surrounded by ten preschoolers, her wish had, in a sense, come true—though not quite in the way she imagined.In 2005, Heidi moved to Prince George, where her work in early childhood education continued to evolve. Over the years, she has worn many hats—preschool teacher, respite foster parent, postpartum doula, and parent coach—always with the same mission: to meet families where they are and support them through the most formative years of life.Her innovative spirit has repeatedly pushed the boundaries of early learning in northern British Columbia. She introduced progressive practices like the Reggio Emilia approach, Forest and Nature School philosophy, and Shanker Self-Reg to local classrooms long before they were widely recognized. These methods shaped her deep belief that children thrive when they are connected to nature, guided by curiosity, and surrounded by meaningful relationships.In 2018, Heidi received a formal diagnosis of autism—a revelation that brought clarity to a lifetime of experiences and reaffirmed her purpose. She often describes her neurodivergence as a “superpower,” one that fuels her focus, empathy, and creativity. Rather than seeing challenges as obstacles, she has turned them into strengths that allow her to connect deeply with children and families, especially those navigating neurodiversity themselves.That same clarity led to her greatest professional achievement: the creation of Mousewood Forest and Nature Early Learning and Family Centre, Prince George's first licensed forest and nature school. What began as an assignment for a college course soon became a movement—a vision for a new kind of childcare community where every child, regardless of background or ability, feels seen, supported, and inspired.Established as a nonprofit in 2020, Mousewood operates on a five-acre property of meadows, trails, wetlands, and gardens. It offers inclusive, research-based early learning rooted in nature connection, child-led inquiry, and strong relationships between educators, children, and families. Today, Mousewood stands as a first-of-its-kind educational model in northern BC, blending outdoor exploration with emotional development, self-regulation, and belonging.Despite the regulatory and financial hurdles of running a nature-based school under a Temporary Use Permit, Heidi and her team—supported by passionate parents, volunteers, and community members—continue to pour their energy and resources into creating a safe, inclusive space for young learners.Heidi's work represents the best of what education can be: heart-driven, evidence-based, and deeply human. Her story is one of resilience, purpose, and vision—a reminder that when we follow our intuition and stay connected to what truly matters, we can change not only the way children learn, but the way communities grow.Website: www.mousewood.ca

Elizabeth Groginsky, Cabinet Secretary for Early Childhood Education in New Mexico joins Adam and Jordana.

As part of our ongoing collaboration with Central Square Foundation, we are excited to bring to you the fifth and final episode of our series where we talk about the learnings and best practices from the NIPUN Bharat Mission and its future in the country.It has been over four years since the NIPUN Bharat Mission launched and ushered in significant strides in learning outcomes among children from pre-primary to Grade 3. This is the age when children develop the crucial skills of reading, and performing basic math, which are vital for sustaining lifelong learning and shaping their future development.To understand what steps would be required in the coming years to ensure that all children achieve NIPUN competencies in Literacy and Numeracy, along with strategies for scaling the learning level outcomes, we'll be joined by Shaveta Sharma-Kukreja, CEO & Managing Director, Central Square Foundation who leads the foundation's work in Foundational Literacy &  Numeracy, Early Childhood Education, EdTech & School governance.Hosted and produced by Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh PawarLinks to the previous episodes of our series with CSF:Episode 1Episode 2Episode 3Episode 4

This one's probably going to ruffle some feathers, but when do they not? I want to revisit my earlier episode about why we chose not to do my son's summer packet and clarify what I actually meant. It's not about being anti-school. It's about kids being kids, following their interests, and parents having a real voice in their child's education.I'm sharing what happened after that episode aired, including my meeting with my child's school, why I stand by what I said (yes, including the F word), and why I think the conversation around parental partnership, school policies, and childhood itself has gotten so messy.If you're a teacher, administrator, or parent, I would LOVE to actually talk about this. Let's stop being afraid of disagreement and start having real conversations again.- - - - - - - - - - -Liz Durham Instagram | WebsiteSubscribe Apple Podcast | SpotifyBeing Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

In this episode Miles talks to Andrea Delaune (University of Canterbury, New Zealand) about her new book, 'Iris Murdoch and Early Childhood Education: Enhancing Attention and Moral Vision in Pedagogy' (Routledge, 2025). https://www.routledge.com/Iris-Murdoch-and-Early-Childhood-Education-Enhancing-Attention-and-Moral-Vision-in-Pedagogy/Delaune/p/book/9781032886169 Andrea Delaune is Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at University of Canterbury (Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha), New Zealand, where she conducts research at the intersection of ethics, pedagogy and early childhood practice. Her scholarly work explores how moral philosophy—especially concepts of attention, care, and moral vision—can illuminate and revitalise the everyday practices of early childhood teaching, care and policy. One of her central studies draws on the work of Iris Murdoch, applying Murdoch's ideas of attention and the moral imagination to early childhood contexts. Beyond her research, Delaune is actively engaged in the professional community: she serves as Co-President of OMEP Aotearoa, New Zealand (the local chapter of the World Organisation for Early Childhood Education), where she is involved in advancing children's rights, well-being of early childhood educators, and ethical dimensions of educator-child relationships. Iris Murdoch and Early Childhood Education: Enhancing Attention and Moral Vision in Pedagogy (Routledge, 2026), argues for a reconceptualisation of teaching as a lived philosophical practice rather than purely a technical act.

For the past decade, The Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Canada, has partnered with leading neuroscientists to develop an early childhood education program that uses music to strengthen the cognitive foundations of lifelong learning. Designed for children from six months to four years old, this innovative approach nurtures essential learning skills through the power of music and integrates technology to prepare future-ready minds. On October 31, 2025, The Royal Conservatory of Music will host the global launch of Smart Starts, a groundbreaking program that brings together experts in music, cognitive development, and technology to redefine early childhood education. I am looking forward to attending this symposium, called Music and the Mind, which will be packed with incredible speakers, and in the next episode will feature highlights from that day. In this episode, my guest — the CEO and President of the RCM — joins me to discuss lifelong learning, the importance of creativity, the intersection of artistic and artificial intelligence, and the vision behind Smart Starts. Alexander Brose is the President & CEO of The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) in Toronto, Canada. Before joining RCM, he was the inaugural Executive Director and CEO of the Tianjin Juilliard School in China, The Juilliard School in New York City's first and only branch campus. There, he worked closely with colleagues both in Tianjin and New York to create an inclusive and supportive institutional culture that upheld the educational and artistic excellence of Juilliard and respected the surrounding influences of China. Prior to that, he was the Vice President for Development at the Aspen Music Festival and School in Colorado, where he was responsible for all fund-raising and strategic relationship-building activities, raising US$75M as part of a capital campaign, and working with AMFS leadership to create a new strategic vision for the organization. Mr. Brose began his career spanning a decade in senior management roles at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in California, including Director of Admissions and Associate Vice President for Advancement. Raised in South Korea, Hong Kong, and the United States, Mr. Brose received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Asian Studies, with a concentration in China, from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. An award-winning vocalist, Mr. Brose has performed in prestigious concert venues across the globe, including on the U.S. nationally-syndicated radio show “A Prairie Home Companion,” at the Seoul National Arts Center in South Korea, with the Glimmerglass Festival in Cooperstown, N.Y., and with the Grammy Award-winning San Francisco Symphony Chorus, among others. He has served as a member of the Board of Governors of the Recording Academy (Grammys) in the United States and the American Chamber of Commerce in China. He currently sits on the advisory councils of the Cornell University Glee Club, the school's oldest student organization, as well as the Tianjin Juilliard School. A sought-after public speaker, Mr. Brose has presented at major arts conferences and universities in both the U.S. and China. Links: Alexander Brose: https://www.rcmusic.com/about-us/michael-and-sonja-koerner-president-and-ceo RCM Neuroscience: https://www.rcmusic.com/about-us/rcm-neuroscience Music and the Mind Symposium (October 31st 2025): https://www.rcmusic.com/about-us/news/global-launch-of-rcm-early-childhood-music

"Ms. Julie's World" is a vibrant new kids' show that brings learning to life through music, dance, and real-world adventures! Ms. Julie is a real teacher with both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. Her show is backed by educational research, and her thoughtfully designed curriculum nurtures skills in reading, math, science, and social-emotional learning.  As a mom, Ms. Julie is passionate about helping children learn, grow, and shine with confidence.  So parents—take a break from the flashcards and let Ms. Julie make learning fun!  I promise this will be your children's new favorite show! Ms. Julie's Instagram Page Ms. Julie's YouTube Here Ms. Julie's World Website Ms.  Julie's World TikTok _____________________________ Follow me on my Instagram or Facebook Podcast Facebook page here Check out KristiCapel.com Email: Kristicapelpodcast@gmail.com  

How To Keep Kids Listening (and Loving It! | Ms. Monica on Positive Parenting & Preschool StrategiesWelcome to Back Talk, the official podcast from Successful Black Parenting Magazine!

Welcome back to another episode of Crawfordsville Connection! This week we are joined by Kelly Taylor, CEO of the Montgomery County Community Foundation, and Lisa Walter, Early Learning Director with the Foundation, to talk about No Small Matter: The Future of Early Childhood Education in Montgomery County. We discuss why investing in children is investing in our community's future, the upcoming No Small Matter documentary screening, and the importance of quality early learning opportunities for families across Montgomery County. Kelly and Lisa share insights into the local childcare landscape, recent funding changes, and how community members and employers can help improve access to affordable, high-quality care. Don't miss the No Small Matter event on Wednesday, November 5th, from 6:00–8:15 PM at Crawfordsville High School featuring networking and refreshments from The Juniper Spoon, a film screening, and a Q&A panel discussion with national and local experts. This event is free and open to the public! Yodel Community Calendar & News Feed: https://events.yodel.today/crawfordsville To ask any questions about this podcast or to submit topic ideas, please email Sarah Sommer at ssommer@crawfordsville-in.gov.

Today we explore the financialization of early childhood education and what it means for the welfare state. My guest is Ben Spies-Butcher. Ben Spies Butcher is an Associate Professor in the School of Communication, Society and Culture at Macquarie University. His latest book Politics, Inequality and the Australian Welfare State after Liberalisation. freshedpodcast.com/spies-butcher -- Get in touch! Twitter: @FreshEdpodcast Facebook: FreshEd Email: info@freshedpodcast.com

What if your child's most powerful teacher has been you all along?In this eye-opening episode, I welcome back early childhood expert Gretchen Camp for a deep dive into one of the most fascinating — and misunderstood — topics in parenting: the toddler brain. We unpack how a child's brain develops between ages 0–5, why those years matter more than any ABCs or 123s ever could, and how parents can become confident, connected guides in their child's emotional world.Gretchen is a toddler behavior specialist, holds a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education and spent over 20 years as a public school educator. Today, she is the creator of the Park the Skill™ Method and The Thriving Toddler Blueprint, resources grounded in brain development and built from real classroom experience to help parents raise capable, emotionally strong children starting in toddlerhood.You are invited to access Gretchen's free workshop: "⁠Your Toddler Sent Me: Why Nothing's Working and What to Do Instead⁠.” It's packed with eye-opening insights to help parents understand toddler behavior through a whole new lens. Register ⁠here⁠.Ready to Adopt the 4 C's of Collaborative Discipline?⁠⁠Grab your free download and embrace connection before correction! Get it ⁠⁠here.⁠October 16, 2025Episode 284Your Toddler's Brain is a Parking Lot - Learn to Build Skills with Gretchen CampAbout Your Host: Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of Core4Parenting. A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child's identity, confidence, and future success.As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the forthcoming book Talk to Them Early and Often, a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.Be the First to Know When Talk to Them Early and Often is Available For Preorder. Get on the list ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Interested in being a guest on the podcast? We'd love to hear from you! Complete the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Guest Application form⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Are modern parenting styles helping us—or holding us back?Gretchen Camp joins me in this episode to explore what it truly means to raise and teach toddlers in today's parenting culture. We reflect on how teaching and parenting overlap, how intuition is being drowned out by parenting “labels,” and why connection—not curriculum—is the foundation of learning for young children.Gretchen is a toddler behavior specialist, holds a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education and spent over 20 years as a public school educator. Today, she is the creator of the Park the Skill™ Method and The Thriving Toddler Blueprint, resources grounded in brain development and built from real classroom experience to help parents raise capable, emotionally strong children starting in toddlerhood.You are invited to access Gretchen's free workshop: "Your Toddler Sent Me: Why Nothing's Working and What to Do Instead.” It's packed with eye-opening insights to help parents understand toddler behavior through a whole new lens. Register here.Ready to Adopt the 4 C's of Collaborative Discipline?⁠Grab your free download and embrace connection before correction! Get it ⁠here.October 9, 2025Episode 282Why Parenting Culture is Missing the Mark with Gretchen Camp About Your Host: Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed. is a mom or three, early childhood author, parent educator, and founder of Core4Parenting. A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she created the Collaborative Parenting Methodology™ to help parents, caregivers, and educators understand the power of intentional language in shaping a child's identity, confidence, and future success.As host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years, Cara blends science and soul to show adults how to “talk to kids before they can talk back,” turning tantrums into teachable moments and everyday challenges into opportunities for connection. She is also the author of the forthcoming book Talk to Them Early and Often, a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life.Be the First to Know When Talk to Them Early and Often is Available For Preorder. Get on the list ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Interested in being a guest on the podcast? We'd love to hear from you! Complete the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Guest Application form⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Keanna Sanders.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Keanna Sanders.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Keanna Sanders.

— Stress-Free, High-Quality Living with Your Kids - Parenting is a full-time job, but common challenges like sleep problems, defiance, lack of cooperation, and tantrums can drain the joy from family life. The good news is: it's time to find effective solutions, a strong support system, and dedicated accountability measures to get on the path to a high quality of life. The journey is possible. Big challenges or little ones… expert guidance is available to help you create the positive parenting experience you've always dreamed of. Eliminate second-guessing and confidently implement strategies that foster connection and strengthen your bond with your children – all without yelling, punishment, anger, or guilt. Discover simple, proven plans that have helped thousands of parents achieve lasting results. Valeria interviews Tia Slightham — is the parenting coach high-achieving moms call when they're done with yelling, guilt, and power struggles—and ready to lead with calm, confident authority at home.  She is the founder of Tia Slightham – Parenting Solutions and creator of the Parenting With Purpose Method, a proven 12-week framework that helps overwhelmed parents transform chaos into connection—without punishments, bribes, or burnout. With a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education, certifications in Positive Discipline, and over 20 years of experience working with children and families, Tia has supported thousands of families worldwide through her coaching, workshops, speaking engagements, and social platforms. Her 7-figure coaching brand has impacted over a million people, with a loyal audience of 800K+ across social media. As a bestselling author, marathon runner, and mom of two incredible teens, Tia brings real-life wisdom, empathy, and strategy to every conversation. To learn more about Tia Slightham and her work, please visit: https://tiaslightham.com

In today's episode of the Autism Little Learners Podcast, I'm joined by Sofia Dumery, Senior Vice President of Design at Melissa & Doug® Toys. If you've ever wondered what goes into creating timeless, high-quality toys that truly support children's development, you're going to love this conversation. We dive into the importance of open-ended play, how toys can spark language and connection, and why durability, inclusivity, and sustainability matter so much in toy design. Whether you're a parent, educator, or therapist, you'll come away with fresh inspiration for using play as a powerful tool for learning and connection. Sofia also explains Melissa & Doug's commitment to inclusivity, durability, and safety, including their extensive testing process and collaborations with occupational therapists. We discuss how sensory elements and realistic designs make their toys appealing to children of all abilities, while also easing fears and building confidence. Finally, we highlight surprising ways their toys have been used in therapy and at home, and how play—when led with joy and creativity—strengthens relationships and creates rich learning opportunities. About Sofia Dumery As Senior Vice President of Design at Melissa & Doug®, Sofia Dumery oversees the creation of all toys and ensures those toys deliver on the brand's mission to ignite imagination and wonder in all children so they discover their passions and their purpose. She leads a team across blue-sky innovation, product, and licensing design. The team is committed to ensuring its inclusive, open-ended products help kids of all abilities build confidence and develop essential skills. In addition to setting the product's vision and strategy, Sofia is responsible for all new toy innovations, working with independent inventors, external partners, and in-house creative team. She holds 17 patents and is always searching for breakthrough innovations. Sofia works closely to ensure toys not only meet children's play patterns and market expectations but also deliver on key sustainability goals. Prior to joining Melissa & Doug® in 2011, Sofia was Design Director at Callaway Arts & Entertainment. There, she built the product strategy and growth of Sunny Patch, at that time an exclusive line for Target. Sofia holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Columbia College, Columbia University, and a Masters in Industrial Design from Pratt University. She, her daughter and their cat Kiwi live in Westport, Connecticut. When it comes to play, Sofia's passions include biking, camping, and reading. About Melissa & Doug® From classic wooden toys to realistic pretend play sets, Melissa & Doug® products inspire creative thinking through screen-free, open-ended play! We make well-crafted toys that are developed with care to be passed down from generation to generation or shared family to family. When kids play with Melissa & Doug® toys, anything is possible! Melissa & Doug® Links: Website: https://www.melissaanddoug.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissaanddougtoys/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaAndDoug/ Takeaways Purposeful, open-ended play matters – Melissa & Doug focus on toys that encourage imagination, creativity, and engagement rather than passive entertainment Classic play patterns never go out of style – Blocks, pretend play, and exploratory play still hold the same developmental value they did generations ago Toys support language development – Hands-on play is deeply connected to building speech, language, and social skills, making it especially valuable for young learners Designing with inclusivity in mind – Melissa & Doug avoid rigid age labels, build toys with realistic details, and create open-ended opportunities for all children to play at their own level Durability and quality are key – Toys are tested extensively (even “gorilla tested”) to ensure they perform well, reducing frustration and supporting consistent learning experiences Neurodiversity is part of the mission – The company researches child development, collaborates with occupational therapists, and designs toys that avoid overwhelming sensory input while still providing tactile experiences Realism helps children learn about their world – From the dentist set to ice cream counters, realistic details prepare kids for real-life experiences and help ease fears Sustainability and safety are priorities – Melissa & Doug use FSC-certified wood, focus on long-lasting design, and test rigorously to meet the highest safety standards Unexpected ways toys are used – From sensory bins with puzzle pieces to elderly adults using Water Wow! for calming effects, Melissa & Doug toys support creativity across ages and abilities Play builds connection – When adults model joy, silliness, and curiosity with toys, it deepens relationships with children and enriches their learning You may also be interested in these supports Visual Support Starter Set  Visual Supports Facebook Group Autism Little Learners on Instagram Autism Little Learners on Facebook