little moments count radio podcast

In this episode of Little Moments Count, we’re speaking with Michele Kvikstad, M.S.E., a seasoned professional from the Minnesota Department of Health. With over 25 years of experience, Michele shares her expertise in advocating for early identification and intervention for children and youth with special health needs. She discusses the revolutionary Follow-Along Program, which identifies developmental concerns in children aged 0-3 while prioritizing accessibility and cultural inclusivity. This episode was recorded on November 7, 2023.

Imagine a world where every child, irrespective of their family's income, has access to high-quality early childhood education. What impact could such a setting have on a child's brain development and future success? In our conversation with Kylie Cooper, an early childhood education expert and Executive Director of Rise Early Learning Center, she shares insights from her work in early childhood brain development, emphasizing the power of attentive parenting, nurturing relationships, and the critical 1,000-day window. RISE Early Learning Center in St. Louis Park is a unique initiative which offers high-quality, affordable childcare blended carefully with family support and housing. Their approach is more than just a childcare center; it's a hub of resources. Find out more from Kylie in this episode, recorded on October 3, 2023.

Our guests, Dr. John Nimmo, EdD, and Debbie Lee Keenan, lecturer, consultant and co-author, are also co-directors of Anti-Bias Leaders ECE. Together, they created the short documentary film "Reflecting on Anti-bias Education In Action: The Early Years". They share their journey in finding educators who were open and brave enough to bring their own identities into their teaching and reflect on their practice. They discuss the necessity of having teachers who are accessible, willing to be vulnerable and take risks, while emphasizing the importance of building trust within the educational community. We hear how these teachers engage their students in meaningful conversations about race, bias and diversity. This episode was recorded on September 5th, 2023.

Exploring the rich tapestry of Dr. Artika Tyner's life, we follow a journey that threads through the rich history of the Rondo community, the depth of African heritage, and the vibrant world of black businesses. Unraveling her story, we discover how her mother's nurturing influence and the ancestral legacy of her family have fueled her passion for justice and education. Now, as the CEO of Planting People Growing Justice Press and Bookstore, she is an ardent advocate for literacy, diversity in books, and the power of mentorship. This episode was recorded on August 10th, 2023.

Join us in our enlightening conversation with Bethany Gilmer, an early childhood teacher and parent educator with the Minneapolis Public Schools Early Childhood Family Education program. Bethany shares how the ECFE program provides resources for parents and can support immigrant or non-English-speaking families who might face challenges when navigating the school system. She also gives practical advice on how parents can stimulate their child's brain development without overspending on expensive gadgets. This episode was recorded on July 14th, 2023.

Learn how you can create a strong foundation for your child's future in our latest conversation with Denise Mayotte, Executive Director of Sheltering Arms Foundation, and Betty Emarita, a national education policy expert. With their insights and experiences, we explore the importance of nurturing children's brains in their first 1,000 days of life and how Little Moments Count plays a crucial role in this process. We also hear about the importance of initiatives funded by the Minnesota Community Solutions Fund Advisory Council to support early childhood development and the work of organizations like Sheltering Arms Foundation in narrowing the opportunity gap between high-impact children and their white peers. This episode was recorded on June 6th, 2023.

Cisa Keller, Senior Vice President of Early Childhood Programs at Think Small, is our guest on this episode. She discusses how we can maximize little moments with children to build relationships, create a sense of belonging, and support their early development. We learn about the potential long-term effects of not having quality early childhood experiences and how they can impact a child's educational and health trajectory. Cisa also discusses Parent Powered Texts, a program provided by Think Small that encourages parents to use prompts from simple text messages which focus on brain development, available for free. This episode was recorded on May 2nd, 2023.

On this episode of the Little Moments Count Radio Podcast, we explore the importance of early childhood development with guest Carrie Zelin Johnson, who has over 25 years of experience working towards equitable outcomes in education. Carrie discusses her unique experiences as a parent and grandparent, her work with the Greater Twin Cities United Way, and her passion for social and emotional learning, teaching the arts, equity in education, and mental health. We delve into the personal journey of navigating the challenges of early parenthood, as well as the importance of building strong relationships between parents and educators. Carrie also reflects on the significance of seizing teachable moments in the early years of a child's life, the role of community and home-visiting programs, and the importance of building genuine connections. This episode was recorded on April 4th, 2023 at KRSM's studio.

On this Little Moments Count Radio Podcast episode, we hear from Allison Corrado, senior program officer with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation and co-chair of Start Early Funders Coalition’s Public Policy committee. Corrado discusses what parents can do to maximize their child's brain development while ensuring caregivers have the resources and assistance they need. Host Andrea Pierre and Corrado also discuss current legislation in Minnesota and efforts to support educators and caregivers. This episode was recorded on March 14th, 2023.