10/1/24 – Social Stories: Whether you’re a seasoned educator or new to the concept of social stories, this episode will provide you with valuable insights and actionable ideas to enhance your teaching toolkit. Tune in and learn how to harness the power of social stories to create a supportive and understanding classroom environment.
Click here for Social Stories Resources.

9/17/24 – Process Art: In this episode, we delve into the enriching world of process art in early childhood education, emphasizing the journey of creation over the final product. Discover how focusing on the creative process fosters critical brain development in young children, nurturing growth.  We’ll discuss practical insights for educators on setting up engaging invitations for creative processes, offering strategies to support and enhance children’s learning through art. Join us as we uncover the profound impact of process art on young minds and how we can cultivate an environment that celebrates exploration and creativity.
Click here for Process Art Resources.

9/3/24 – Nurturing Mealtimes in ECE: Mealtimes are more than just moments to satisfy hunger, they are opportunities for learning, socialization, and growth.  In this episode we will explore the benefits of family-style eating and how to make every meal a meaningful experience for young learners.
Click here for Mealtime Resources.

8/20/24 – Discovering your Play Personality and Using it in Your Classroom: Description: In order to value children’s play and allow learning to take place through play in the classroom, we need to understand the importance of play, and be playful ourselves. As an adult, it can be difficult to know how to be playful when we have a job, bills, laundry, and many other responsibilities on our plates. It can often feel overwhelming. Play researcher Dr. Fraser Brown has identified 8 “play personalities” through interviews and observations. Each of us has a primary play personality, so tune in to hear a description of each so you can figure out yours!
Click here for Play Personality Types

8/6/24 – Understanding Children’s Behavior with Play Schemas: Have you ever wondered why some children love to dump toys, throw food, or hide themselves? Then this episode is for you! Find out how you can use play schemas to engage your children’s interest in the classroom and meet their cognitive, social emotional, and physical needs.  
Click here for Play Schemas resources.

7/23/24 – Rapid Response: Rapid Response may not be a new term to you, but how the support service is implemented has recently changed. Check out our conversation with rapid response coordinator Kim Alloway and learn the history of rapid response, the importance of such a program, and the process steps for utilizing the support program. See additional documents here:
RR Expectations – Programs – Bilingual
Updated Flow Chart & Contacts – 5.6.24

7/9/24 – Showing Up: The work you do is invaluable, but without solid, foundational practices, it is nearly impossible to show up for yourself and others on a daily basis. Check out these tips and reminders to ensure you can keep showing up for yourself, the children in your care, and your program.

6/25/24 – Trailer: Listen along for bite-sized insights surrounding quality program practices. Led by the dedicated STARS Coaches from Community Connections for Children, serving ELRC Regions 8, 9, & 10, this podcast is your go-to source for early learning and child development information and resources.