On episode 41 of the show, we talk about impactful advocacy with Michelle McCready, Chief of Policy at Child Care Aware of America (CCAoA). Michelle provides vision, leadership and management to the policy and evaluation division at CCAoA. In our conversation, we talk about the history of child care in America, the influence of child care on the American economy, the present state of child care under the Trump administration and the importance of advocacy from child care practitioners to provide vital insight for policy change. Michelle emphasizes that is crucial for educators to speak up and become the voice for better outcomes for children.
On episode 40 of the show, we talk about empowerment with Judy Jablon, Executive Director of Leading for Children. In our conversation, we discuss the relationship between early learning outcomes and the empowerment of educators at every level. As Judy says; empowerment comes with decision making and good decisions come with a clear understanding of the “why.” We also discuss the importance of supporting teachers in developing the skills and confidence to engage in productive dialogue as leaders in their own right in order to build a more coherent leadership network within early childhood education.
On episode 39 of the show, we talk about emotional development with Linda Augusto, Early Education and Care Lecturer from Western Sydney University in Australia. In our conversation, we learn about the cycle of security and the importance of a clear and consistent routine for children to learn social skills such as self-regulation and how to make friends. Linda talks about the importance of creating a safe space where children feel noticed and confident, allowing them to build healthy relationships.
This week, we’re on episode 38 of The Preschool Podcast. We discuss the importance of being inquisitive in the classroom with William Parnell, department chair of Curriculum and Instruction, and a pedagogical liaison to the Helen Gordon Child Development Center at Portland State University. In our conversation, we talk about rethinking the traditional approach to early childhood education that emphasizes quantitative assessments through testing for results. Instead, William describes what rethinking research would look like, where teachers become participants that work alongside children and their families to learn more about early childhood development, rather than studying them objectively.
This week, we’re on episode 38 of The Preschool Podcast. We discuss the importance of being inquisitive in the classroom with William Parnell, department chair of Curriculum and Instruction, and a pedagogical liaison to the Helen Gordon Child Development Center at Portland State University. In our conversation, we talk about rethinking the traditional approach to early childhood education that emphasizes quantitative assessments through testing for results. Instead, William describes what rethinking research would look like, where teachers become participants that work alongside children and their families to learn more about early childhood development, rather than studying them objectively.