Inclusion Matters

Milestones is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building brighter futures, nurturing growth, and creating pathways to success for the early childhood community. Since 1977, Milestones has supported families, child care providers, and educators with comprehensive resources that strengthen early learning across Central Minnesota and beyond.  Join Priscilla Weigel as she talks with Milestones Executive Director, Jeremey Schreifels to hear more about their work across Minnesota. Through programs such as the Shared Services Alliance, CACFP Family Child Care nutrition sponsorship, Parent Aware coaching, Early Learning Scholarships, and Family, Friend & Neighbor (FFN) support, Milestones connects the early childhood community with tools and funding that promote quality care and education. As a regional partner of Child Care Aware of Minnesota, Milestones also offers robust Professional Development and training opportunities to help providers grow their skills and their impact.🌟 Learn more about Milestones🔗 www.milestonesmn.org📱 Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/MilestonesMN✨ Join the mission to support the early childhood community—because together, we’re building brighter futures.

Jamesetta Ross Diggs joins Inclusion Matters to share about the NEW CICC self-study course that she authored for us.  As an immigrant herself, and an early childhood expert, Jamesetta shares her personal stories as well as an overview of the course.  The course equips early childhood professionals with strategies to partner with families in co-creating culturally affirming learning environments for young children. It also offers support to advocate for strength-based approaches that uplift immigrant families, ensuring that young children can thrive in environments beyond home. Be sure to check out our NEW Self-Study on this important topic: Culturally Responsive Partnerships with Immigrant Children And Families

Priscilla Weigel and Helene Pearson of Agape Child Development Center discuss some key ways to build a team, embedding trauma informed practices as you teach, support, and care in partnership with families.  Helene provides real life examples of how she and her team through relationships and connection support the scholars they serve each day.  This episode is part of our Greater Twin Cities United Way 80x3 Initiative Partnership.To learn about FREE self-study courses, please visit the 80x3 Page on the CICC Website

Early Childhood Director Margaret Mahowald joins Priscilla Weigel for a conversation about creative activities that foster discovery, exploration, and delight in our youngest learners.  She shares examples of activities and processes that provide experiences for joy and learning, reminding us that infants and toddlers are more interested in DOING art than MAKING a finished product.

Duluth Public Library Early Literacy Librarian, Carmella Hatch joins Inclusion Matters to discuss ways we as caregivers of young children can cultivate the love of reading and learning through books.  She highlights the fact that helping children become successful learners and lifelong readers starts by building interest and early literacy skills when they’re young.

Our CICC Podcast, Inclusion Matters is celebrating!  The 300th episode of this podcast is now available.  The first origins of Inclusion Matters started back in the early 2000’s with some rudimentary equipment and an idea to spread the word about creating successful inclusive environments for young children.  Today, in 2025 we are on the brink of our 30th anniversary and still sharing content that highlights and supports quality early childhood care for all children.  Tune in to listen to some highlights from our many years of broadcasting Inclusion Matters.

We are excited to share some great information about the most recent addition to CICC’s list of helpful free resources. The CICC Early Childhood Leadership Development Program is a free support for leaders working in early childhood settings across Minnesota.  Our Lead on the work, Kara Kuehn, joins Inclusion Matters to highlight the history, the purpose, and the impact of this amazing support and connection opportunity. If you want to begin receiving resources while you wait for a place in an upcoming cohort please subscribe to our newsletter focused on leadership, Inspiring HOPE.

Inclusion Matters welcomes our guest, Kamy Howard, MSW LCSW and author of our self-study course, The Impact of Parental Incarceration on Young Children. The development of this course was funded by Greater Twin Cities United Way and their 80x3 Initiative.  Kamy brings her 20 plus years of supporting young children and families to the discussion of the systemic issues related to this topic, the emotional and developmental impact of parental incarceration on young children, the trauma and developmental effects of this experience on children and families and shares key strategies for building a safe and secure environment so that children can thrive. Register for the FREE self-study course today!The Impact of Parental Incarceration on Young Children

Priscilla Weigel welcomes Leo Howard III, Program Officer for the 80x3 Initiative at Greater Twin Cities United Way for an engaging conversation about supporting families. Leo shares his own experiences working with many different families, the work of 80x3, and ways to engage to build trust and partner in relationship for effective support. This podcast is part of our ongoing work with GTCUW 80x3.  Looking for more information? Explore these links:https://www.gtcuw.org/stories-and-news/voices-for-change-how-united-way-is-making-a-difference-in-minnesota/https://www.gtcuw.org/stories-and-news/great-start-early-learning-scholarships/80x3 | Resilient from the StartTo learn about FREE self-study courses, please visit the 80x3 Page on the CICC Website

En este episodio del podcast CICC Inclusion Matters, la presentadora Karina Elze y la maestra de preescolar Susana Villegas profundizan en el tema esencial de la comunicación entre los educadores familiares, especialmente en las comunidades de habla hispana. A través de historias reales, consejos prácticos y ejercicios de juego de roles, exploran cómo los educadores de la primera infancia pueden generar confianza, comunicarse con claridad y fomentar un sentido de comunidad con las familias. Ya sea maestro, propietario de un centro o administrador, encontrará información valiosa sobre cómo superar las barreras del idioma, crear un diálogo abierto y utilizar una comunicación respetuosa y sincera para apoyar la comunicación entre padres y maestros.In this episode of the CICC Inclusion Matters podcast, hosts Karina Elze and preschool teacher Susana Villegas dive into the essential topic of family-educator communication, especially in Spanish-speaking communities. Through real stories, practical tips, and role-playing exercises, they explore how early childhood educators can build confidence, communicate with clarity, and foster a sense of community with families. Whether you're a teacher, center owner, or administrator, you'll find valuable insights on overcoming language barriers, creating open dialogue, and using respectful, heartfelt communication to support parent-teacher communication.