Inclusion Matters

Listen as our guests, Nicole Berning, Autism Clinical Lead, and Kim Hicks, Autism Policy Lead for the MN Department of Human Services share an overview of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and some of the early signs to watch for as you care for young children.

Childhood trauma expert, Arielle Handevidt, and early childhood trauma specialist, Lily Cooks, discuss trauma-responsive care in the early childhood setting. They delve into leadership roles, engaging parents, staff training, community building, and the importance of collaborative partnerships between parents, teachers, and board members.

Join Arielle Handevidt from Northside Achievement Zone and Lily Cooks from Seward Child Development Center as they discuss trauma-awareness in early childhood settings. Learn about trauma-informed care, creating trauma-responsive environments, and supporting trauma-sensitive practices to enhance children's well-being and success.

Sheryl Warner, a Family Child Care Provider, discusses the importance of establishing relationships with parents and helping babies adapt to childcare. Topics include parenting approaches, coordination, new routines, self-awareness, and creating a nurturing environment for families.

Joey Schoen from Dodge Nature Preschool continues our discussion of outdoor learning and shares about ways to set up for success.  Communication and planning are essential components. Listen and learn ways you can use items that you may have in inventory that will enhance the play outdoors!

Children and adults both benefit from time outdoors!  We can use our outdoor space in a way that encourages amazing learning for the children in our care. Listen as our guest, Joey Schoen, from Dodge Nature Preschool, shares ways to set up your outdoor space to maximize the learning and fun potential for children.

In this enlightening discussion, Molly Harney, an Associate Professor of Early Childhood Studies, shares her expertise on the effects of stress in young children. She breaks down the three types of stress and emphasizes the importance of recognizing signs of distress. The conversation delves into how both positive and negative stressors impact child development. Molly offers invaluable insights for caregivers on supporting emotional growth and understanding children's behaviors as communication, fostering a nurturing environment.

Molly Harney, an Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth, shares her expertise on the impact of stress on young children. She discusses the various types of stress and their effects, offering strategies for caregivers to create nurturing environments. Harney emphasizes the importance of individualized care and balancing unique needs with group dynamics in childcare. She advocates for trauma-informed education, urging professionals to reflect on their practices to foster meaningful engagement and emotional well-being in young children.

Sandy Heidemann, an early childhood expert and author of seven books, dives into the vital role of adults in children's play. She emphasizes how adults can enrich play experiences as observers and facilitators, using strategies like parallel play and co-playing. Sandy shares insights on balancing guidance with children's creativity, encouraging imagination and storytelling. Personal anecdotes highlight the transformative power of adult engagement, showcasing how play can nurture development while also igniting joy.

Author and CICC Coach Sandy Heidemann joins us and she shares the ways play supports and enhances a child’s development of language, motor skills, cognitive skills, and social-emotional skills.