Inclusion Matters

In this episode of Inclusion Matters, Priscilla Weigel records from Malaysia at the World Forum on Early Care and Education in Kuala Lumpur. Her guest, Mary-Louise Clifford, is a Director of Early Childhood Services in Australia. Mary Louise shares about early childhood systems in Australia, including educator training, funding, and supports for children and families. They also reflect on global challenges like the impact of COVID-19 and the importance of finding joy and connection in the work of early childhood.

Inclusion Matters welcomes Lanay Jacobs, Provider Support Specialist for the Child Care Assistance Rate at the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Our conversation highlights the process that early childhood educators and families can follow to submit a request for a higher child care assistance payment for their child care setting. 🌟Additional Resources:🔗CCAP Special Needs Rate Variance Request - Parent and Provider Request (DHS-4194)🔗Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): https://www.ada.gov/Federal and State Requirements🔗Minn. Rule 3400.0130 Subp.3🔗Minn. Stat. 142E.17, Subd. 3CICC Tip Sheets:📝What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?📝What Does the ADA Mean to Child Care?Questions? Contact The Childcare Assistance Provider Support Team📧 Contact us at CCAP.Providers.DCYF@state.mn.us or 651-431-4848

Priscilla Weigel is joined by CICC colleagues, Brenda Lowe and Jacy Nylander to discuss coaching that supports the key components of quality care for our youngest children. In Part 2 of this two-part series, they discuss the fact that individualization and honoring the uniqueness of each child is essential in the infant and toddler child care space. They also emphasize the need for open communication to foster successful partnerships with a family, and with colleagues, creating a safe foundation for infants and toddlers to learn and grow.🌟 Want to learn more about CICC Coaching? CICC FAQ PageEmail info@inclusivechildcare.org or call 651-641-8339

Inclusion Matters welcomes Dr. Kris Gendreau back to our program. She has 32 years’ experience as a pediatrician supporting healthy development of young children. In this episode, our conversation focuses on the mind/body connection and the way the nervous system influences behavior. Join the conversation and check out these helpful resources that she shared during the episode.🌟Additional Resources:🔗 Cosmic Kids Yoga🔗 Sesame Street: Elmo's Mindfulness Spectacular!📱 Insight Timer App: The Magic Blanket - Feel Safe, Loved & Ready to Sleep🔗 Guide to Using Sesame Street’s Mindfulness Practices

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Sarah Hawley RN, BSN, PHN of Minnesota Child Care Health Consultants joins us again to discuss safety in child care, this time related to summer outdoor play. We discuss safety in the sun, bug bites and ticks, skinned knees, and ways to prepare your setting and the children in your care for the safest summer outdoors.

Inclusion Matters welcomes back Michele Fallon, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant. We discuss the important stage of toddlerhood, ages 1-3 years, and how we as professionals and parents of toddlers can support their growth and learning.

Longtime CICC partner and colleague Cory Woosley of Minneapolis College joins us for an important conversation about navigating the relationships of siblings when one has a diagnosis of a special need. Cory shares her perspective as a parent of a child with a disability and how her family traversed this path. We discuss the idea of Glass Children, Parentification, and ways to support healthy overall development of the sibling who may have some unique needs and behaviors that get overlooked. *Coming Soon! A CICC Self-Study on this important topic!

Baro muhiimada iyo faa'iidooyinka akhriska iyo la wadaagida sheekooyinka u leedahay carruurta. Learn the importance and advantages of reading and sharing stories with young kids.