About this episode

Andre Dukes discusses the importance of social-emotional development and caregiver engagement in kindergarten readiness.

Hosted by Walter “Q Bear” Banks Jr. of KMOJ Radio, this conversation features Andre Dukes with the Northside Achievement Zone. Andre explains that kindergarten readiness goes beyond ABCs and 123s to include social-emotionaldevelopment shaped by everyday “serve and return” interactions. He encourages caregivers to talk, read, sing, and play, emphasizing vocabulary growth through descriptive language and the value of one-to-one engagement over screens.He stresses that love and tone build trust, noting “no correction without connection”. You can learn more at northsideachievementzone.org and 612-594-8360. This episode was recorded live on the radio program The Afternoon Drive, which airs on KMOJ at 89.9 FM in the Twin Cities. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

People in this episode

Host: Walter “Q Bear” Banks Jr.

Guest: Andre Dukes

Topics covered

• kindergarten readiness
• social-emotional development
• serve and return interactions
• vocabulary growth
• caregiver engagement

Keywords

• kindergarten readiness
• social-emotional development
• serve and return
• vocabulary growth
• caregiver engagement

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Northside Achievement Zone, KMOJ Radio, Little Moments Count, northsideachievementzone.org, littlemomentscount.org

Places: Twin Cities

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