About this episode

NAEYC presents a trailer for a podcast discussing the importance of play in child development and the challenges in early learning.

How important is play to a child’s brain development? Why do Americans pay so much for child care while educators earn so little? How can families and policymakers work together to shape the future of early learning? NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, presents Small Talk: Big Ideas About Little Learners. CEO Michelle Kang and her colleagues dive into conversations that matter now -- to little learners and the big people who show up for them, bringing you stories of struggle, inspiration, and hope for our children’s future. Learn more at https://www.naeyc.org/smalltalk.

More episodes of Small Talk: Big Ideas About Little Learners

• Pay Equity: Berna Artis and Owen Schochet · May 20, 2026 · 36 min
• Leading for Change: Rhian Evans Allvin and Mark Ginsberg · March 18, 2026 · 28 min

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