Inclusion Matters

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.

Join our guests from MacPhail Center for Music, Early Childhood Music Educators, Jane Tate, and Cari Gregerson as we discuss the developmental pathway of preschoolers and how music can help build skills.  Song ideas and other useful activities are shared.

Jane Tate and Cari Gregerson, both early childhood music educators at the MacPhail Center for Music, dive into the vital role of music in toddler development. They discuss how engaging song ideas and multisensory experiences enhance language and cognitive skills. The conversation also highlights creative adaptations for virtual classes during the pandemic, focusing on social-emotional growth through rhythmic activities and role play. Listeners will learn practical strategies to incorporate music and finger plays into daily routines, enriching children's developmental journeys.

Early Childhood Music Educators Jane Tate and Cari Gregerson discuss how music supports infant development, including language skills, cognitive development through sensory experiences, adapting classes online during the pandemic, motor skill progression, and using music for bonding and emotional development.

Listen as podcast guests Dianna Babcock and Jane Tate of MacPhail Center for Music discuss the evidence that music does have a positive impact on a young child’s executive functioning skills.  Helpful tips for infusing music into your setting will also be shared.

Listen as Priscilla Weigel and her guest Dianna Babcock of MacPhail Center for Music chat about the way music can enhance learning.  They discuss the benefits music has on a young child’s overall development, specifically emotional regulation, working memory, and attention, which supports school readiness and overall executive functioning.

Cindy Croft and Priscilla Weigel layout a three-pronged approach for setting staff up for success when it comes to children’s behavior challenges. We know that children experiment with behaviors as a way to grow and learn so preparing for what will inevitably occur is a good tool in preventing staff anxiety when issues arise. We will talk about Plan, Prepare, and Support!