Episode 2 of the Project HOPE–Virginia Podcast is now live 🎧 In this episode, we explore the power of family engagement in Head Start programs—and how it goes far beyond participation. It’s about recognizing parents as their child’s first and most important teachers, and ensuring they are supported, heard, and empowered throughout the entire process. From governance roles where policy is crafted to shared decision-making in how programs are implemented, families aren’t just recipients of services—they are active partners shaping the experience and direction of early childhood education. Because when families are empowered, the entire system shifts from support… to partnership. Listen now and join the conversation:https://bit.ly/3Qs19U3 #ProjectHOPEVA #HeadStart #FamilyEngagement #EarlyChildhoodEducation

🎙️ In case you missed it… 🎙️ One of the things I loved most about this conversation with Nirvana Yarger was hearing the passion behind creating something genuinely different for home educating families. Not just education…but community, connection, flexibility and belonging. There’s something really powerful about seeing people build spaces that recognise children don’t all learn in the same way and that families sometimes need alternatives that feel more human, supportive, and responsive. I also think it’s so important to celebrate people doing the work to challenge traditional ideas of education and create opportunities that truly centre children and families. And honestly… a community space with gardens AND coffee? You already know I’m there ☕ 🎧 If you haven’t listened yet, this episode explores: ✨ Home education and alternative learning ✨ Neurodiversity and personalised approaches ✨ Community-based education ✨ Parent reassurance and flexibility ✨ What happens when school isn’t the right fit Listen now on: Spotify: https://lnkd.in/e-KT9XpS Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/es36jHMs YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eWWaiZS5 ... and all major platforms. #homeeducation #alternativeeducation #homeschooling #educationpodcast #parenting #communitylearning #flexiblelearning #neurodiversity #childdevelopment #educationmatters #parentsupport #recappod #learningdifferences #homeeducator

Last week in our monthly parent support call with The Black Mountain Academy parents, our focus was "Parenting from the Heart: Distinguishing Emotions from Behavior." The discussion was rich with examples from parents where behaviors, whether avoidant or disruptive, can cloud our ability to see and understand our children's emotional experience. We explored how alexithymia, a common trait for many of our students, further impacts their child's experience and their ability to identify, understand, and express emotions. Our work as parents is complex in that we have to slow down to acknowledge, explore, and validate our children's feelings while also ensuring we thoughtfully hold boundaries. Helping our children identify, differentiate, and express feelings is a foundational role we can play as I children develop. We explored the idea that "All feelings are welcome, but all behaviors are not" covered so thoughtfully by Adam Grant and Aliza Pressman, Ph.D. in a recent Rethinking podcast episode "The Science of Effective Parenting." Being able to distinguish our children's emotions from their behavior allows us to provide the validation and warmth our children need as they experience emotions while also maintaining thoughtful and supportive boundaries that help them develop health relationships and habits. Our conversation was rich with examples of how to do this well, how to repair when we struggle with our own emotions as parents, and support from one another in our journey as parents. To listen to the Rethinking Podcast episode, follow this link: https://lnkd.in/eUtqYhKk

Home Schooling & Comfortable Speaking Communications and socialization can be a challenge for home schooled kids, so parents pay attention to how their children develop in these areas. I was hosted on the podcast of NxtEraEdu to talk to home schoolers about comfortable communications. The host, David Carnicella - Nxt Era Edu, explores how my background in stand-up comedy and improv made me more confident in all speaking, from one-on-one, to standing in front of large audiences. I'm grateful to Dave for hosting me, and to Beth Runkle for coordinating. You can watch at the link in my comment. I hope this helps home schoolers and the home schooled!

Friday Book Recommendation from Early Risers Podcast This week, we’re highlighting I Am Ruby Bridges, the story of Ruby Bridges, who at just six years old helped change history by integrating an all-white elementary school in the South. What makes this book especially important for young readers is how it centers not only history but identity, bravery, belonging, and the emotional experience of being a child in the middle of change. Books like this matter deeply in early childhood. They help children begin to understand fairness, racism, resilience, and empathy in ways that are age-appropriate and meaningful. Those early conversations between children and caring adults help shape how kids understand themselves, other people, and the world around them. This animated read-aloud from StoryTime Out Loud brings the story to life for classrooms, families, and caregivers. Check it out this weekend with a little one in your life. https://lnkd.in/g-XaCurE

Child-led practice is sometimes misunderstood. It does not mean limitless freedom. It does not mean a lack of boundaries. It does not mean the adult disappears from the process. In Nature Nurture, responsive child-led practice means creating a safe, well-held outdoor environment where children have genuine agency, and where adults observe carefully before deciding how, when or whether to step in. The adult becomes a facilitator, not a controller. In this week’s paid Substack, with an accompanying free podcast conversation between Daniel and Terri, we explore the six principles of best practice in the Nature Nurture Approach. One of the lovely reflections in the podcast is that, in outdoor practice, the relationship itself can become part of the boundary. Children are given freedom to explore, but within the safety of trust, respect and clear expectations. This is where powerful learning can happen. Children follow curiosity. They solve real problems. They practise independence. They discover what they can do. And the practitioner offers just enough support to help them take the next step. Read the full article and listen to the podcast here: https://lnkd.in/eW4CA8sZ

Storytelling isn’t just marketing; it’s how families connect emotionally with your brand. And one of the biggest mistakes childcare centers make? Making themselves the hero of the story. The best brands position the parent and child as the hero and your center as the guide that helps them succeed. That shift changes everything. 🚀 🎧 Want to learn how powerful storytelling can transform your childcare marketing and brand positioning? Check out the full podcast episode now on the links below:. YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eiQNsTWi Spotify Link: https://lnkd.in/eQTP9_xW Apple link: https://lnkd.in/evr58b5d

In episode two of our three-part series, Mind Of My Own founder, Yvonne Anderson, explores the importance of family-led decision making and why aligning the “front door” with early help can create more joined-up support for children, young people and families. As Family First continues to shape conversations across children's services, this episode looks at how early support works best when families are listened to from the very beginning, not once challenges have already escalated. Because when services, practitioners and families work together early on, it can lead to stronger relationships, better experiences and more meaningful outcomes. Watch the full second episode now👇 #FamilyFirst #EarlyHelp #ChildrensServices #MindOfMyOwn #Participation #VoicesAtTheDoor #SocialCare

🎙️ Same conversation. New perspective: Why Teens Need More Freedom Than We Think Previously titled Adolescent Agency, this conversation with Prof Mark Tomlinson gets to something many of us don’t talk about enough: teens don’t just need rules and structure — they also need trust, autonomy and room to grow. And while we often focus on what’s broken, Prof Tomlinson reminds us that there are many good things happening in our education system too. 🎧 Catch the full conversation via the link in below. https://lnkd.in/dTFhWeDH #ZeroDropoutCampaign #DropInPodcast #TeenWellbeing

🚨 Aging isn’t the problem. 🚨 Isolation is. Poor design is. And the belief that life shrinks after 60. What actually works 👇 ✔️ Design homes for mobility before crisis hits ✔️ Focus on entryways + bathrooms first ✔️ Integrate seniors into community ✔️ Protect purpose post-retirement ✔️ Shift mindset from decline to intention Homes weren’t built for longevity. But they can be redesigned for independence. 🎙 Loved this heartfelt conversation with Chris Moore about aging in place, universal design, and why purpose matters more than ever. If you have aging parents — or plan to age yourself — this episode will change how you see it. ✨ Listen to the full episode of Savage Angel — https://lnkd.in/gqmzwBhZ