Early Childhood Journeys

In Episode 55, Carla Rivera-Cruz is back on the podcast to talk about current events involving the oppressive policies and systems in the classroom and at the school board level. The conversation includes the reference of the video, The Four I's of Oppression and how it connects to her work in Education. Carla is a former classroom teacher and school board member as well as the co-host of #LatinasInED with host Marissa. Carla does not hold back discussing the oppressive Arizona education policies and laws that hold back teachers and most of all, Black and Brown students. Get ready for a passionate conversation!Connect with Carla for anti-racism, equity, diversity or other professional development at the teacher and/or admin level through her EDpiphany agency. You can also learn about her future "teachers lounge" set to open in January 2022 in the Phoenix Metro-Area by connecting with her on social media.To follow her on...FacebookTwitterInstagram Connect with host, Marissa and the award-winning Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.comLEAVE US A REVIEW!Music track is called Lemon Tea from GYVUS, provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music and connecting people.Used with permission and creative commons.More by Chillhop: http://chillhop.com/listen

Episode 54 is with advocate and outspoken champion for BIPOC, Lark Sontag from the Will Start Small Collective.Lark's points include a very honest and uncomfortable array of topics regarding the current injustices of COVID, how child care is rooted in oppressive policies and how much of the programming in early childhood is for the benefit of white populations that hold power. Take a deep breath in this hard-hitting episode and be ready to advocate for child care teachers. More about Lark SontagLark is a New York metro early childhood education specialist, curriculum developer, speaker, children’s advocate, and the author of the children’s book “What Every Child Should Know” on Sanctuary Press. She is committed to writing literature that showcases all children, creating an equitable world for neurodiverse children, and centering children in all discussions regarding economic justice.Lark is also the founder of the Will Start Small Collective which works collaboratively with nonprofits, schools, and social justice groups to create curriculum and programming rooted in anti-racism, critical race theory, and culturally relevant pedagogy. She is the publisher of Sweet Potato Pie, A Children's Literary Journal.Lark holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Mount St. Mary’s University and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Pacific Oaks College.To follow....Will Start SmallTwitterFacebook Connect with host, Marissa and the award-winning Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.comMusic track is called Lemon Tea from GYVUS, provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music and connecting people.Used with permission and creative commons.More by Chillhop: http://chillhop.com/listen

Episode 53 is with guest and Arizona early childhood education colleague, Tina Sykes. Tina Sykes is a social justice advocate, a poet a wife and parent to three children. Our conversations about the recent murder of #GeorgeFloyd online sparked an opportunity to have a candid conversation on the podcast about racism, white centric views in early childhood and the connection of social emotional development in social justice work. This topic was HEAVY.A call for deep reflection along with some websites to add to your teacher toolkit were also discussed. A big thank you to all of the amazing black women, and IBPOC in my personal and professional circles leading the change in this work!Check out Tina Wiggins Sykes on Facebook or connect with her on Linkedin.Some notable resources:Dr. Kira Banks from Raising EquityWoke KindergartenIndigo Cultural CenterIjuma JordanWill Start Small Connect with host, Marissa and the award-winning Early Childhood Journeys podcast at: earlychildhoodjourneys.comMusic track is called Lemon Tea from GYVUS, provided by Chillhop Music, a platform dedicated to finding and sharing the best chilled hiphop, jazzhop and triphop music and connecting people.Used with permission and creative commons.More by Chillhop: http://chillhop.com/listen