Early Childhood Journeys

Episode 56 features a Kindergarten Virtual Zoom Chat that was converted to an audio podcast with light editing for clarity.Guests, Lauren Degregorio is a K-1 teacher in New Mexico, previously a Kindergarten Teacher in Arizona. Catherine Norwood is an Arizona Instructional Coach for an Arizona school district. Both Educators are connected thru AZ's The Kindergarten Experience past grant work with podcast host Marissa Calderón.Discussion related to tips and strategies on how to meet the online kindergarten child's needs, what is equitable for the child and their family, what is realistic for families and what is based on the science of learning for young children. Website links are also included and real-life stories of parents and families on the difficult adjustment this new normal has created. The importance of social and emotional development and trauma that school districts have to recognize and focusing on strategies for parents and teachers. Discussion also includes recognition that many teachers are essentially learning a new method of delivery of information and it's stressful for everyone.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

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