Circle Time Convos

Circle Time Convos

By Leslie McKinilyEducation
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Circle Time Convos episodes

  • Unlocking Resources and Confidence for Every Family

    Navigating school systems can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone! In this episode of Circle Time Convos, "Unlocking Resources and Confidence for Every Family," we sit down with Alicia Helkmack, Parent Resource Teacher at Jose De Diego Elementary Community Academy.


    Bringing over three decades of education experience, Alicia reveals how parents can bridge the communication gap with schools, take full advantage of on-site resources and workshops, and effectively advocate for their child’s unique learning and developmental needs. Tune in to gain practical strategies that will empower you to become an active, confident partner in your child’s educational journey.

    15 min
  • The Power of Books Before Pre-K

    In this episode of Circle Time Convos, we sit down with Bridget Rundquist, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Share Our Spare, to explore how early literacy shapes a child’s development long before they step into a classroom. Bridget shares details on Share Our Spare's partnership as the Chicago affiliate for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, delivering free, personalized, age-appropriate books directly to homes for children under five.

    25 min
  • Play and Language Grow Together

    In this episode of Circle Time Convos, "Play and Language Grow Together," we welcomed Jennifer Fernandez, Early Childhood Education Strategist at School Specialty, to discuss dual language acquisition and early childhood development. Drawing from her 23 years of teaching experience and master's degree in bilingual education, Jennifer addresses common parental concerns about raising bilingual children, stressing the crucial need to maintain the home language as a foundation for acquiring a second language.

    20 min
  • How the CCM Connects to Pre-K Classroom Curriculum

    In this episode of Circle Time Convos, special education teacher Helena E. Jankowski from John T. McCutcheon Elementary School joins the conversation to discuss how experiential learning connects to early childhood education. Jankowski explains how McCutcheon’s partnership with the Chicago Children's Museum created a "Curiosity Classroom" that brings museum-style, play-based learning directly to pre-K through 2nd-grade students.


    The episode explores how everyday explorations—from playground tree studies to community trips—naturally target STEAM, math, literacy, and social-emotional learning standards. Jankowski also shares strategies for supporting diverse learning needs, accommodating students with IEPs, and modeling simple, open-ended play for families to foster curiosity at home.

    22 min
  • Learning Beyond the Classroom: Exploring the CCM

    In this episode of Circle Time Convos, guest Alex Pafilis, Director of Early Childhood Learning at the Chicago Children’s Museum, explains how meaningful learning happens through play.


    Learn simple, everyday ways to bring the magic of museum exploration into your own home, discover how the museum fosters inclusion, and get details on local library passes and free admission days. 

    24 min
  • How School Nutrition Fuels Learning

    In this episode, we welcome Tarrah DeClemente, Executive Director of Nutrition Support Services at Chicago Public Schools (CPS), to discuss how school nutrition directly impacts student success.

    31 min
  • Supporting Success After Pre-K

    In this episode of Circle Time Convos, Principal Venus DeLoach of Carver Elementary School breaks down how families and schools can seamlessly navigate early childhood transitions.


    Principal DeLoach highlights the elevated expectations and rigor of modern kindergarten, explaining why early routines, self-regulation, and high attendance are essential for young learners.

    The conversation underlines the power of strong family-school partnerships, encouraging parents to embrace their role as active VIP collaborators in their child’s educational journey

    27 min
  • Learning Through Nature: Exploring Garfield Park Conservatory

    No matter what the Chicago weather is doing outside, the learning never stops! In this episode, we take a walk through the beautiful Garfield Park Conservatory with Grace Urrutia, the Nature Education Manager. Grace shares how the Conservatory serves as a massive, sensory-rich classroom for young learners through free, hands-on drop-in programs.

    17 min
  • Understanding Medicaid & Family Supports For Young Children

    Is your child starting pre-K or kindergarten soon? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sonji Barnes (Acting Director of Health Services) to break down how families can get free, hands-on help applying for Medicaid and SNAP, as well as access on-site school dental, vision, and physical exams. Tune in to learn how easy it is to set your child up for a healthy, successful school year with CPS's healthcare resources! 

    32 min
  • How Play Builds Kindergarten Preparedness

    When families are juggling chaotic schedules, navigating multiple languages, and trying to find the right balance for their children, what does true kindergarten readiness actually look like?


    In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Spraker, Vice President of Program Services at Concordia Place, a Chicago-based nonprofit serving diverse communities representing over 22 languages.

    Tune in to discover why consistent, open-ended play is the ultimate tool for rapid brain development and for the critical social-emotional, language, and executive functioning skills children need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond.

    24 min

About Circle Time Convos

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Your go-to podcast for parenting & early childhood insights