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.

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.

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.

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! 

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?

What does it really take to raise global citizens in a world of dual-language learners? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Larue Fitch, the passionate principal of C.E. Hughes Elementary School (Charles Evans Hughes), to discuss the vital role of early childhood education in a globalized society.

Ever noticed how a lack of rest can completely change a child's behavior? Child development and parenting expert Dr. Angela Searcy joins us on this episode of Circle Time Convos to unpack why "quiet time" is one of the most powerful and most misunderstood parts of early childhood development.

In this episode, we are joined by Marquinta Thomas, Vice President of Community Impact at Illinois Action for Children (IAFC), to demystify the process of applying for early childhood education in Chicago.

In this episode of Circle Time Convs, we sit down with Esmeralda Bueno, District Chief at Chicago Public Library (CPL), to explore how modern libraries have evolved into vibrant community hubs that offer far more than just books.

Is Pre-K just "play," or is it the foundation for a lifetime of learning? In this episode, we sit down with Mrs. Eileen Gregor, a teacher from Carver Elementary School, to explore the intentionality, joy, and rigor found in the early childhood classroom.