Early Childhood Chats

Stress is one of the biggest drivers of burnout, turnover, and dissatisfaction in early childhood education — and it affects not only educators, but children and families as well.

In this episode of Early Childhood Chats, Andy Roszak is joined by Raelene Ostberg, founder of Thriving Together and a nationally recognized expert in educator wellness, toddler behavior, and resilience.

Raelene shares her personal journey from being a “Head Start baby” to becoming a leading voice in supporting early childhood professionals. Together, they explore why stress is not going away — and why the solution isn’t perfection, but small, intentional shifts woven throughout the day.

This conversation covers practical strategies for reducing stress hormones in classrooms, reframing challenging behaviors, strengthening leadership culture, and restoring joy in the work of caring for young children.

• Why stress is the #1 issue in early childhood education — now and historically

• How Raelene’s early childhood trauma and Head Start experience shaped her mission

• The “default network” (the hamster wheel brain) and why our minds stay stuck in stress

• Why educator burnout impacts children’s behavior and emotional regulation

• The post-COVID “big dropout” — educators leaving or disengaging while staying

• How challenging behaviors have intensified across programs nationwide

• Simple classroom shifts that increase presence and decrease chaos

• Why leadership stress sets the tone for the entire organization

• Building culture through small connection routines, not unrealistic overhauls

• How reframing stories can reduce stress and increase compassion

• Why educators must reclaim their power to influence outcomes — without blaming families

Artificial intelligence is already shaping our classrooms, homes, and society... but how do we prepare children for an AI-driven future without losing what makes us human?In this episode of Early Childhood Chats, host Andy Roszak sits down with Jeffrey Riley, former Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education and Executive Director of Day of AI, a nonprofit born out of MIT.Together, they explore how AI is transforming education, why AI literacy is becoming a foundational skill, and how teachers, parents, and school leaders can use AI safely, ethically, and effectively. From early childhood classrooms to high school and beyond, this conversation tackles real concerns around data privacy, bias, mental health, and over-reliance on technology — while highlighting how AI can actually give educators time back and personalize learning for every student.This episode also dives into:➡️ Why AI is the “fourth R” alongside reading, writing, and arithmetic➡️ How teachers can use AI without compromising academic integrity➡️ The importance of critical thinking and “trust but verify” in an AI world➡️ The upcoming Student AI Bill of Rights and Youth AI Festival➡️ How families can talk to kids about AI — even without technical expertiseWhether you’re a teacher, administrator, parent, or education leader, this episode will help you understand what AI means for the future of learning — and how to approach it with confidence, not fear.Learn more about Jeff and Day of AI here:• dayofai.org• dayofaiusa.org• [email protected] Childhood Chats is hosted by Andrew Roszak - JD, MPA, EMT-PExecutive Director at the Institute for Childhood Preparedness. The Institute for Childhood Preparedness is proud to use its decades of experience to offer comprehensive and expert disaster and emergency preparedness trainings live in-person, via webinar, and on-demand online. // Visit: https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/ to find out more // Schedule your training today https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/trainingFOLLOW UShttps://www.instagram.com/childhoodpreparedness/ https://www.facebook.com/ChildPreparedhttps://twitter.com/ChildPreparedhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-childhood-preparedness© Institute for Childhood Preparedness 2026 all rights reserved

In this episode of Early Childhood Chats, Andy Roszak is joined by Kama Einhorn with Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, to discuss how they are helping children, families, and educators build resilience, emotional well-being, and emergency preparedness.Learn how trusted Sesame Street characters are being used to support trauma-informed care, social-emotional learning, and disaster preparedness for young children facing extreme weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods.We explore:➡️ How early childhood educators and caregivers can support children before, during, and after emergencies➡️ Why familiarity, play, and trusted relationships are critical during stressful events➡️ How free, research-based Sesame Workshop resources help children feel safe and supported➡️ The role of adults in modeling self-care and resilience🎒 These FREE emergency preparedness and resilience resources are available online and can be used in classrooms, childcare settings, homes, and communities.🌎 Resources are available in both English and Spanish.🔗 Learn more and access the materials: https://sesame.org/https://sesame.org/emergencies/Whether you’re an early childhood educator, parent, childcare provider, or community professional, this conversation offers practical, compassionate tools to help young children navigate uncertainty and build lifelong resilience.----------------------------Early Childhood Chats is hosted by Andrew Roszak - JD, MPA, EMT-PExecutive Director at the Institute for Childhood Preparedness. The Institute for Childhood Preparedness is proud to use its decades of experience to offer comprehensive and expert disaster and emergency preparedness trainings live in-person, via webinar, and on-demand online. // Visit: https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/ to find out more // Schedule your training today https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/trainingFOLLOW UShttps://www.instagram.com/childhoodpreparedness/ https://www.facebook.com/ChildPreparedhttps://twitter.com/ChildPreparedhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-childhood-preparedness© Institute for Childhood Preparedness 2025 all rights reserved

In this episode of Early Childhood Chats, host Andy Roszak sits down with Gerard Visco, Director of Professional Development at a Head Start agency in New Jersey, to explore what high-quality early childhood education really looks like.Together, they dive into: ✏️ Why picture books and read-alouds are one of the most powerful tools in early learning✏️ How to make early math meaningful, playful, and story-driven✏️ Common mistakes educators make during circle time—and how to fix them✏️ The role of professional development, mentorship, and teacher advocacy✏️ A thoughtful breakdown of AI-generated children’s books vs. human-created literature✏️ What today’s early childhood educators need most to succeedThis conversation is packed with practical strategies, real classroom examples, and powerful reflections for preschool teachers, Head Start professionals, school leaders, and anyone passionate about early learning.🎧 Perfect for:Early childhood educatorsPreschool and Head Start teachersInstructional coaches and PD leadersParents interested in literacy and learningAnyone invested in the future of education👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with an educator who needs this conversation today.👉 Connect with Gerard: https://www.edutopia.org/profile/gerard-visco/----------------------------Early Childhood Chats is hosted by Andrew Roszak - JD, MPA, EMT-PExecutive Director at the Institute for Childhood Preparedness. The Institute for Childhood Preparedness is proud to use its decades of experience to offer comprehensive and expert disaster and emergency preparedness trainings live in-person, via webinar, and on-demand online. // Visit: https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/ to find out more // Schedule your training today https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/trainingFOLLOW UShttps://www.instagram.com/childhoodpreparedness/ https://www.facebook.com/ChildPreparedhttps://twitter.com/ChildPreparedhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-childhood-preparedness© Institute for Childhood Preparedness 2026 all rights reserved

What happens when you combine 50+ years of early childhood education experience with honest conversations about policy, workforce challenges, and advocacy?In this powerful episode of Early Childhood Chats, host Andy Rozak sits down with Dr. Robert Gundling, a nationally respected early childhood leader, former president of DC AEYC, Head Start advocate, and founder of Sense of Wonder.Dr. Gundling shares unforgettable stories from the very beginning of Head Start, explains why early childhood education has been misunderstood for decades, and outlines what it will take to finally build a sustainable, respected, and fully funded early learning system in the United States.This episode covers:➡️ The history and future of Head Start➡️ Why early childhood education is NOT babysitting➡️ Workforce shortages, pay equity, and professionalism➡️ Men in early childhood education➡️ Universal Pre-K and state-level policy success stories➡️ Advocacy lessons from Washington, DC, Virginia, Maryland, and beyondWhether you’re an early childhood educator, Head Start leader, policy advocate, or education reformer, this episode is packed with insight, history, and inspiration.Learn more about Dr. Robert Gundling here:👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-gundling-aa0a5a5/Subscribe for weekly conversations on early childhood leadership, policy, and practice.----------------------------Early Childhood Chats is hosted by Andrew Roszak - JD, MPA, EMT-PExecutive Director at the Institute for Childhood Preparedness. The Institute for Childhood Preparedness is proud to use its decades of experience to offer comprehensive and expert disaster and emergency preparedness trainings live in-person, via webinar, and on-demand online. // Visit: https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/ to find out more // Schedule your training today https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/trainingFOLLOW UShttps://www.instagram.com/childhoodpreparedness/ https://www.facebook.com/ChildPreparedhttps://twitter.com/ChildPreparedhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-childhood-preparedness© Institute for Childhood Preparedness 2025 all rights reserved

In this powerful episode of Early Childhood Chats, host Andy Roszak sits down with national expert Alan Guttman to unpack one of the most important—and often misunderstood—topics in early childhood education: mandatory reporting requirements.Whether you're a preschool teacher, childcare provider, administrator, Head Start professional, or early learning advocate, this conversation shines light on what mandatory reporting really means, why suspicion alone is enough to trigger a report, and how to overcome fear, uncertainty, and workplace barriers.Alan shares real-life stories from his 40-year career, breaks down state-by-state differences, explains the role of educators versus investigators, and provides practical guidance for protecting children, supporting staff, and creating safer early childhood environments.👉 Learn the why behind mandated reporting👉 Understand common misconceptions👉 Hear real examples of reporting done right👉 Discover how programs can support staff in difficult situations👉 Get clarity on what happens after a report is filedThis is essential listening for anyone responsible for the health, safety, and wellbeing of young children.Learn more about Alan:https://headstartconsultant.com/https://maec.org/staff/alan-guttman/https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanguttman/----------------------------Early Childhood Chats is hosted by Andrew Roszak - JD, MPA, EMT-PExecutive Director at the Institute for Childhood Preparedness. The Institute for Childhood Preparedness is proud to use its decades of experience to offer comprehensive and expert disaster and emergency preparedness trainings live in-person, via webinar, and on-demand online. // Visit: https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/ to find out more // Schedule your training today https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/trainingFOLLOW UShttps://www.instagram.com/childhoodpreparedness/ https://www.facebook.com/ChildPreparedhttps://twitter.com/ChildPreparedhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-childhood-preparedness© Institute for Childhood Preparedness 2025 all rights reserved

In this powerful episode of Early Childhood Chats, we uncover the hidden dangers most childcare programs never think about: vehicles crashing into playgrounds, buildings, and drop-off areas. Safety expert Ken Skertich joins host Andy Roszak to break down what really puts early childhood facilities at risk—and what programs can do to prevent tragedy.From bollards and guardrails, to proper risk assessments, retrofitting, and real-world crash examples, this conversation is eye-opening for anyone working in childcare, Head Start, preschool operations, or facility management.Whether you're a director, owner, safety manager, or educator, this episode gives you practical, budget-friendly steps to protect your program, staff, and children.▶️ Topics Covered:• Why playground fences and building walls aren’t enough• What types of barriers actually stop vehicles• Budget-friendly ways to improve safety• How to assess your program’s vulnerabilities• Real-life crash incidents and what we can learn• What municipalities and insurance companies look for• How bollards and barrier systems work• New innovations in playground safety📌 Want a safer facility?Learn more about risk assessments, barriers, and expert support to help protect your childcare program.Learn More about Ken & Resources:ProjectCore – https://www.projecore.com/Storefront Safety Council – www.storefrontsafetyinitiative.orgInstitute for Childhood Preparedness – www.childhoodpreparedness.orgStorefront Safety Resource Hub – www.childhoodpreparedness.org/storefrontsafety----------------------------Early Childhood Chats is hosted by Andrew Roszak - JD, MPA, EMT-PExecutive Director at the Institute for Childhood Preparedness. The Institute for Childhood Preparedness is proud to use its decades of experience to offer comprehensive and expert disaster and emergency preparedness trainings live in-person, via webinar, and on-demand online. // Visit: https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/ to find out more // Schedule your training today https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/trainingFOLLOW UShttps://www.instagram.com/childhoodpreparedness/ https://www.facebook.com/ChildPreparedhttps://twitter.com/ChildPreparedhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-childhood-preparedness© Institute for Childhood Preparedness 2025 all rights reserved

Andy Roszak sits down with architect John Hollo to explore how design and construction strategies can save lives. Discover how childcare centers, schools, and community buildings can prevent tragic vehicle-into-building crashes through thoughtful design, crash-tested barriers, and proactive safety planning.

John shares over 25 years of architectural experience and real-world examples of how simple site assessments, bollards, and protective layouts can drastically reduce risk and keep children safe.

💡 In this video, you’ll learn:

Why “luck is not a strategy” when it comes to child safety

How to assess your property for vehicle impact risks

Low-cost and creative solutions for existing buildings

The difference between conventional and crash-tested barriers

How safety design can also enhance aesthetics and trust

🎥 This is part two of our Designing Safety Series, dedicated to protecting children from preventable accidents in childcare and community environments.

👉 Subscribe for more expert insights on safety design, childcare security, and community protection.

Learn more about John:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-hollo-83a890126/

Storefront Safety: https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/storefrontsafety

----------------------------

Early Childhood Chats is hosted by Andrew Roszak - JD, MPA, EMT-P

Executive Director at the Institute for Childhood Preparedness. The Institute for Childhood Preparedness is proud to use its decades of experience to offer comprehensive and expert disaster and emergency preparedness trainings live in-person, via webinar, and on-demand online.

// Visit: https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/ to find out more

// Schedule your training today https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/training

FOLLOW US

https://www.instagram.com/childhoodpreparedness/

https://www.facebook.com/ChildPrepared

https://twitter.com/ChildPrepared

https://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-childhood-preparedness

© Institute for Childhood Preparedness 2025 all rights reserved

Vehicles strike commercial buildings about 100 times a day—and early childhood programs aren’t spared. In this kickoff to our three-part safety series, host Andy sits down with Rob Reiter, co-founder of the Storefront Safety Council (https://www.storefrontsafety.org/), whose database tracks 50,000+ incidents to unpack why “vehicle-into-building” and playground crashes are both foreseeable and preventable.They break down the highest-risk moments (drop-off/pick-up chaos, nose-in parking pointed at entrances, unprotected ADA stalls near front doors) and explain why nearly half of incidents at early childhood sites result in injuries. You’ll hear practical, low-cost fixes—rethinking traffic flow, relocating parking, and adding effective barriers (yes, bollards…or friendly-looking planters)—plus policy insights and what closures, insurance gaps, and community impacts really look like after a crash.👉 Subscribe for more early childhood strategies!Learn more about Rob and R&R Consulting:Website: https://storefrontcrashexpert.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reiter-and-reiter-inc/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StorefrontSafetyCouncilX: https://x.com/SafeStorefronts----------------------------Early Childhood Chats is hosted by Andrew Roszak - JD, MPA, EMT-PExecutive Director at the Institute for Childhood Preparedness. The Institute for Childhood Preparedness is proud to use its decades of experience to offer comprehensive and expert disaster and emergency preparedness trainings live in-person, via webinar, and on-demand online. //Visit: https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/ to find out more // Schedule your training today https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/trainingFOLLOW UShttps://www.instagram.com/childhoodpreparedness/ https://www.facebook.com/ChildPreparedhttps://twitter.com/ChildPreparedhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-childhood-preparedness© Institute for Childhood Preparedness 2025 all rights reserved

Urgent Episode Exposes Human Cost of Shutdown on 65,000 Head Start KidsWASHINGTON, D.C. — As the federal government shutdown enters its fifth week, Early Childhood Chats releases a breaking episode recorded just 48 hours before November 1st, when 134 Head Start programs serving 65,000 children in 41 states and Puerto Rico could lose all funding.Host Andy Roszak, a former Senate staffer and early childhood advocate, sits down with Sarah Rubinfield, Managing Director of Government Affairs at the First Five Years Fund (FFYF). With over 15 years of Capitol Hill experience advocating for children and families, Sarah now leads bipartisan efforts to strengthen federal support for early learning and child care—ensuring parents can work and children can thrive. Learn more at ffyf.org.Together they go beyond headlines to reveal the real-time human toll: teachers updating résumés for Walmart, parents forced to quit jobs the moment child care vanishes, and the possible uptick in domestic violence that follows when families lose their safety net.“They might last a week… then the doors close.” — Sarah Rubinfield“One day a child gets three meals. The next? Nothing.” — Andy RoszakThe conversation explores how the shutdown threatens Head Start, CCDBG, SNAP, and WIC—and how those losses ripple through workplaces, local economies, and the national fabric. Despite decades of bipartisan support for these programs, federal inaction now puts essential early learning at risk.From Capitol Hill insights to on-the-ground realities, Andy and Sarah deliver one urgent message: this shutdown isn’t politics as usual. It’s about real families, real children, and real futures we can still protect.“Your voice is bigger than any lobbyist. Bring a crayon drawing.” — Andy RoszakCall Congress: house.gov | senate.govAct now: ffyf.orgListen Now: earlychildhoodchats.com 👉 Subscribe for more insights and updates👉 Head Start East Conference: https://www.headstarteast.org/🌐 Learn more from First Five Years Fund:Website: https://www.ffyf.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/firstfiveyears/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ffyfInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/first5yearsfundX: https://x.com/firstfiveyearsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/firstfiveyearsEpisode SummaryIn this powerful and timely episode of Early Childhood Chats, host Andy Roszak sits down with Sarah Rubinfield, Managing Director of Government Affairs at the First Five Years Fund, to unpack the devastating effects of the ongoing federal government shutdown on America’s most vulnerable families. Recorded 48 hours before the November 1st funding cliff, the conversation goes beyond headlines to explore what happens when programs like Head Start, CCDBG, SNAP, and WIC lose funding—and how those disruptions ripple through communities, workplaces, and the national economy. Together, Andy and Sarah shed light on the real-world consequences for children, parents, and providers—and what can be done to protect essential early childhood programs that millions depend on. From Capitol Hill insights to on-the-ground realities, this episode underscores one urgent message: this shutdown isn’t politics as usual; it’s about real families, real children, and real futures.----------------------------Early Childhood Chats is hosted by Andrew Roszak - JD, MPA, EMT-PExecutive Director at the Institute for Childhood Preparedness. The Institute for Childhood Preparedness is proud to use its decades of experience to offer comprehensive and expert disaster and emergency preparedness trainings live in-person, via webinar, and on-demand online. // Visit: https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/ to find out more FOLLOW UShttps://www.instagram.com/childhoodpreparedness/ https://www.facebook.com/ChildPreparedhttps://twitter.com/ChildPreparedhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-childhood-preparedness© Institute for Childhood Preparedness 2025 all rights reserved