Early Childhood Services' ELEVATE

Join hosts Inette Bolden and Jennifer Ferreira as they sit down with Karen Bernal, BSN, RN, Program Manager II of the Improved Pregnancy Outcomes Program, for an important conversation about infant safe sleep and prevention.

Karen shares practical guidance to help parents, caregivers, and early childhood professionals create safer sleep environments for babies, from the ABCs of safe sleep to common questions about sleep spaces, swaddling, pacifiers, and changing recommendations. She also discusses Montgomery County’s work to better understand and prevent infant deaths and the importance of education, resources, and community partnerships.

Every Sleep, Every Baby: Creating Safer Starts for Infants reminds us that safe sleep matters every nap, every night, and with every caregiver.

The transcript of this episode can be found here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458592/episodes/19821672-safe-beginnings-protecting-infants-and-understanding-the-disparities#transcript

Join hosts Inette Bolden and Jennifer Ferreira as they sit down with Charlene Marie Muhammad, MS, Program Manager of Birth to Five Head Start, to explore how Head Start supports children's learning, health, and overall well-being while strengthening families and communities.

Charlene shares how Head Start provides comprehensive services that go beyond the classroom, helping children build a strong foundation for lifelong success through education, family engagement, health services, and community partnerships.

This episode highlights the lasting impact of investing in the whole child and the whole family, while showcasing how Head Start is helping Montgomery County's youngest learners thrive.

Join hosts Inette Bolden and Jennifer Ferreira as they sit down with Asia Ewell and Saru Nithyanandam, facilitators of the Positive Solutions for Families program, to explore how positive parenting can strengthen family relationships and support children's social-emotional development.

They discuss how behavior is communication, why predictable routines and positive guidance matter, and practical strategies families can use to reduce challenging behaviors while teaching important life skills. Asia and Saru also share tips for responding to difficult moments with empathy, consistency, and confidence, helping children—and the adults who care for them—thrive together.

This episode offers practical, everyday tools for parents and caregivers looking to build stronger connections, encourage positive behavior, and create supportive environments where children can succeed.

Join hosts Inette Bolden and Jennifer Ferreira as they sit down with Dawn Iannaco-Hahn, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health specialist, to explore why mental health begins in the earliest years of life.

They discuss how Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) focuses on relationships, emotional development, and the environments that shape young children’s well-being. Dawn breaks down common misconceptions, highlights the importance of understanding behavior as communication, and shares how supporting caregivers and educators is key to helping children thrive.

This episode offers practical insight into how early, relationship-based support can strengthen emotional development and create a foundation for lifelong health and learning.

A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458592/18908436-a-conversation-about-building-healthy-minds-from-birth/transcript

In this episode of the ELEVATE Podcast, hosts Inette Bolden and Jennifer Ferreira welcome Sylvia Hennessie, Early Childhood Coach, and Starr Stevenson, Child Care Health Consultant with Child Care Support Services, for an insightful conversation on early childhood brain development.

Sylvia and Starr break down key concepts like brain architecture, serve-and-return interactions, and toxic stress, explaining how everyday moments—talking, playing, diapering, singing, and routines—shape a child’s developing brain from before birth through the first five years of life. They emphasize that nurturing relationships and responsive interactions are just as important as nutrition and sleep in supporting healthy development.

The episode offers practical, reassuring guidance for both families and educators, highlighting how being present, intentional, and responsive during ordinary moments can have a lifelong impact. Listeners walk away with a powerful reminder: brain-building happens every day, and everyone plays a role in helping children thrive.

In this episode of the ELEVATE Podcast, hosts Inette Bolden and Jennifer Ferreira sit down with Nichelle Owens and Jessica Blasic from Montgomery County’s Judy Center Early Learning Hubs to explore how these family-centered programs support children from birth to age five. They discuss the Judy Centers’ mission, their rapid expansion in Montgomery County, and how playgroups, developmental screenings, and family engagement activities help build school readiness.

Nichelle and Jessica also highlight the power of community partnerships and share how families, educators, and early childhood leaders can get involved.

In this episode, hosts Jennifer Ferreira and Inette Bolden sit down with Tamieka Thomasson, Program Manager III of Child Care Support Services (CCSS) in Montgomery County. Tamieka shares her journey in early childhood education, her passion for play-based learning, and the mission of CCSS to ensure quality care for every child. 

Listeners learn how CCSS supports:

• Families through Family Involvement Centers, one-on-one parenting support, and help navigating resources and child care options.
• Educators with on-site coaching, professional learning communities, training, and classroom consultation to strengthen teaching practices.
• Child care programs with guidance on licensing, quality improvement, business growth, and access to funding for facilities and materials.

Tamieka emphasizes CCSS’s commitment to access, quality, and equity, reminding the community: “We are here and we are your partner.”

The episode highlights how CCSS empowers families, strengthens providers, and uplifts educators to create a strong early care and education system across Montgomery County.

Join hosts Inette Bolden and Jennifer Ferreira as they welcome Maranda Schoppert, Program Manager for Early Literacy and Children's Services at Montgomery County Public Libraries. With over 11 years of experience working with young children and caregivers, Maranda brings valuable insights into the foundational skills that set children on the path to becoming confident readers.

In this episode, listeners will discover what early literacy truly means, why it matters before a child can even read, and how families and educators can nurture these skills through everyday activities.

In this episode, hosts Inette Bolden and Jennifer Ferreira welcome Jill Ginsburg, Program Manager for Montgomery County’s Infants and Toddlers Program (MCITP). With over 20 years of experience in early intervention, Jill shares what inspired her journey in the field and highlights the critical impact of early intervention services on children from birth to age three.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of what early intervention means, how it supports both children and families, and how services are tailored to meet the needs of Montgomery County’s diverse population. Jill also provides practical guidance for families who may be seeking support and offers a powerful message about the lifelong benefits of early intervention.

Join hosts Inette B. and Jennifer F. with special guest Jennifer Arnáiz, Administrator of Early Childhood Services. Discover the mission that drives Early Childhood Services, the specific goals Jennifer Arnáiz aims to achieve, and the challenges they face. 

Gain insights into what makes a great leader in early childhood and invaluable advice for aspiring professionals entering the field. Don’t miss this engaging conversation that promises to elevate your understanding of early childhood care and education. 

Thank you for tuning in to the ELEVATE podcast. Stay connected and continue the conversation on social media @DHHSCCSS. Until next time!