Family Engagement Fridays Podcast by ELV

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In honor of Library Card Sign-up Month we are pulling this episode out of the archives!   We’re joined by Cynthia Keyotake and Andy Gallegos from Arapahoe Libraries to explore how today’s libraries are transforming the way families learn, play, and grow. 💡👶

🎧 Tune in to discover:

✅ Surprising things you’ll find in libraries today
✅ Services designed for families with young children
✅ Resources available for early childhood educators

Libraries are more than books—they’re community hubs for learning, connection, and support. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

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In this episode, we’re joined by Briony Hudson, a realtor with The Briony Group, a team of award-winning REALTORS® dedicated to helping families achieve their homeownership dreams. 

Briony walks us through the home buying process offering practical advice for first time buyers navigating the real estate world. From understanding credit and down payments to finding culturally responsive agents and accessing local grants, this episode is packed with valuable insights for families thinking about buying a home.  Whether you're just starting to dream about homeownership or ready to take the next step, this episode is a must-listen! 

Briony Hudson, Realtor - The Briony Group | Denver CO | Facebook   

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In this episode, we’re joined by Carlie Reed, Mesa County CCCAP Supervisor, to break down what families need to know about the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)—especially during the current enrollment freeze affecting many counties across the state. 

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or community partner, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating child care assistance and accessing support during challenging times. 

CCAP Website: Colorado Child Care Assistance Program For Families | Colorado Department of Early Childhood

Mesa County CCAP Team Line: 970.248.0860 

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In this heartwarming episode, we’re joined by Robin Levy, a Pyramid Model Coordinator, and Morgan, a mom to 14-month-old Javi, who’s navigating the ups and downs of toddler sleep. 

Together, they explore how the Pyramid Model—a framework for promoting young children’s social-emotional development—can help families create consistent, nurturing bedtime routines. Morgan shares her real-life experiences, and Robin offers practical strategies and insights that any parent can use to support better sleep habits. 

👶 Whether you're dealing with bedtime battles or just looking to improve your child’s sleep routine, this episode is full of helpful tips and encouragement. 

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In honor of Children's Eye Health and Safety Month we are digging into the archives for a great episode.  

In this episode, we speak with Tammy Miller, MA, Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and Director of Children’s Programs at Anchor Center for Blind Children in Denver. Tammy shares expert insights on the critical role of vision in early childhood development, how vision issues are detected, and the most common vision problems in young children.

👶 Early detection is key to helping children thrive—don’t miss this informative conversation!

📩 For more information, contact Tammy Miller at [email protected]

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In this episode, Julie Mendenhall explores how screen time—from tablets and phones to video games and smartwatches—is impacting young children’s development and family connection. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

🎧 Learn how to:

•  Recognize screen time habits
•  Understand the effects on social and emotional growth
•  Create more opportunities for face-to-face interaction

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In this episode, Kim Wolff from Healthy Child Care Colorado shares why oral health is essential for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers—and what every parent should know to protect their child’s smile. 👶🪥

🎧 What you’ll learn: ✅ Why baby teeth matter
✅ The 5 basics of oral health
✅ What to do if you suspect a dental issue
✅ How to build strong dental habits early

Resource: https://youtu.be/Cv8U9nwARpw 

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Ever wonder how your parenting style shapes your child’s behavior and emotional growth? In our latest episode, we talk with Julie Mendenhall about three common parenting approaches:

🔹 Giving Orders
🔹 Giving In
🔹 Giving Choices

Julie shares real-life examples and practical strategies to help families better understand their parenting style and how to use it to meet their child’s unique needs.

🎧 A must-listen for parents of toddlers and preschoolers, early childhood educators, and anyone supporting young children’s development.

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In this must-listen episode for parents and caregivers, we sit down with Kim Wolff from Healthy Child Care Colorado to talk about the five essential oral health habits every family should know. Whether you're caring for a baby, toddler, or preschooler, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you build strong dental routines from the start.

What you’ll learn:

1. Why baby teeth matter more than you think
2. The importance of choosing water over sugary drinks
3. How to encourage tooth-friendly eating habits
4. Daily routines: brushing, flossing, and rinsing made simple
5. Why regular dental checkups are key to lifelong oral health

🎥 Bonus Resources:

• Acid Attack Video – See how sugar affects your child’s teeth
• Sugar Measure Video – Learn how to spot hidden sugars in everyday foods

Perfect for busy parents looking to support their child’s health and development—tune in and take the first step toward a lifetime of healthy smiles!

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Join us for a meaningful conversation with Robin Levy, the 2025 recipient of the National Pyramid Champion Award! Robin breaks down the Pyramid Model, a powerful framework designed to support the social and emotional development of young children and their families.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What the Pyramid Model is and how it works
• Practical ways it supports families and caregivers
• Why social-emotional learning is essential in early childhood

Plus, Robin shares valuable resources available through the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations, perfect for families and educators alike.

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ELV Monthly Newsletter - Early Learning Ventures