On this episode of the Little Moments Count Radio Podcast, join us on Native Roots Radio for a discussion with Jannan Cotto.

Jannan Cotto is a Child Care Systems Coordinator for First Children’s Finance.  First Children’s Finance is a national nonprofit organization that provides loans and business development assistance to child care businesses serving low- and moderate-income families.  In this role, Jannan supports Tribal Nations’ efforts to build, improve, and sustain high quality, culturally-relevant child care systems.

We discuss accessible childcare as not just a convenience but the bedrock of economic stability and cultural identity for communities. We delve into the hardships childcare providers face in offering affordable care while maintaining fair wages for their hardworking staff. With a staggering annual loss of $122 billion due to childcare issues in the U.S., we contemplate the pressing need for solutions. Highlighting a recent tribal nations convening, we tell tales of grassroots triumphs and innovative strategies that are reshaping the landscape of early care and education systems, proving that culturally informed care is a powerful tool in nurturing resilient generations.

This episode was recorded on March 8, 2024

To hear more interviews with early childhood experts on how to support the important brain development that takes place in the first 1000 days of life–just through little moments every day,  visit littlemomentscount.org/podcast

On this episode of Little Moments Count Radio Podcast on KMOJ, we hear from Dianne Haulcy, President and CEO at The Family Partnership and host of the Early Risers Podcast.

This episode is a roadmap for creating a future where inclusivity and understanding are the norms. Dianne dissects the importance of allowing kids the space to inquire about race and the powerful role educators play in this dialogue. She stresses that children are rapidly absorbing information from their environments, making it imperative that we, as adults, confront our own discomfort to guide them effectively. By addressing our own biases, we can better support the development of children's racial identities, underscoring that each race possesses its own unique beauty and strengths. Join us as we provide parents and caregivers with the tools to confidently guide their little ones through the complexities of race and identity.

This episode was aired live on The Afternoon Drive on KMOJ radio in Minneapolis on January 23rd, 2024. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

On this episode of Little Moments Count Radio Podcast on KMOJ, we hear from Rasheda Jenkins, a passionate advocate for child development and a dedicated member of the North Side Achievement Zone.

Rasheda shares her wisdom on the benefits of child-directed play, emphasizing the value of letting children lead their learning experiences to foster independence, emotional intelligence, and self-esteem. Tune in as Rashida provides insightful anecdotes and evidence from her work, illustrating how nurturing our children's

This episode was aired live on The Afternoon Drive on KMOJ radio in Minneapolis on January 9th, 2024. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

On this episode of Little Moments Count, KRSM host Andrea Pierre interviews Heather Charmoli, Program Administrator for the Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children (MnAEYC). Heather gives us a guided tour of MnAEYC's initiatives that are painting a brighter future for young minds. From accreditation coaching to legislative advocacy, we uncover the organization's dedication to quality education.

We also discuss the unsung heroes of education—the early childhood workforce. We spotlight the transformative opportunities available for educators in Minnesota, such as the

This episode was recorded on January 18th 2024

To hear more interviews with early childhood experts on how

On this episode of the Little Moments Count Radio Podcast, join us on Native Roots Radio for a discussion with Kris Hoplin, Executive Director of Reach out and Read. Listen in as we discuss the innovative methods of embedding reading and storytelling into pediatric care, and how these acts are not just shaping a child's early language development but are also deeply influencing their school preparedness and social-emotional well-being. Kris also unveils the ways in which medical professionals play a pivotal role by encouraging families to foster their children's minds right from the start.

This episode also looks at the efforts to preserve and honor the Ojibwe language through book translations and bilingual resources. We cast a spotlight on the crucial importance of nurturing cultural pride and cognitive development through multilingual education, providing a valuable framework for

This episode was recorded on January 18th, 2024 on the live radio program Native Roots Radio-I’m Awake, broadcast on various radio station in the Twin Cities, Chicago and Wisconsin.

To hear more interviews with early childhood experts on how

On this episode of Little Moments Count Radio Podcast, join us on Native Roots Radio with guest Barb Fabre, CEO of Indigenous Visioning. Barb discusses the Tribal Blueprint project, an initiative, developed in collaboration with the Bipartisan Policy Center and Indigenous Visioning, that seeks to improve childcare and early learning in tribal communities. Throughout our discussion, we address the pressing need for better communication between state and tribal governments, explore innovative approaches to serving tribal members off-reservation, and confront the necessity of federal funding reform to more effectively answer tribal needs. This episode casts a spotlight on the urban Native American populations who often grapple with accessing essential services, emphasizing the significance of nurturing a culturally relevant environment for the community's children.

This episode was recorded on December 20th,

To hear more interviews with early childhood experts on how

On this episode of Little Moments Count Radio Podcast on KMOJ, we hear from therapist Brandon Jones. Growing up amidst the chaos of trauma, Brandon Jones found his calling in the echoes of his childhood experiences. As a therapist and now the Executive Director of the Minnesota Association for Children's Mental Health,

Brandon's personal narrative intertwines with his professional insights, making this episode not only an educational journey but

This episode was aired live on The Afternoon Drive on KMOJ radio in Minneapolis on November 21st, 2023. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

On this episode of Little Moments Count Radio Podcast on KMOJ, we hear from Andre Dukes, Vice President, Family & Community Impact at Northside Achievement Zone.

We learn the many ways parents can use holidays and family traditions to foster their children's development, from the joy of dress-up to the stories discovered within fairy tales. Andre shares how the smallest interactions during the first 1,000 days of life can leave indelible imprints on a child's brain, shaping their future with every giggle, cuddle, and story shared.

This episode, brimming with tips and heartfelt anecdotes, serves as a treasure map for caregivers and educators on a quest to nurture the sprouts of potential in every child.

This episode was aired live on The Afternoon Drive on KMOJ radio in Minneapolis on December 19th, 2023. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

On this episode of Little Moments Count Radio Podcast on KMOJ, we hear from Mary Taris, the visionary founder of Strive Publishing and Strive Bookstore.

Mary shares her journey, shedding light on the challenges she faced while pioneering her enterprise in a predominantly white publishing industry. Our conversation explores the urgent need for diversification in children's literature, emphasizing how authentic representation of black characters can expand young minds and nurture an inclusive mindset. Join us as Mary advocates for children to see themselves in the books they read and unveils the transformative power of authentic black voices in literature.

Tune in to discover firsthand the profound impact of engaging with black authors and to appreciate the pivotal role local bookstores like Strive play in nurturing a love for reading. Let's amplify the importance of diverse voices in children's literature and support Mary Taris's mission to empower and elevate black voices for a more just and equitable society.

This episode was aired live on The Afternoon Drive on KMOJ radio in Minneapolis on October 10th, 2023. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

In this episode of Little Moments Count Radio Podcast on KMOJ, we hear from Rasheda Jenkins. Among many things, Rasheda is a facilitator of Family Academy Classes at the Northside Achievement Zone.

Through our conversation, we learn about early childhood brain development, uncovering how vital the early years are for setting the foundation of an individual's future. Rashida's discusses  the wide spectrum of classes at NAZ, aimed at empowering all ages, especially focusing on the magic of child-directed play and its role in cementing lifelong neural connections.

This episode was aired live on The Afternoon Drive on KMOJ radio in Minneapolis on December 5th, 2023. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts