In this episode of Little Moments Count, KRSM host Andrea Pierre interviews educator Jamesetta Diggs, a West African Immigrant and mother of two. Jamesetta has served as an early childhood professional for more than 10 years in different capacities as a preschool teacher, family educator, teacher trainer, and early childhood consultant. She is the founder of Social Learning For Littles, an establishment that focuses on parent empowerment for the healthy growth and development of young children.

Listen in as we unravel the essential role of parental involvement in a child's earliest years, discussing the innovative approach by Jamesetta and her organization, Social Learning for Littles. Discover the empowering tools designed to aid parents in cultivating their child's brain development through simple, daily activities. Jamesetta underscores the necessity for culturally sensitive, community-based programs that resonate with diverse family backgrounds, setting the stage for lifelong success.

This episode was recorded on December 5th, 2023 on the

To hear more interviews with early childhood experts on how

On this episode of Little Moments Count, we hear from Early Childhood Teacher and Parent Educator, Bethany, who has been teaching with Minneapolis Public Schools Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program for the past 11 years.

This episode takes a thoughtful look at the sensitive issue of race and its place in early education. Bethany enlightens us on how early exposure to accurate information about race can equip children with the knowledge they need to navigate a diverse world with respect and empathy. From understanding the science of skin color to acknowledging the pervasive influence of racism, we discuss strategies for engaging in honest dialogues with children and empowering them to embrace their unique identities.

Tune in for an engaging conversation that promises to leave both parents and educators better prepared to shape an informed and

This episode was recorded on November 7th, 2023 on the radio program The Afternoon Drive on KMOJ Radio in Minneapolis. 

Welcome to a thought-provoking episode of Little Moments Count Radio Podcast on KMOJ, where we're joined by the insightful Andre Dukes, Vice President of Family & Community Impact at Northside Achievement Zone. We delve into the profound impact of the pandemic on the crucial first 1000 days of a baby's life, exploring the challenges faced by families in the face of rapid shifts like remote work and overwhelmed health systems.

Andre Dukes shares his expertise on the hurdles these transitions posed, from limited resources to heightened stress levels.

Transitioning gears, we explore the role of technology in child development within the Black community, uncovering its potential as a valuable tool while emphasizing the irreplaceable importance of genuine human connection. Tune in to gain insights on leveraging technology for balanced family growth. With Andre Dukes and the Northside Achievement Zone as your guides, be prepared for an educational ride that promises to leave you with a deeper understanding of modern family dynamics and the transformative power of early childhood experiences.

This episode was aired live on The Afternoon Drive on KMOJ radio in Minneapolis on October 24th, 2023. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

Empowerment through Native Language and Tradition with guests Vanessa Goodthunder and Denton Jackson 

Join us on the Little Moments Count Radio Podcast for a thought-provoking episode on Native Roots Radio, featuring special guests Vanessa Goodthunder and Denton Jackson. Vanessa is a passionate advocate for Dakota language revitalization and serves as the Director of the C̣aƞṡayapi Waḳaƞyeża Owayawa Oṭi (CWOO) - A Birth-5 Dakota Immersion School, the first Dakota Head Start in the State of Minnesota, and Denton Jackson is a Head Start teacher at CWOO.

With host Robert Pilot, they share insights into the vital role of the first 1,000 days in a child's life. We explore daily moments that contribute to brain development and challenge misconceptions about Thanksgiving. The conversation delves into the impact of

This episode was recorded on November 15th, 2023 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

In this episode of Little Moments Count Radio Podcast, join us on Native Roots Radio for a captivating exploration into the efforts to preserve and revitalize indigenous languages, focusing on the Dakota language immersion preschool program at Wahóȟpi Language Nest in Minneapolis. Our guest, Justis Brokenrope, an assistant teacher at the school and a member of the Rosebud Lakota Tribe, provides a firsthand account of the school's mission, their initiatives to engage families, and the strides they're making in preserving the Dakhóta language. Justice's unwavering dedication to this cause is truly inspiring, shedding light on the critical role of parent education in supporting language acquisition at home.

As the conversation unfolds, we shift our focus to the broader community, exploring the interconnected opportunities and organizations crucial for building strong communities that support the revitalization of indigenous languages. Tune in for a thought-provoking dialogue that underscores the importance of collective efforts and reminds us that we all play a part in the resistance and the seventh generation's call to secure a better future. Don't miss these inspiring and informative conversations that emphasize the power of language in shaping cultural identity and fostering community resilience.

This episode was recorded on October 18th, 2023 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 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

In this episode of Little Moments Count, KRSM host Andrea

The conversation delves into the profound impact of early childhooddevelopment, emphasizing the significance of daily interactions and exploring the revolutionary Follow-Along Program, which identifies developmental concerns in children aged 0-3 while prioritizing accessibility and cultural inclusivity.

This episode was recorded on November 7th, 2023 on the radio program The Narrative on KRSM Radio in Minneapolis. 

Imagine a world where every child, irrespective of their family's income, has access to high-quality early childhood education. What impact could such a setting have on a child's brain development and future success?

In today's conversation, we have the pleasure of welcoming Kylie Cooper, an early childhood education expert, who shares her wealth of insights from her work. Kylie takes us on a journey into the realm of early childhood brain development, emphasizing the power of attentive parenting, nurturing relationships, and the critical 1,000-day window.

Our exploration deepens as we shift our focus to the innovative RISE Early Learning Center in St. Louis Park. This unique initiative is a beacon of hope for families struggling to afford the average toddler care cost of $22,000 a year. RISE offers high-quality, affordable childcare blended carefully with family support and housing. Their approach is more than just a childcare center, it's a hub of resources - healthcare, education, and community ties, all designed to empower families and provide a conducive environment for children.

Finally, we take a look at the incredible power of collaboration and how it amplifies the impact of initiatives like the RISE Early Learning Center. This story shines a light on the generous contributions from CommonBond Communities and Westwood Lutheran Church. Their collective effort has led to a nurturing space that addresses the dire need for reliable childcare. Whether it's volunteering, making a donation, or attending the upcoming Rise Together event, we close our conversation by exploring ways you can contribute to this transformative mission. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that promises to leave you inspired and informed.

Kylie Cooper is the Executive Director of Rise Early Learning Center, an innovativechildcare model in St. Louis Park that combines affordable housing and affordablechild care. Kylie has a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education and has been in the field of early childhood since 2009.

This episode was aired live on The Narrative on KRSM radio in Minneapolis on October 3rd, 2023.

Join us on the Little Moments Count radio podcast, where we discuss the crucial brain development that takes place in the first 1,000 days of a child's life. Our guest, early childhood education specialist and author Thuba Nguyễn, enlightens us on the importance of simple daily interactions like talking, playing, reading, and singing in aiding the brain growth in these formative years. Listen in as Thuba shares her journey, starting as a student teacher to becoming a children's director at early programs, her experiences working with multilingual families, and how these shaped her approach to early education.

In this conversation, Thuba discusses the powerful influence of literature on young minds and the significance of representation in the books children read. She highlights the importance of healthy parent figures, especially the father-daughter bond, in shaping a child's self-confidence and belief. Also, Thuba talks about her passion for writing children's books that embrace diversity and

Thuba Nguyễn (she/they) is children’s book author and an Early Childhood Education Specialist

This episode was aired live on KMOJ radio in Minneapolis on September 26th, 2023. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

Discover how the North Side Achievement Zone (NAZ) supports brain development in children's early years in this riveting conversation with Arielle Handevidt, NAZ' Director of Early Childhood. Listen in as Arielle explains the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child's life and how simple interactions like talking, playing, reading, and singing contribute significantly to brain development. Learn about the role of a doula in prenatal and postpartum stages and how they provide invaluable support to parents during these critical periods.

The conversation doesn't stop there. Arielle explores common misconceptions and challenges that parents face when it comes

Arielle Handevidt is the Director of Early Childhood at Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ).Infant and early childhood mental health

This episode was aired live on KMOJ radio in Minneapolis on September 12th, 2023. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

What if your childhood experiences held the keys to your resilience and healing?

Join us as we delve into the power and significance of positive childhood experiences, specifically in Native American communities, with our esteemed guest, Dr. Zimmerman. As the co-principal investigator and senior director of policy and programs at the National Native Children's Trauma Center (NNCTC), Dr. Zimmerman illuminates us on the profound impact these experiences can have on a child's resilience and healing journey.

Together, we navigate the concept of trauma-informed care and the absolute necessity of creating safe spaces psychologically and physically for children. We discuss the monumental role of community support and the power of Indigenous voices in

Summing up, this enlightening conversation with Dr. Zimmerman underscores the importance of self-discovery, resilience, and the transformational power of positive childhood experiences.

Dr. Zimmerman is the Co-Principal Investigator and Sr. Director of Policy and Programs at the National Native Children’s Trauma Center (NNCTC). She is also the former Tribal Senior Policy Advisor at OJJDP  (Office of Juvenile Justice and

This episode was recorded on September 20th, 2023 on the live radio program Native Roots Radio - I’m Awake, broadcast on various radio station in the Twin Cities, Chicago and Wisconsin.  

Listen to more episodes to hear 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. Learn more at littlemomentscount.org/podcast