Discover the secrets behind early childhood development and learn how you can create a strong foundation for your child's future in our latest conversation with Denise Mayotte, Executive Director of Sheltering Arms Foundation, and Betty Emarita, a national education policy expert. With their insights and experiences, we explore the importance of nurturing children's brains in their first 1,000 days of life and how Little Moments Count plays a crucial role in this process.

Join us as we discuss how to support early childhood development through conversations, play, and learning, and the power of reading and talking to children. We also share the importance of integrating children into daily tasks, building strong family bonds through small moments, and the initiatives funded by the Minnesota Community Solutions Fund Advisory Council to support early childhood development. Additionally, we dive into the impact of family, friend, and neighbor care on young children and the work of organizations like Sheltering Arms Foundation in narrowing the opportunity gap between high-impact children

Finally, we tackle the challenges faced by both rural and urban communities in Minnesota in terms of childcare, the opioid crisis, and the importance of relationships between leaders and the communities they represent. We also explore ways to get involved in advocacy and policy for parents and caregivers of young children, as well as the role of community partnerships in finding child care solutions. Don't miss this informative and inspiring episode that shows how early childhood development can truly build strong communities.

 This episode was recorded on June 6th, 2023 on the live radio program The Narrative on KRSM Radio in Minneapolis.

 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  

Can you imagine the powerful impact that our everyday interactions have on the young minds of our children?

On this episode, we’re celebrating fatherhood and exploring the vital role dads play in their children's development. Andre Dukes, vice president of Family and Community Impact at Northside Achievement Zone, shares his wisdom on the Proud Papa program, aimed at celebrating fathers and harnessing their innate skills to support their children’s developmental needs.

We dive into the heartwarming ways fathers contribute to their children’s learning through conversations, singing, playing, and more. We hear touching stories from dads teaching life skills to their little ones, like imparting the joy of music and navigating the challenges of potty training. The conversation seeks to empower fathers by shedding the stigma of traditional fatherhood and celebrating the value of their unique experiences. So join us in this uplifting and informative episode that underscores the importance of dads taking an active role in their children's early development and the lasting influence of these Little Moments.

This episode was aired live on KMOJ radio in Minneapolis on May 23rd, 2023. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

Discover the significant role language revitalization programs play in early childhood development through our engaging conversation with Wayne Somes, Tribal Liaison for Mahube-Otwa Community Action Partnership in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Wayne highlights the crucial involvement of elders, knowledge keepers, and fluent speakers as we discuss the attack on Native Americans, its impact on language and culture, and the inspiring efforts of younger generations to revitalize their linguistic heritage.

We also delve into the power of building relationships in education, as Wayne shares a heartfelt encounter with a former student, and reflects on the influence of his grandmother, a federal Indian Board School survivor, on his language revitalization work. Uncover Wayne's plans for providing language services to his community, and learn about the importance of early childhood education and indigenous advocacy in this insightful conversation.

This episode was recorded on May 17th, 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  

Discover the incredible significance of the first 1,000 days of life and how tiny moments can leave a lasting impact on early childhood development. Join us as we chat with Dr. Artika Tyner, a renowned educator, author, keynote speaker, and advocate of justice, who has penned 35 books and founded Plant People, Growing Justice Press and Bookstore. Dr. Tyner shares her wisdom on weaving reading into our daily routines and how her work contributes to social justice initiatives.

In our fascinating conversation with Dr. Artika Tyner, we explore the profound impact of the first 1,000 days of life on early childhood development and the importance of nurturing little moments. We discuss the vital role community radio stations play in fostering awareness of Little Moments Count and how such everyday actions can shape the future of our children and communities. Don't miss this chance to learn how you can make a world of difference in the lives of the young ones around you!

This episode was aired live on KMOJ radio in Minneapolis on May 9th, 2023. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

On this episode of the Little Moments Count Radio Podcast, we hear from Linda K. Smith, director of early childhood policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center. She discusses her firsthand experience with the significance of early childhood development, and how her journey took her from volunteering in one of the first Head Start programs to setting up a childcare program and advocating for tribal childcare on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. Join us as we explore the profound impact of the first 1000 days of a child's life, the connection to the circle of life, and the importance of understanding these foundations in shaping a child's future.

Host Robert Pilot from Native Roots Radio, I’m Awake, interviews Smith on the crucial role of parental involvement in early education, addressing the influence of trauma on parenting and the necessity for respect and guidance.

This episode was recorded on May 3rd, 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  

On this episode we  hear from Cisa Keller, Senior Vice President of Early Childhood Programs at Think Small. She discusses how we can we maximize little moments with children to build relationships, create a sense of belonging, and support their early development. Cisa shares her journey from the classroom to early childhood policy and systems work, always keeping the best interests of the children at the forefront of her efforts. The Narrative host, Andrea Pierre, interviews Cisa on the importance of the village it takes to raise a child and the value of being intentional in recognizing and nurturing these connections. We learn about the long-term effects of not having quality early childhood experiences and how that can impact a child's educational and health trajectory. Cisa also

This episode was recorded on May 2nd, 2023 on the live radio program The Narrative on KRSM Radio in Minneapolis.

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  

On this episode Barb Fabre, CEO of Indigenous Visioning and All Nations Rise, and Leigh Ann Courville, co-chair of the Early Childhood Education Department at Salish Kootenai College located on the Flathead Reservation, discuss the significance of early childhood development in shaping children's futures and the integration of Indigenous knowledge in the learning process. They also touch upon the unique challenges faced by parents across Indian Country and the importance of supporting brain development during the first one thousand days of life.

 Host Robert Pilot from Native Roots Radio, I’m Awake, interviews Leigh Ann Courville and Barb Fabre  about the college and how representation is one of the

 This episode was recorded on March 15, 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  

What if the first one thousand days of a child's life could shape their entire

Guest Arielle Handevidt, Director of Early Childhood at Northside Achievement Zone, shares her experiences supporting parents and scholars from prenatal stages to kindergarten and beyond. Together, we explore the power of little moments like singing, playing, reading, and talking in building brain pathways and fostering healthy development in children. We also discuss the

This episode was recorded and aired live on the Afternoon Drive on KMOJ Radio in Minneapolis.

 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 

Did you know that a child's first three years are critical for brain development? Join us and special guest Andre Dukes as we explore the Little Moments Count initiative and the impact of reading to your child on their cognition, vocabulary, and creativity for academic success. We also discuss Andre's recent trip to Senegal, Africa, where he participated in Project Safety Nets, sharing insights from Senegal's education system and the strong sense of humanity fostered by respect for parents, elders, and community.

In the second half, we emphasize the importance of nurturing children's growth through everyday activities and limited resources. Discover how incorporating learning opportunities into daily routines, storytelling, family history, and face-to-face interactions can develop healthy brain stimulation and strong communication abilities. Don't miss out on the valuable tips and strategies shared in this episode, aimed at creating happy, well-rounded individuals.

This episode was aired on KMOJ radio in Minneapolis, MN.

In this episode, we explore the importance of early childhood development with my special guest, Carrie Zelin Johnson, who has over 25 years of experience working towards equitable outcomes in education. We discuss her unique experiences as a parent and grandparent, her work with the Greater Twin Cities United Way, and her passion for social, emotional learning, teaching the arts, equity in education, and mental health. We delve into the personal journey of navigating the challenges of early parenthood and overcoming obstacles, as well as the importance of building strong relationships between parents and educators. We also discuss the power dynamics between parents and teachers and the need for a collaborative partnership. We explore the significance of seizing teachable moments and being present in the early years of a child's life, the role of community and home-visiting programs, and the importance of building genuine connections. Finally, we examine the challenges of navigating social systems and the importance of amplifying the voices of parents and providers in the early childhood education field. Join us as we dive deep into these topics and learn valuable insights from Carrie Zelin Johnson's experiences and expertise in this fascinating episode.

This episode was recorded on April 4th, 2023 in Minneapolis at KRSM's studio on The Narrative.