Join us for a conversation with Doreen Lanoue, a proud member of the Ojibwe Mississippi Band of Minnesota Chippewa and the FFN coordinator for the Indigenous Family, Friend, and Neighbor Child Care Network. These dedicated individuals—often grandmothers, aunties, and neighbors—play an indispensable role in tribal communities by offering culturally rich and affordable childcare. Through the mission of All Nations Rise, Doreen sheds light on how these caregivers nurture early childhood development, especially in areas wherechild care options are scarce. We explore the importance of cultural connections and the unique support systems available through organizations like All Nations Rise, including training, educational kits, and mini-grants aimed at enhancing the quality of care for children aged 0 to 12.

In addition, we navigate the process of becoming a legally non-licensed or licensed FFN caregiver, outlining essential steps like background checks and training that facilitate access to childcare assistance payments.

This episode was aired live on the radio program Native Roots Radio: I’m Awake, on April 16th, 2025. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

Can the simple act of playing or singing truly shape a child's future?Discover the transformative power of everyday interactions in the early years as we chat with Brandon Jones, a former therapist turned leader in children's mental health education. Brandon opens up about his personal journey, from a trauma-filled childhood to dedicating his life to fostering resilience in young minds. He shares compelling insights into how basic gestures of love and connection within the first 1,000 days can lay the groundwork for emotional regulation and mental well-being.

Join us as Brandon dives into the world of adverse childhood experiences, offering a fresh perspective on these challenges as opportunities rather than failures. He highlights the critical role of nurturing relationships in buffering against adversity and enhancing a child's development.

 This episode was aired live on KMOJ Radio in Minneapolis on April 22nd, 2025. For more information, visit little momentscount.org

How does a parent's mental health shape a child's future? Join us as we explore this compelling question with Jaton White, the Director of Community Wellness at the Northside Achievement Zone. Jaton shares profound insights on how early childhood development is significantly impacted by the mental state of the parents, particularly during the first 1,000 days of life. Discover the Whole Child Model, which emphasizes nurturing the emotional and mental well-being of educators and families, and why this holistic approach is crucialfor fostering both academic achievements and emotional resilience in children.

Our conversation delves into the challenges of parenting amidst mental health struggles like anxiety and burnout. Jaton offers practical strategies to establish a nurturing home environment, revealing the transformative power of simple daily interactions such as play, singing, and touch. These actions play a vital role in promoting healthy emotional and cognitive development.

This episode was aired live on KMOJ Radio in Minneapolis on April 15th, 2025. For more information, visit little momentscount.org

Join us for an exploration of early childhood development with Sarah Warren, an award-winning children's book author and preschool teacher. Sarah shares her insights on how play serves as more than just an activity, acting as a critical component for effective learning through exploration and interaction. We also explore the transformative power of storytelling and representation in children's media. We discuss the importance of selecting books that bring laughter and joy, turning reading into a shared experience beyond literacy. The significance of relatable characters for children from diverse backgrounds is emphasized, as seeing oneself in stories can inspire and empower young minds.

By identifying with influential figures and understanding the support systems behind successful individuals, we highlight the value of sharing talents to uplift others and create opportunities for future generations. Parents are encouraged to curate a diverse media diet for their children, utilizing resources like libraries and independent bookstores. We also share exciting insights on the Picture Book Parade, a project aimed at promoting literacy and inclusivity, and offer ways to stay connected with our community activities.

This episode was recorded on March 29th, 2025 at KRSM Radio in Minneapolis. To learn more, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

Why is the first three years of a child's life so crucial for braindevelopment? Join us as we uncover this with Dr. Andrea Singh, pediatrician and chair of pediatrics at Park Nicollet, who walks us through the astounding 80% of brain growth that occurs during this pivotal time. Dr. Singh shares simpleyet highly effective everyday interactions like playing, reading, and singing that can dramatically impact a child's cognitive and emotional development. We underscore the importance of regular pediatric check-ups to track developmentalmilestones, emphasizing the nurturing role of love and attention in shaping a child's bright future.

Navigating the journey of new parenting can feel like stepping into a new world without a map. Our discussion shifts to the support systems that are vital for new parents, especially those settling in unfamiliar territories like Minnesota. We address the often-overlooked mental health challenges, such aspostpartum depression, encouraging open dialogues to combat stigma and promote healing.

This episode was recorded on April 30th, 2025 and aired on WFNU Frogtown Community Radio 94.1FM in Saint Paul, MN. For more information, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcasts

In the latest episode of Little Moments Count Radio Podcast on Native Roots Radio, we hear from Fawn YoungBear Tibbetts, executive director of Wicoie Nandagikendan, Minneapolis's first Indigenous urban preschool immersion program. The organization is celebrating its 30th anniversary and we discussthe future of the school with a strategic approach rooted in tradition. This preschool program also spotlights traditional foods and food sovereignty, this initiative addresses the community's challenges with accessing culturally significantfoods. Through innovative projects like bison butchering classes and detailed food maps, families are being reconnected to their heritage.

This episode was recorded on March 19th, 2025 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 littlemoments every day, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcast

In the latest episode of Little Moments Count Radio Podcaston Native Roots Radio, we hear from Beth Ann Hedman-Dodds and Ashley Bunker from the Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative Program with All Nations Rise.

 IPLI is a 23-week program designed to empower parents byfocusing on child development, leadership, and Ojibwe culture while addressing generational trauma. Ashley shares her personal transformation and skills gained from the program, emphasizing the importance of media literacy in advocating for Indigenous communities. The episode highlights the IPLI'sefforts in fostering educational leadership and offers guidance for other Indigenous communities looking to implement similar initiatives. It celebrates the potential for community advocacy and the expansion of IPLI across Minnesota, showcasing a commitment to empowering local leaders and drivingchange.

This episode was recorded on Feb. 21st, 2025 on the liveradio 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 the latest episode of Little Moments Count Radio Podcaston Native Roots Radio, we hear from Barb Fabre, the CEO of All Nations Rise and Indigenous Visioning. She discusses the new administration and the importance of diversity and inclusion in early childhood education. She argues that multicultural environments help young children develop acceptance and empathy, preparing them for a diverse world. Even in less diverse areas, promoting understanding is crucial for future workplaces. We explore how the first thousand days of a child's life are vital for development and how effective communication about differences can support children from underrepresentedcommunities. We also stress the need to recognize Indigenous contributions and maintain diversity policies despite political challenges, noting Minnesota’s strong commitment to inclusivity as a model for others.

This episode was recorded on January 29th, 2025 on the liveradio 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 

On this episode of the Little Moments Count Radio Podcast, we hear from childcare advocates Celeste Finn, Leslie Rumsey, and Angela Clair who emphasize the challenges faced in sustaining childcare centers, including high costs and the difficulty of paying fair wages to staff while maintaining quality standards.

Minnesota's Day without Childcare aims to raise awareness about the critical need for affordable childcare and the importance of high-quality early education. On March 3, at Wilder (911 Lafond Ave, St. Paul), from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, parents, teachers, and advocates will gather to learn more and advocate for better policies. This event seeks to influence legislators and secure better funding and policies to support families, educators, and children. More information can be found at kidscountonus.com

This episode was aired on WFNU Frogtown Community Radio in St. Paul on Feb. 27th, 2025.

On this episode of the Little Moments Count Radio Podcast, we hear from power couple, parents Kyle VanBlaircom and Samantha Bush.

Kyle and Samantha are both peer support specialists, and advocates, who share their experiences balancing professional life with raising their children, discussing the evolution of their parenting styles, it take a village mentality and the importance of self-regulation. They discuss their story of parenting and recovery, navigating CPS and the foster care systems, highlighting the power of community resources, building trust, and maintaining hope. We dig into innovative approaches to supporting individuals in recovery and crisis situations, emphasizing self-directed support, the role of crisis shelters, and the universal need for supportive systems.

This episode was aired on WFNU Frogtown Community Radio on February 20th, 2025.