Preschool Preach

A special thanks!

In these unprecedented times, educators, families, and children need a safe haven for learning and a strong sense of community. At this point, we've all heard the slogan," In this together" while recording this podcast, I keep this slogan in the forefront of my mind. Aside from caring for our early learners, you'll listen to my journey about how a Kindergarten play-based model built a sense of security and safety as a young child. Those lasting memories have inspired me to become a long-life advocate of play-based learning which has evolved into an almost two-decade career in child development. In this podcast, I passionately discuss how high-quality child care can save your child's childhood. Listen through the lens of a former educator, administrator, and simply a person who is committed to the humanity of the child care center field. I'm calling all individuals who listen to this podcast to advocate for your local child care center. Whether it's donating towards getting antigen tests and appropriate masks, giving a kind word or card, nourishing the community through meals, or applying grace. We all need each other more than ever and now is the time to demonstrate to our early learners that are safe to trust us through this period of time. For more resources, click this link https://linktr.ee/Birthtolife5 or become a monthly subscriber https://anchor.fm/april-jones2/support 

Warmly,

April Jones

Back in 2006, I became a teacher in the Georgia Lottery Pre-K program and spent nearly a decade educating older preschoolers. Little did I know how much my life would change for the better. I've learned that this play-based model can have lasting positive outcomes through adulthood. Not only did the research impact me tremendously, I saw firsthand how early learners can experience a transformative journey through learning. From children attending private preschools and early learners experiencing school for the first time, I saw the evolution of how a developmentally appropriate program can develop cognitive skills that will lead to successful outcomes through their formative years. Let's continue to actively advocate for the sustainability of the Georgia Pre-K program for years to come. 

Forever in my heart,

April Jones

Working in childcare, I'll guarantee that you'll face some type of adversity whether it's with a parent, educator, and community stakeholder. When communicating with someone even in conflict, we can address the situation while leaving a person with dignity and integrity with our organizations. Sticking to the facts and not resulting in personal attacks is key in handling matters concerning work habits and culture. This podcast is for anyone who has a listening ear and wants to build cohesive individuals who believe in the value of high-quality early care education.

Growing as a young child, I truly loved school at one point, however, I started to feel uninspired with sitting at a desk for an entire class period and listening to a teacher simply talk. When I became a teacher, I didn't want children to feel like learning was about completing mundane tasks but open them up to a world of learning that can be fun and engaging. Not only that, children can be the decision-makers in being empowered in their school. In this episode, you'll learn 5 key tips about avoiding a boring classroom. Oftentimes, educators simply need a reset in transforming the classroom dynamic. For more resources, click this link here https://www.linktr.ee/Birthtolife5 and support the podcast with monetary donations click here https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/birthtolife5

Have a great day!

April Jones 

I've started my first week at a Reggio Emilia school with an emphasis on community and environmental education. As I discovered this new approach, I was like a sponge soaking up information and enlightened by this collaborative philosophy. I was able to participate in a school event that highlighted the projects that children have collaborated on through the school year. The staff was welcoming and I was amazed by the plant-based menu created by a culinary-trained chef. Recording this episode was such a pleasure in sharing these experiences of new discoveries and embarking on a world of connections and community. If you would like to financially support this podcast click here https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/birthtolife5 and for more resources https://linktr.ee/Birthtolife5

Empowering minds from Birth to Life,

April Jones

Greetings,

In 2010, I was sitting in my child development class when I learned about a curriculum called, "Reggio Emilia". I was very intrigued by this new philosophy I never heard of. I read snippets of the book, " 100 Hundred languages of children" and I was hooked. Approximately, 4.5 years had passed and I was finally ready to embark on another journey in a child care setting. In May 2021, I started a full-time position at a Reggio school in my local city. I'm so thrilled and excited about this new opportunity. I can't wait to share this new journey of experiences and discoveries. The Birth to Life Early Care Institute will accept monetary donations to finance this podcast for future episodes. Click here https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/birthtolife5 and for  more resources click here https://www.linktr.ee/Birthtolife5

Have a great day!

April Jones 

Greetings,

I have a few more episodes before ending the second season of the podcast. In this episode, I discuss the climate of child care centers in the midst of a pandemic. Like never before, we have experienced challenges working through this pandemic such as longer hours, sustaining our workforce, and coping with the new changes. I have a few solutions to assist in this pandemic and still provide high-quality care for children and our community. Please feel free to contact me through my website and for more resources https://www.linktr.ee/Birthtolife5  

Empowering and Advocating from Birth to Life,

April JOnes 

We need children outdoors more than ever! As a former educator, I've had the privilege to create nature-based lessons in green spaces where children could not only explore but build experiences in collaborative efforts and discovery. In early care education, it's important we understand the benefits of early learners having these opportunities daily and teachers understanding their role and purpose while creating an evolution for our little ones and themselves. Hopefully, you will be inspired to implement these best practices into your childcare center or facilitate in your own backyard. Please feel free to contact me for any questions or feedback and become a monthly subscriber. https://linktr.ee/Birthtolife5 

Great day,

April Jones 

Greetings,

The divorce rate has slightly rocketed since the beginning of the pandemic. With that being said, I wanted to record a podcast that would shed some light on the issue and talk to parents about some tools that can assist them through this transition. If you need additional resources and you can book a virtual consultation session through my Facebook page. Don't forget to become a monthly subscriber https://anchor.fm/apriljones2/support or click on this link for more resources https://linktr.ee/Birthtolife5

You can get through this!

April Jones