Podcast: Inclusion Matters

Cindy Croft and Priscilla Weigel wrap up their series with Maria Asp and Laura Mann Hill from the Children’s Theatre by focusing on ways early childhood professionals can infuse their settings with storytelling. They share ideas for dramatic play, numerous ways to explore and show feelings, and ways to use open ended questions to encourage children to tell their own stories. You can use these same strategies in your program to help children increase language skills and confidence in their own 'stories'.

In part two of our podcast on storytelling, Cindy Croft and Priscilla Weigel welcome Maria Asp and Laura Mann Hill. They share information about the Early Bridges program and the research they have done with the Center for Early Education and Development at the University of Minnesota to track the growth of literacy skills, social emotional skills, language usage, and play. Their enthusiasm for helping children learn to tell their own stories will fill you with joy!

Cindy Croft and Priscilla Weigel welcome special guests from the Children's Theatre, Maria Asp, Neighborhood Bridging Director and Laura Mann Hill, Early Bridges Manager. In Part 1 of the three part series they share about their Early Bridges program It is an early childhood literacy program that uses storytelling and creative drama to promote language development and school readiness skills. Children may start with small steps in telling their own stories but with support, they become amazing storytellers!

Being proactive and intentional about creating a plan for self-care is an important aspect of prevention and management of stress, burnout and depression. During this podcast, Cindy Croft, Priscilla Weigel and Dea Anderson discuss self-care strategies and where to seek help when self-care is not enough.

Cindy Croft, Priscilla Weigel and Dea Anderson discuss the specific signs and symptoms of stress, burnout and depression. Also discussed is the importance of self-awareness for early care and education professionals.

The results of a 2007 study, conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), showed that the highest level of depression among various occupations was reported by individuals in caregiving professions. This includes the field of early care and education. In this podcast, Cindy Croft, Priscilla Weigel and Dea Anderson discuss the definitions and impact of stress, burnout and depression in early care and education.