Podcast

Priscilla Weigel welcomes Travis Grossman, Executive Director of Confidence Learning Center. Travis shares the many ways that Confidence Learning Center provides programing and camp experiences for individuals with disabilities and their families. 

Confidence Learning Center, also known as Camp Confidence, has been helping families experience the outdoors together since 1969. Located in Central Minnesota, Camp Confidence is a year-round outdoor education and recreation center serving people of all ages with developmental and cognitive disabilities. Through accessible outdoor activities, adaptive recreation and a welcoming environment, Camp Confidence helps individuals and families discover new possibilities, build confidence and create memories together.

🌟Additional Information:
🔗https://campconfidence.com/

Priscilla Weigel welcomes Holly Glaubitz, Work and Wellness Coordinator with the Office of Statewide Health Improvement Initiatives at the Minnesota Department of Health, to the podcast. Holly shares an exciting opportunity for licensed child care programs to be recognized for excellence in supporting physical activity and nutrition in their settings.

🌟Learn more about the recognition program:

• https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/earlycare/recognition.html

🌟Applicants can use one of the following methods to apply for recognition:

• Complete the online application: Childcare Recognition Application
  This online form must be completed on a computer. The form is not compatible with mobile browsers.
• Complete the PDF application: Physical Activity and Nutrition (PAN) Excellence in Childcare Recognition Program for Childcare Centers and Homes (PDF)
  • Email the completed form to: health.bfcc@state.mn.us or
  • Print the completed form and mail it to: Minnesota Department of Health, Attention: Office of Statewide Health Improvement Initiatives, 625 Robert St. N., Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155

Inclusion Matters welcomes back recurring guest Dr. Kris Gendreau to discuss sleep in children.  Dr. Gendreau shares from her over 30 years as a pediatrician key research and strategies that help build strong foundations of healthy sleep patterns in children.

🌟Additional Resources:
 American Academy of Pediatrics (APA):
🔗 Healthy Sleep Habits: How Many Hours Does Your Child Need?

Inclusion Matters welcomes Dr. Jenn Hall-Lande, licensed psychologist and researcher from the University of Minnesota Institute on Community Integration and Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain back to the program to share updated autism prevalence numbers in Minnesota.  She helps us understand the trends in the research and gives useful insights on ways early educators can support early intervention efforts and partner with families.

🌟Additional Resources:

• Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
  🔗 CDC - Learn the Signs. Act Early
  🔗 Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder
  🔗 2025 Community Report on Autism
• MN Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network
  🔗 https://addm.umn.edu/
• U of M Institute on Community Integration:
  🔗 https://ici.umn.edu/
• Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain:
  🔗 https://midb.umn.edu/

Inclusion Matters welcomes our friend Marian Hassan to the podcast.  Marian was awarded the Minnesota Legacy Cultural Heritage Grant 2024 to document the oral history and lullabies of the Somali culture.  She shares how this project has grown into a book and learning tools offered through the University of Minnesota. Links and further information are included below.  

In this episode of Inclusion Matters, Priscilla Weigel records from Malaysia at the World Forum on Early Care and Education in Kuala Lumpur.  Her guest, Mary-Louise Clifford, is a Director of Early Childhood Services in Australia.  Mary Louise shares about early childhood systems in Australia, including educator training, funding, and supports for children and families. They also reflect on global challenges like the impact of COVID-19 and the importance of finding joy and connection in the work of early childhood.

📸Take a peek inside our adventure in Malaysia! 🌏 Browse photos from the trip and experience the connections, learning, and memorable moments along the way.