Podcast
Tune in for a dynamic mix of topics tailored for early childhood professionals!
Inclusion Matters is also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Podchaser.
The Inclusive Outdoor Classroom-Malaysia
Join Priscilla Weigel as she welcomes Anne Sivanathan all the way from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Anne shares about her extensive work supporting inclusive education and her pioneering efforts in building awareness of the rights of individuals with disabilities across the world. Anne currently serves as the President of the Association of the Inclusive Outdoor Classroom and the Vice President of the World Forum Foundation. The conversation highlights what Anne is doing to develop the next generation of advocates that support inclusion, diversity, and the rights of persons with disabilities, empowering them to become agents of positive change with their communities.
🌟Learn more about The Inclusive Outdoor Classroom:
🔗 https://www.theinclusiveoutdoorclassroom.com/
Work Life-Harmony: What It Means to Me Now
Tracy Schreifels, Infant Mental Health Clinical Mentor and Reflective Consultation trainer and provider, joins Inclusion Matters for a helpful conversation. We discuss the definition of work-life balance and work-life harmony. Tracy shares some useful questions to ask yourself as you explore these concepts and also highlights practices you can incorporate into your day to day to achieve more calm and harmony.
Accessible Outdoor Learning Experiences: Confidence Learning Center
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.
Minnesota Department of Health Excellence in Child Care Recognition Award
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:
🌟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
Sleep Matters: Supporting Healthy Development
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?
Understanding Autism Prevalence Rates in Minnesota
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/