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.
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/
The Nervous System and Behavior
Inclusion Matters welcomes Dr. Kris Gendreau back to our program. She has 32 years’ experience as a pediatrician supporting healthy development of young children. In this episode, our conversation focuses on the mind/body connection and the way the nervous system influences behavior. Join the conversation and check out these helpful resources that she shared during the episode. (Length: 22:49)
🌟Additional Resources:
🔗 Cosmic Kids Yoga
🔗 Sesame Street: Elmo's Mindfulness Spectacular!
📱 Insight Timer App: The Magic Blanket - Feel Safe, Loved & Ready to Sleep (Helpful Hint: Use a small bluetooth speaker to avoid smartphones in the room)
🔗 Guide to Using Sesame Street’s Mindfulness Practices
Nutrition and Behavior
Inclusion Matters welcomes Dr. Kris Gendreau back to our program. She has 32 years’ experience as a pediatrician supporting healthy development of young children. Our conversation focuses on the connection between the foods a child eats and their behaviors. Join the conversation and check out these helpful resources that she shared during the episode. (Length 24:22)
🌟Additional Resources:
(Helpful Hint: This isn’t about having a “perfect diet.” Even small changes can make a big difference. Talking with children about how foods make them feel builds self-awareness, which can support regulation and help them feel better in their bodies.)
Milestones: Supporting Early Childhood in Minnesota Since 1977
Milestones is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building brighter futures, nurturing growth, and creating pathways to success for the early childhood community. Since 1977, Milestones has supported families, child care providers, and educators with comprehensive resources that strengthen early learning across Central Minnesota and beyond. Join Priscilla Weigel as she talks with Milestones Executive Director, Jeremey Schreifels to hear more about their work across Minnesota.
Through programs such as the Shared Services Alliance, CACFP Family Child Care nutrition sponsorship, Parent Aware coaching, Early Learning Scholarships, and Family, Friend & Neighbor (FFN) support, Milestones connects the early childhood community with tools and funding that promote quality care and education. As a regional partner of Child Care Aware of Minnesota, Milestones also offers robust Professional Development and training opportunities to help providers grow their skills and their impact.
🌟 Learn more about Milestones
🔗 www.milestonesmn.org
📱 Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/MilestonesMN
✨ Join the mission to support the early childhood community—because together, we’re building brighter futures.