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.
Choking Prevention and First Aid for Infants and Toddlers
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.
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.
๐Learn more about the recognition program:
๐Applicants 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.
๐Additional Resources:
American Academy of Pediatrics (APA):
๐ 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.
๐Additional Resources:
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
๐ CDC - Learn the Signs. Act Early
๐ Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder
๐ 2025 Community Report on Autism - MN Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network
๐ https://addm.umn.edu/ - U of M Institute on Community Integration:
๐ https://ici.umn.edu/ - Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain:
๐ https://midb.umn.edu/
The Nervous System and Behavior
Inclusion Matters welcomes Dr. Kris Gendreau back to our program. She has 32 yearsโ 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.
๐Additional Resources:
๐ Cosmic Kids Yoga
๐ Sesame Street: Elmo's Mindfulness Spectacular!
๐ฑ 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)
๐ Guide to Using Sesame Streetโs Mindfulness Practices