Podcast

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.

Inclusion Matters welcomes Lanay Jacobs, Provider Support Specialist for the Child Care Assistance Rate at the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families.  Our conversation highlights the process that early childhood educators and families can follow to submit a request for a higher child care assistance payment for their child care setting. 

 🌟Additional Resources:
🔗CCAP Special Needs Rate Variance Request - Parent and Provider Request (DHS-4194)
🔗Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): https://www.ada.gov/

Federal and State Requirements
🔗Minn. Rule 3400.0130 Subp.3
🔗Minn. Stat. 142E.17, Subd. 3

CICC Tip Sheets:
📝What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
📝What Does the ADA Mean to Child Care?

Questions? Contact The Childcare Assistance Provider Support Team
📧 Contact us at CCAP.Providers.DCYF@state.mn.us or 651-431-4848  

Inclusion Matters welcomes Melissa Hendrickx, Business and Operations Director for AmazeWorks.  Through professional development and educational curricula, AmazeWorks engages people in creating the conditions for belonging by initiating important conversations with each other about identity, differences, and bias.  Tune in to the conversation to learn more about what they offer.

🌟Additional Resources:
🔗https://amazeworks.org/