Podcast

Jamesetta Ross Diggs joins Inclusion Matters to share about the NEW CICC self-study course that she authored for us.  As an immigrant herself, and an early childhood expert, Jamesetta shares her personal stories as well as an overview of the course.  The course equips early childhood professionals with strategies to partner with families in co-creating culturally affirming learning environments for young children. It also offers support to advocate for strength-based approaches that uplift immigrant families, ensuring that young children can thrive in environments beyond home. 

🌟Be sure to check out our NEW Self-Study on this important topic: 

• Culturally Responsive Partnerships with Immigrant Children And Families

Priscilla Weigel and Helene Pearson of Agape Child Development Center discuss some key ways to build a team, embedding trauma informed practices as you teach, support, and care in partnership with families.  Helene provides real life examples of how she and her team through relationships and connection support the scholars they serve each day.  This episode is part of our Greater Twin Cities United Way 80x3 Initiative Partnership.

🌟To learn about FREE self-study courses, please visit the 80x3 Page on the CICC Website

Early Childhood Director Margaret Mahowald joins Priscilla Weigel for a conversation about creative activities that foster discovery, exploration, and delight in our youngest learners.  She shares examples of activities and processes that provide experiences for joy and learning, reminding us that infants and toddlers are more interested in DOING art than MAKING a finished product.

Duluth Public Library Early Literacy Librarian, Carmella Hatch joins Inclusion Matters to discuss ways we as caregivers of young children can cultivate the love of reading and learning through books.  She highlights the fact that helping children become successful learners and lifelong readers starts by building interest and early literacy skills when they’re young.

Our CICC Podcast, Inclusion Matters is celebrating!  The 300th episode of this podcast is now available.  

The first origins of Inclusion Matters started back in the early 2000’s with some rudimentary equipment and an idea to spread the word about creating successful inclusive environments for young children.  

Today, in 2025 we are on the brink of our 30th anniversary and still sharing content that highlights and supports quality early childhood care for all children.  Tune in to listen to some highlights from our many years of broadcasting Inclusion Matters.

We are excited to share some great information about the most recent addition to CICC’s list of helpful free resources. The CICC Early Childhood Leadership Development Program is a free support for leaders working in early childhood settings across Minnesota.  Our Lead on the work, Kara Kuehn, joins Inclusion Matters to highlight the history, the purpose, and the impact of this amazing support and connection opportunity. 

If you want to begin receiving resources while you wait for a place in an upcoming cohort please subscribe to our newsletter focused on leadership, Inspiring HOPE.