Early Childhood Chats

Institute for Childhood Preparedness
  • 5.0 (2)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to "Early Childhood Chats," the podcast dedicated to all things related to early childhood education. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of early childhood development, parenting tips, teaching strategies, and the latest research in the field. Hosted by passionate educators and experts in early childhood education, each episode brings you insightful discussions, practical advice, and inspiring stories aimed at supporting parents, caregivers, and educators in nurturing the young minds of tomorrow.

  1. 5D AGO

    Kids Are Ready Now: Teaching Leadership & Entrepreneurship in Early Childhood

    Empowering Kids: Why Children Can Become Entrepreneurs Today | Early Childhood ChatsAre kids ready to lead and start businesses? According to educator and entrepreneur Leah Ellis, the answer is yes — and they’re ready right now.In this episode of Early Childhood Chats, host Andy Roszak sits down with Leah Ellis, founder of the Society of Child Entrepreneurs, to discuss how teaching entrepreneurship, leadership, and financial literacy to kids can transform their confidence and creativity.Leah shares the incredible story of how her four-year-old daughter started a business during COVID, which eventually led to a nationwide movement helping children develop real business skills through hands-on learning, children's business fairs, and entrepreneurship education.You'll learn:➡️ Why kids are capable of leadership and innovation earlier than we think➡️ How entrepreneurship builds confidence and communication skills➡️ How children can learn financial literacy through real business experiences➡️ Why “failing forward” is one of the most important lessons for young entrepreneurs➡️ Practical ways parents and teachers can introduce entrepreneurship to kidsWhether you're a parent, educator, homeschooler, or entrepreneur, this conversation will change how you think about what kids are capable of.Because the truth is: kids aren’t just the future... they’re leaders today.🔗 Learn more about Leah Ellis and the Society of Children Entrepreneurs here:https://societyofchildentrepreneurs.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahkellis/👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoyed this episode!----------------------------Early Childhood Chats is hosted by Andrew Roszak - JD, MPA, EMT-PExecutive Director at the Institute for Childhood Preparedness. The Institute for Childhood Preparedness is proud to use its decades of experience to offer comprehensive and expert disaster and emergency preparedness trainings live in-person, via webinar, and on-demand online. // Visit: https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/ to find out more // Schedule your training today https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/trainingFOLLOW UShttps://www.instagram.com/childhoodpreparedness/ https://www.facebook.com/ChildPreparedhttps://twitter.com/ChildPreparedhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-childhood-preparedness© Institute for Childhood Preparedness 2026 all rights reserved

    40 min

  2. FEB 19

    The Power of Present Dads | Fatherhood Legacy with Lamar Henderson Jr.

    Fatherhood matters more than ever.In this powerful episode of the Early Childhood Chats Podcast, host Andy Roszak sits down with Lamar Henderson Jr. - founder of the Fatherhood Legacy Project and one of the nation’s leading voices in father engagement - to explore how we can transform fatherhood in early childhood education.From boot camps for new dads to hands-on STEM activities in Head Start programs, Lamar shares practical, research-backed strategies for increasing father involvement, breaking generational cycles, and creating father-friendly learning environments.You’ll learn:➡️ Why early childhood programs must intentionally include fathers➡️ How dads shape children’s long-term development and health outcomes➡️ Practical, low-cost ways to engage fathers in Head Start and preschool➡️ How to overcome generational trauma in fatherhood➡️ Why “choose your regrets wisely” might change how you parent foreverWhether you're a father, early childhood educator, Head Start leader, or family advocate, this conversation will inspire you to rethink what father engagement truly means.🔗 Learn more about Lamar Henderson Jr. and the Fatherhood Legacy Project:https://www.thefatherhoodlegacyproject.com/#Fatherhood #FatherEngagement #EarlyChildhoodEducation #HeadStart #ParentingPodcast #DadsMatter #ChildDevelopment #positiveparenting ----------------------------Early Childhood Chats is hosted by Andrew Roszak - JD, MPA, EMT-PExecutive Director at the Institute for Childhood Preparedness. The Institute for Childhood Preparedness is proud to use its decades of experience to offer comprehensive and expert disaster and emergency preparedness trainings live in-person, via webinar, and on-demand online. // Visit: https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/ to find out more // Schedule your training today https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/trainingFOLLOW UShttps://www.instagram.com/childhoodpreparedness/ https://www.facebook.com/ChildPreparedhttps://twitter.com/ChildPreparedhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-childhood-preparedness© Institute for Childhood Preparedness 2025 all rights reserved

    51 min

  3. FEB 11

    LUME Institute’s Inside Work: Reducing Burnout and Strengthening Early Childhood Teams

    Burnout and turnover continue to challenge early childhood education programs nationwide — but what if the solution isn’t another checklist or one-time training?In this episode of Early Childhood Chats, Andy Roszak welcomes the LUME Institute team — Meghan Whitworth, Roxeanna Steiner, Jason Mercer, and Amber Buchheit — to unpack the “inside work” that supports educators from the inside out. LUME Institute, born from the philosophy of University City Children’s Center (UCCCC) in St. Louis, focuses on relational coaching, emotional development, and sustainable professional learning that strengthens culture over time.Together, they explore:➡️ Why emotional milestones and attachment matter as much as cognitive development➡️ How adult stress and dysregulation can unintentionally fuel classroom power struggles➡️ Why LUME calls their method “slow food learning” — and how it outperforms one-and-done PD➡️ How leaders can build psychological safety through shared commitments➡️ Why play is the antidote to stress (and how to find your “play personality”)➡️ How qualitative stories and relationship-centered data reveal real impactWhether you’re a teacher, director, coach, or training leader, this episode offers practical insight and encouragement for building a more connected, resilient early childhood workforce.👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode!👉 Connect with LUME Institute: https://www.lumeinstitute.org/----------------------------Early Childhood Chats is hosted by Andrew Roszak - JD, MPA, EMT-PExecutive Director at the Institute for Childhood Preparedness. The Institute for Childhood Preparedness is proud to use its decades of experience to offer comprehensive and expert disaster and emergency preparedness trainings live in-person, via webinar, and on-demand online. // Visit: https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/ to find out more // Schedule your training today https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/trainingFOLLOW UShttps://www.instagram.com/childhoodpreparedness/ https://www.facebook.com/ChildPreparedhttps://twitter.com/ChildPreparedhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-childhood-preparedness© Institute for Childhood Preparedness 2025 all rights reserved

    1h 5m

  4. FEB 4

    Thriving Together: Reducing Stress and Restoring Joy in Early Childhood Classrooms

    Stress is one of the biggest drivers of burnout, turnover, and dissatisfaction in early childhood education — and it affects not only educators, but children and families as well. In this episode of Early Childhood Chats, Andy Roszak is joined by Raelene Ostberg, founder of Thriving Together and a nationally recognized expert in educator wellness, toddler behavior, and resilience. Raelene shares her personal journey from being a “Head Start baby” to becoming a leading voice in supporting early childhood professionals. Together, they explore why stress is not going away — and why the solution isn’t perfection, but small, intentional shifts woven throughout the day. This conversation covers practical strategies for reducing stress hormones in classrooms, reframing challenging behaviors, strengthening leadership culture, and restoring joy in the work of caring for young children. Why stress is the #1 issue in early childhood education — now and historically How Raelene’s early childhood trauma and Head Start experience shaped her mission The “default network” (the hamster wheel brain) and why our minds stay stuck in stress Why educator burnout impacts children’s behavior and emotional regulation The post-COVID “big dropout” — educators leaving or disengaging while staying How challenging behaviors have intensified across programs nationwide Simple classroom shifts that increase presence and decrease chaos Why leadership stress sets the tone for the entire organization Building culture through small connection routines, not unrealistic overhauls How reframing stories can reduce stress and increase compassion Why educators must reclaim their power to influence outcomes — without blaming families

    40 min

  5. JAN 27

    How AI Is Changing Education (And What Teachers & Parents Need to Know)

    Artificial intelligence is already shaping our classrooms, homes, and society... but how do we prepare children for an AI-driven future without losing what makes us human?In this episode of Early Childhood Chats, host Andy Roszak sits down with Jeffrey Riley, former Massachusetts Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education and Executive Director of Day of AI, a nonprofit born out of MIT.Together, they explore how AI is transforming education, why AI literacy is becoming a foundational skill, and how teachers, parents, and school leaders can use AI safely, ethically, and effectively. From early childhood classrooms to high school and beyond, this conversation tackles real concerns around data privacy, bias, mental health, and over-reliance on technology — while highlighting how AI can actually give educators time back and personalize learning for every student.This episode also dives into:➡️ Why AI is the “fourth R” alongside reading, writing, and arithmetic➡️ How teachers can use AI without compromising academic integrity➡️ The importance of critical thinking and “trust but verify” in an AI world➡️ The upcoming Student AI Bill of Rights and Youth AI Festival➡️ How families can talk to kids about AI — even without technical expertiseWhether you’re a teacher, administrator, parent, or education leader, this episode will help you understand what AI means for the future of learning — and how to approach it with confidence, not fear.Learn more about Jeff and Day of AI here:• dayofai.org• dayofaiusa.org• jeff@dayofai.org----------------------------Early Childhood Chats is hosted by Andrew Roszak - JD, MPA, EMT-PExecutive Director at the Institute for Childhood Preparedness. The Institute for Childhood Preparedness is proud to use its decades of experience to offer comprehensive and expert disaster and emergency preparedness trainings live in-person, via webinar, and on-demand online. // Visit: https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/ to find out more // Schedule your training today https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/trainingFOLLOW UShttps://www.instagram.com/childhoodpreparedness/ https://www.facebook.com/ChildPreparedhttps://twitter.com/ChildPreparedhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-childhood-preparedness© Institute for Childhood Preparedness 2026 all rights reserved

    59 min

  6. JAN 20

    Preparing Children, Families, and Communities with Sesame Workshop

    In this episode of Early Childhood Chats, Andy Roszak is joined by Kama Einhorn with Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, to discuss how they are helping children, families, and educators build resilience, emotional well-being, and emergency preparedness.Learn how trusted Sesame Street characters are being used to support trauma-informed care, social-emotional learning, and disaster preparedness for young children facing extreme weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods.We explore:➡️ How early childhood educators and caregivers can support children before, during, and after emergencies➡️ Why familiarity, play, and trusted relationships are critical during stressful events➡️ How free, research-based Sesame Workshop resources help children feel safe and supported➡️ The role of adults in modeling self-care and resilience🎒 These FREE emergency preparedness and resilience resources are available online and can be used in classrooms, childcare settings, homes, and communities.🌎 Resources are available in both English and Spanish.🔗 Learn more and access the materials: https://sesame.org/https://sesame.org/emergencies/Whether you’re an early childhood educator, parent, childcare provider, or community professional, this conversation offers practical, compassionate tools to help young children navigate uncertainty and build lifelong resilience.----------------------------Early Childhood Chats is hosted by Andrew Roszak - JD, MPA, EMT-PExecutive Director at the Institute for Childhood Preparedness. The Institute for Childhood Preparedness is proud to use its decades of experience to offer comprehensive and expert disaster and emergency preparedness trainings live in-person, via webinar, and on-demand online. // Visit: https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/ to find out more // Schedule your training today https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/trainingFOLLOW UShttps://www.instagram.com/childhoodpreparedness/ https://www.facebook.com/ChildPreparedhttps://twitter.com/ChildPreparedhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-childhood-preparedness© Institute for Childhood Preparedness 2025 all rights reserved

    26 min

  7. JAN 2

    Joyful Learning: How to Make Math, Literacy, and PD Meaningful for Educators

    In this episode of Early Childhood Chats, host Andy Roszak sits down with Gerard Visco, Director of Professional Development at a Head Start agency in New Jersey, to explore what high-quality early childhood education really looks like.Together, they dive into: ✏️ Why picture books and read-alouds are one of the most powerful tools in early learning✏️ How to make early math meaningful, playful, and story-driven✏️ Common mistakes educators make during circle time—and how to fix them✏️ The role of professional development, mentorship, and teacher advocacy✏️ A thoughtful breakdown of AI-generated children’s books vs. human-created literature✏️ What today’s early childhood educators need most to succeedThis conversation is packed with practical strategies, real classroom examples, and powerful reflections for preschool teachers, Head Start professionals, school leaders, and anyone passionate about early learning.🎧 Perfect for:Early childhood educatorsPreschool and Head Start teachersInstructional coaches and PD leadersParents interested in literacy and learningAnyone invested in the future of education👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with an educator who needs this conversation today.👉 Connect with Gerard: https://www.edutopia.org/profile/gerard-visco/----------------------------Early Childhood Chats is hosted by Andrew Roszak - JD, MPA, EMT-PExecutive Director at the Institute for Childhood Preparedness. The Institute for Childhood Preparedness is proud to use its decades of experience to offer comprehensive and expert disaster and emergency preparedness trainings live in-person, via webinar, and on-demand online. // Visit: https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/ to find out more // Schedule your training today https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/trainingFOLLOW UShttps://www.instagram.com/childhoodpreparedness/ https://www.facebook.com/ChildPreparedhttps://twitter.com/ChildPreparedhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-childhood-preparedness© Institute for Childhood Preparedness 2026 all rights reserved

    1h 6m

  8. 12/18/2025

    50+ Years in Early Childhood Education: Why Head Start Still Matters

    What happens when you combine 50+ years of early childhood education experience with honest conversations about policy, workforce challenges, and advocacy?In this powerful episode of Early Childhood Chats, host Andy Rozak sits down with Dr. Robert Gundling, a nationally respected early childhood leader, former president of DC AEYC, Head Start advocate, and founder of Sense of Wonder.Dr. Gundling shares unforgettable stories from the very beginning of Head Start, explains why early childhood education has been misunderstood for decades, and outlines what it will take to finally build a sustainable, respected, and fully funded early learning system in the United States.This episode covers:➡️ The history and future of Head Start➡️ Why early childhood education is NOT babysitting➡️ Workforce shortages, pay equity, and professionalism➡️ Men in early childhood education➡️ Universal Pre-K and state-level policy success stories➡️ Advocacy lessons from Washington, DC, Virginia, Maryland, and beyondWhether you’re an early childhood educator, Head Start leader, policy advocate, or education reformer, this episode is packed with insight, history, and inspiration.Learn more about Dr. Robert Gundling here:👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-gundling-aa0a5a5/Subscribe for weekly conversations on early childhood leadership, policy, and practice.----------------------------Early Childhood Chats is hosted by Andrew Roszak - JD, MPA, EMT-PExecutive Director at the Institute for Childhood Preparedness. The Institute for Childhood Preparedness is proud to use its decades of experience to offer comprehensive and expert disaster and emergency preparedness trainings live in-person, via webinar, and on-demand online. // Visit: https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/ to find out more // Schedule your training today https://www.childhoodpreparedness.org/trainingFOLLOW UShttps://www.instagram.com/childhoodpreparedness/ https://www.facebook.com/ChildPreparedhttps://twitter.com/ChildPreparedhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/institute-for-childhood-preparedness© Institute for Childhood Preparedness 2025 all rights reserved

    1h 7m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Early Childhood Chats," the podcast dedicated to all things related to early childhood education. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of early childhood development, parenting tips, teaching strategies, and the latest research in the field. Hosted by passionate educators and experts in early childhood education, each episode brings you insightful discussions, practical advice, and inspiring stories aimed at supporting parents, caregivers, and educators in nurturing the young minds of tomorrow.

Information

  • Creator
    Institute for Childhood Preparedness
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Institute for Childhood Preparedness
  • Show Website
    Early Childhood Chats