ECS4Kids - The Kids’ Table

ECS4Kids

Welcome to The Kids Table, where we talk about helping children learn, grow, and thrive. Hosted by Brady Koch, Vice President of Communications at ECS4Kids, each episode sits down with parents, educators, and experts to explore what kids need most: at school, at home, and in the community. Real stories, practical insights, and honest conversations for anyone who cares about giving children a strong start.

Episodes

  1. Oct 9

    Episode 3: Practical Tips for Children with Special Needs

    In this episode of The Kids’ Table, we continue our conversation with Jessica Bone, Senior Director of Child Wellness at ECS4Kids, about supporting children with special needs. This episode focuses on practical tips parents and caregivers can use at home and in everyday life. Jessica explains why children with special needs may experience daily routines differently, and why predictability, preparation and support can make a meaningful difference for the whole family. Jessica shares guidance on visual schedules, transition warnings, co-regulation and responding to challenging behaviors. She also reminds parents that behavior is communication, and that families are not meant to figure everything out alone. When a strategy is not working, it may be time to lean on a pediatrician, therapist, specialist or care team to better understand what the child needs. This episode is designed for parents, caregivers and educators who want practical, compassionate guidance for supporting young children with special needs at home, at school and in the community. In this episode, we discuss: Why daily routines can feel different for children with special needs How visual schedules can help children understand what comes next Why transition warnings can make changes easier How adults can use co-regulation to help children calm down Why behavior is communication What parents can do when common strategies are not working How pediatricians, therapists and specialists can help families find more individualized support Why routines, structure and loving caregivers benefit all children If you have questions about your child’s development, behavior or support needs, visit www.ECS4Kids.com to learn more and connect with our team.

  2. Sep 25

    Episode 2: Understanding Special Needs and Early Intervention

    In this episode of The Kids’ Table, we continue our conversation about special needs, early intervention and how families can find the right support for young children. Jessica Bone, Senior Director of Child Wellness at ECS4Kids, joins us to talk about what early intervention means, why developmental milestones matter and what parents can do if they have concerns about their child’s development. Jessica explains how early support can help children build the skills they need for the next stage of growth, from motor development and speech to social-emotional learning and classroom participation. She also reminds parents that a diagnosis is not a limit on a child’s future. Instead, it can help open the door to therapies, resources and support that help children thrive. This episode is designed for parents, caregivers and educators who want to better understand developmental delays, special needs, early childhood milestones and how to advocate for young children. In this episode, we discuss: What early intervention means for infants, toddlers and preschool children Why developmental milestones matter Signs parents can watch for at home How to talk with your pediatrician about concerns Why parents should not feel ashamed to ask questions How a diagnosis can help children access support Why parents are their child’s first teacher and strongest advocate If you have concerns about your child’s development or want to learn more about how ECS4Kids supports children with special needs, visit www.ecs4kids.org and connect with our team.

  3. Aug 26

    Episode 1: Special Needs, Strong Futures

    In this episode of The Kids Table, we hear from Angela Callahan, an ECS4Kids parent alumna, about her family’s journey raising a child with special needs and how early support changed their lives. Angela’s son graduated from ECS4Kids a decade ago. When he was young, her family was navigating developmental delays, sensory challenges, meltdowns, and uncertainty. Through Early Head Start and Head Start, Angela found the support her son needed — and the guidance she and her husband needed as parents. Angela shares how ECS4Kids helped her family understand her son’s needs, create routines at home, use calming strategies, and build confidence during a difficult season. Today, her son is thriving as a successful middle school student, a powerful reminder that a diagnosis does not define a child’s future. This conversation is for parents, caregivers and families who may be wondering whether their child needs extra support, navigating a special needs diagnosis, or looking for encouragement as they advocate for their child. In this episode, we discuss: Early signs of developmental delays and sensory needs Special needs support in Early Head Start and Head Start How ECS4Kids supports children with diagnosed disabilities Practical parenting tools like calm-down spaces and picture schedules Why early support can help children reach their full potential Encouragement for parents of children with special needs To learn more about ECS4Kids and our support for children and families, visit https://www.ecs4kids.org

    Episode 1: Special Needs, Strong Futures

About

Welcome to The Kids Table, where we talk about helping children learn, grow, and thrive. Hosted by Brady Koch, Vice President of Communications at ECS4Kids, each episode sits down with parents, educators, and experts to explore what kids need most: at school, at home, and in the community. Real stories, practical insights, and honest conversations for anyone who cares about giving children a strong start.