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We welcome Dr. Nicole Evans, the Senior Director of Leadership at Embracing Equity in this thought-provoking podcast. Dr. Evans discusses her career in education and her dedication to anti-racism, highlighting the transformative impact of early childhood experiences and strong educational leadership. She also provides insights from her time working in a Montessori school, reflecting on how the Montessori approach, combined with anti-bias and anti-racism principles, supports brain development and nurtures children's curiosity about race and differences.

Early childhood brain development has many intricacies, and Marie Lister, director of teaching and research at the Childhood Development Center at the University of Minnesota helps explain it to us in this episode. Marie introduces the fascinating concept of "exuberant synaptogenesis" and shares how simple interactions like talking, playing, reading, and singing can solidify neural pathways and provide the loving attention infants need most. Marie also introduces us to the Before Racism program, which educates teachers and families on how to talk to white children about race and racism, challenging the misconception that it's too early for such discussions. This episode was recorded on May 16th , 2024.

On this podcast, we're joined by pediatrician and health equity champion Dr. Nathan Chomilo, who enlightens us on how those early moments of reading are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to childhood brain development. Dr. Chomilo is the Medical Director for the State of Minnesota’s Medicaid & MinnesotaCare programs and practices as a General Pediatrician with Park Nicollet Health Services/HealthPartners. He shares insight into the deep-seated factors that contribute to health inequities. We tackle everything from the historical impacts of redlining to the current challenges amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Chomilo doesn't just present the problems; he brings actionable solutions to the table, shedding light on the state's efforts and the essential role of community-driven initiatives. This episode was recorded on April 18th, 2024.

This episode of Little Moments Count features Stephanie Goodwin and Vikki Reich of The Family Partnership, as we explore the transformative power of early interactions in shaping young minds. The conversation covers a number of topics - the critical importance of early childhood brain development; developmental screenings and therapy; creating supportive education environments for children, and the impact of parental stress. This episode was recorded on March 28th, 2024.

In this episode, Heather Charmoli, Program Administrator for the Minnesota Association for the Education of Young Children (MnAEYC), gives us a guided tour of MnAEYC's initiatives that are painting a brighter future for young minds. We uncover the organization's dedication to quality education, from accreditation coaching to legislative advocacy. Heather also discusses her involvement in other early childhood initiatives and organizations; for example, spotlighting opportunities available for educators in Minnesota, such as the Credit for Prior Learning Plan and the CARE Fellowship. Join us to explore how every little moment counts in the tapestry of a child's development. This episode was recorded on January 18th 2024.

We hear from educator Jamesetta Diggs in this episode. Jamesetta is a West African immigrant, an early childhood professional, the mother of two, and the founder of Social Learning for Littles. This organization focuses on parent empowerment and involvement in young children's healthy growth and development. She discusses resources available on their website, www.sociallearningforlittles.com, which is designed to aid parents in cultivating their child’s brain through simple, daily activities. This episode was recorded on December 5th, 2023.