EdsUp! talks with Steve Gross, M.S.W., the founder and chief playmaker of the Life is Good Kids Foundation, a non-profit that spreads the power optimism to kids who need it most.  Steve’s signature approach has been widely adapted across the country and throughout the world in response to the social and emotional needs of children deeply impacted by poverty, violence and illness. In addition to his work in the social sector, Steve has worked with many corporations such as Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Million Dollar Roundtable Club, and IBM to demonstrate how optimistic leaders can inspire people and organizations through times of change.

EdsUp! Steve Gross: Episode Thirty - One

EdsUp! talks with Dr. Abby Lane, Senior Research Associate/Prenatal-to-3 Policy Clearinghouse Team Lead,  LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin, about policy and funding programs for Early Childhood.  Contact: pn3policy@austin.utexas.edu

EdsUp! Abby Lane: Episode Thirty - Two

Our guest is Dr. Thomas Moore, nationally recognized as an early childhood consultant, keynote speaker, workshop leader, and children’s recording artist. He has given more than 800 speeches and workshops in the United States and abroad. From a keynote address to 1,200 K-12 teachers at Harvard University, to teacher-training workshops in Denmark, Italy, Germany, and Nigeria.

EdsUp! Thomas Moore: Episode Thirty - Three

Carol Garhart (Mooney) began her teaching career in the inner city of Richmond, Virginia. She volunteered in 1965 at the first trial run of Head Start Programs in Washington, DC. Later, Carol worked for nearly 15 years for Head Start programs in New Hampshire, and supervised both student and practicing educators for more than 25 years.  Carol received the Distinguished Faculty Award for Teaching at Granite State College, was twice named Early Educator of the Year, and won New Hampshire Press Woman’s Awards.

EdsUp! Carol Garhart Mooney: Episode Thirty - Four

Hear our conversation with Dr. Dan Wuori, Senior Director of Early Learning at The Hunt Institute and oversees The Institute’s early childhood supports to state elected and administrative policymakers across the nation. A former kindergarten teacher and school district administrator, Dan served as the Deputy Director of South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness – the state’s comprehensive, public-private early learning initiative – from 2005-2018. In this role he worked alongside elected leaders to develop significant, bipartisan support for early childhood education and oversaw system innovations including the delivery of public prekindergarten in private, community- and faith-based preschools, improvements to the state’s IDEA Part C early intervention system, the creation of statewide program accountability standards, and the expansion of evidence-based home visiting programs. A Past President of the SC Early Childhood Association, Dan was honored as South Carolina’s Champion for Children in 2018.

EdsUp! Dan Wuori: Episode Thirty - Five

We talk with Dr. Bonnie Zucker, a licensed psychologist and director of Bonnie Zucker & Associates in Rockville, Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders and OCD in children, teens, and adults. Bonnie is the author of several books, including Anxiety-Free Kids, Take Control of OCD, and Something Very Sad Happened: A toddler’s guide to understanding death.

EdsUp! Bonnie Zucker: Episode Thirty - Six

We talk with Joan Lombardi, Ph.D., a Senior Scholar at the Center for Child and Human Development at Georgetown University and Director of Early Opportunities LLC.

Over the past 50 years Joan has made significant contributions in the areas of child and family policy as an innovative leader and policy advisor to national and international organizations and foundations and as a public servant. Her work focuses on young children, families and communities, and the intersection of health, education, and family support. She currently serves as the Chair of the RAPID-EC study.

Joan served as the first Deputy Assistant Secretary for Early Childhood during the Obama Administration and the first Director of the Child Care Bureau during the Clinton Administration.

EdsUp! Joan Lombardi: Episode Thirty - Eight

We talk with Adam Alson, a third-generation grain farmer from Rensselaer. He holds an undergraduate economics degree from the University of Chicago and worked as a bond trader for Bank of America in New York City before returning home to run the family farm in 2011. In 2020, Adam and his wife, Carlee Tressel Alson, founded the nonprofit Appleseed Childhood Education to address the shortage of early childhood education programming and quality child care options in Jasper County, Indiana. Appleseed will open a 70-seat, high-quality early learning center in Rensselaer in 2022.  Adam also serves on the advisory and finance committees of the Jasper Newton Foundation, and in his ample leisure time, he enjoys growing garden produce and cultivating a small orchard of 10 varieties of apples.

EdsUp! Episode 39: Adam Alson

Listen to our talk with Dr. Mariana Souto-Manning, who became Erikson’s 5th President in September 2021. Mariana has served as professor of education at Teachers College, Columbia University and held additional academic appointments at the University of Iceland and King’s College London. Committed to the pursuit of justice in early childhood teaching and teacher education, Mariana’s research centers the lives, values, and experiences of intersectionally-minoritized people of Color. An Afro-Latina first-generation immigrant, Mariana earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD at the University of Georgia, after having started her higher education journey at Dekalb Community College. Mariana has (co-)authored 10 books, dozens of book chapters, and over 80 peer-reviewed articles.

EdsUp! Episode 40: Mariana Souto

We interview Dr. Valora Washington, an internationally recognized authority in early childhood education, she is known for conceptualizing, leading, and
executing significant change initiatives impacting policy, programs, and practice in higher education, philanthropy, and national nonprofits. She currently serves as the CEO of the CAYL Institute. During her decade tenure as CEO of the Council for Professional Recognition, Dr. Washington advanced and
professionalized the field of early childhood education with her leadership of the largest credentialing program for early educators in the United States, the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. She formerly served as Vice President at Antioch College and the Kellogg Foundation and as a tenured faculty member at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

EdsUp! Episode 41: Valora Washington

We speak with Kathy Thornburg, Ph.D.: Dr. Thornburg has over 50 years’ experience in education, including teaching early childhood and policy courses at the Universities of Kentucky and Missouri, directing programs serving children from 6 weeks of age through 4th grade, and conducting state and national research projects. She has published over 100 referred journal articles. Currently she is working to adapt Military Child Development Program policies, procedures, and other program materials to support states in developing a unifying child care system that addresses affordability, availability, quality, and accountability across the U.S.

EdsUp! Episode 42: Kathy Thornburg

We talk with Jake Rudisill, Early Learning Channel Manager at Pitsco (https://www.pitsco.com/) about STEM (and expanded programs), ways to integrate methods into children's education outside of the classroom and so much more!

EdsUp! Episode 43: Jake Rudisill

EdsUp! speaks with Dr. Rosemarie Allen, the Founder, President, and CEO for the Institute for Racial Equity and Excellence. She also serves as an Associate Professor for Metropolitan State University of Denver. Her life’s work is on ensuring equity for historically marginalized communities, especially young children and their families.

EdsUp! Episode 44: Rosemarie Allen

Listen to our conversations with Lillian I. Hubler, the Founder and President of Time to Sign, Inc. The foremost sign language trainer of young children’s educators, with having trained more than 250,000 educators nationwide. She is a dynamic presenter whose presentations are educational best practices, engaging, and fun. Lillian brings sign language into life for visual learning, social and emotional readiness, and classroom & behavior management best practices. Her methods are being used in over 5,200 schools nationwide.

EdsUp! Episode 45: Lillian Hubler

Anita Sanchez is our guest this episode.  Anita’s award-winning books sing the praises of unloved plants and animals, and of the unusual, often ignored wild places of the world: dandelions, poison ivy, spiders, mud puddles, and glaciers. Years of field work and teaching outdoor classes have given her firsthand experience introducing students to the wonders of nature. Her many science books for young readers include The Forest in the Sea: Seaweed Solutions to Planetary Problems (Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection). Learn more anytime at AnitaSanchez.com

EdsUp! Episode 46: Anita Sanchez

Download or listen to our latest podcast, as we talk with Dr. Marianne Celanno and Dr. Marietta Collins.  

Marianne Celano, PhD, ABPP is a family psychologist and professor at the Emory University School of Medicine.  Dr. Celano specializes in treatment of children, including those who have experienced traumatic events. 

Marietta Collins, PhD is a clinical psychologist and Associate Professor within the Department of Family Medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine, where she provides psychological services to underserved adults, youth, and families, and education to medical students and residents. Dr. Collins worked with high-risk families as a faculty member at Emory University School of Medicine for over two decades prior to joining the Morehouse faculty in 2016. 

For information on the book(s) discussed in this podcast, visit: https://www.apa.org/pubs/magination/441B228?tab=5

EdsUP! Episode 48: Marianne Celano And Marietta Collins

This episode, we speak with Jane Chapman.  She has been illustrating for over twenty five years. See her work at https://janekchapman.com/ She works with a number of publishers, but particularly enjoys the collaborative process with designers and editors when she is commissioned to both write and illustrate. She has a studio at home in Southwest England, but she has to be careful to keep her paint under cover because her enormous Maine Coon cat is inclined to sit on her palette. She listens to a lot of True Crime podcasts while painting endless bears, rabbits and mice.

EdsUP! Episode 51: Jane Chapman

This episode, we talk with Todd Parr, author and illustrator of more than 60 books for children, including the New York Times bestselling The I Love You Book, The Earth Book, and The Thankful Book. He has inspired, empowered, and entertained millions of children around the world with his bold images, unique sense of humor, and inclusive storytelling.

EdsUP! Episode 52: Todd Parr

In Episode 53, we talk with #1 New York Times bestselling author and mindfulness 
expert, Susan Verde!  As a kid, she kept a piece of chalk in her pocket (for spontaneous hopscotch), finding inspiration everywhere and loved to write all about it! She now writes books for readers of all ages.  Susan also teaches kids yoga and mindfulness.  See more of her work at SusanVerde.com.

EdsUp! Episode 53: Susan Verde

We chat with the wonderful, passionate Vanessa Brantley-Newton in this episode!  Vanessa celebrates self-love and acceptance of all cultures through her work, and hopes to inspire young readers to find their own voices. Growing up in a musical family, Vanessa’s parents taught her how to sing to help overcome her stuttering. Now whenever she illustrates, music fills the air and finds its way into her art. The children she draws can be seen dancing, wiggling, and moving freely across the page in an expression of happiness.  Listen to her, then learn more about her at https://www.vanessabrantleynewton.com/

EdsUP! Episode 54: Vanessa Brantley - Newton

EdsUP! Talks with Matt Karlsen and Susan Harris MacKay, who direct the Center for Playful Inquiry to catalyze greater beauty and democracy in the partnership of children and adults. Susan and Matt began the Center for Playful Inquiry following the pandemic-related collapse of Portland Children’s Museum and Opal School, where they were longtime members of collaborative teams initiating and sustaining innovative experiences for children and educators. As teachers, pedagogical companions, and facilitators who hold a strong image of children and the adults who live and learn alongside them, Matt and Susan host The Studio for Playful Inquiry (www.storyworkshop.studio), an online community dedicated to companionship and growth of professional educators seeking greater joy and meaning in their work. 
Learn more at www.centerforplayfulinquiry.com and join their mailing list at bit.ly/CPIMail.

EdsUP! Episode 55: Susann Harris MacKay And Matt Karlsenn

We interview Dr. Diane Bales and Stephanie Whitten.  Dr. Bales is a Professor in Human Development and Family Science, a Human Development Specialist with UGA Extension, and director of UGA’s Child Life program. Her outreach focuses on stress and mental health, healthy child development and brain development, healthy eating in preschoolers.  Stephanie is a Clinical Assistant Professor and the Child Life Clinical Coordinator at the University of Georgia. She has been a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) for ten years with a clinical background in emergency care, neurology/neurosurgery, and oncology.
Resources discussed in the podcast:
    Simply Sayin’ Medical Jargon for Kids https://apps.apple.com/us/app/simply-sayin-medical-jargon/id645810680
    Child Life On Call https://childlifeoncall.com/
    Hearts Connected https://www.heartsconnected.org/about-us
    Children’s of Mississippi Surgery Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pipAEDS7GE
    ACLP: Becoming Certified https://www.childlife.org/certification/becoming-certified
    ACLP Resources for Parents and Caregivers https://www.childlife.org/resources/for-parents-and-caregivers

EdsUP! Episode 56: Diane Bales And Stephanie Whitten

This episode, we speak with Dr. Shirley Raines, President Emeritus of the University of Memphis.  She was the first female president and served for 12 years and was described as “Personable, Powerful and Prepared” at her induction into the Tennessee Women’s Hall of Fame.  Shirley was a faculty member for five years at the Harvard Institute for New Presidents and Chancellors.  Find her books mentioned in our podcast at https://amzn.to/3ryhcDx

EdsUP! Episode 57: Shirley Raines

In our final episode of 2023, we talk with children’s author and educator, Dr. Kimberly P. Johnson, the author of 22 children’s books. Kimberly received her Doctorate in Curriculum, Teaching, and Leadership from Northeastern University in Boston, MA and also holds a Master’s Degree from Clemson University, in Youth Development and Leadership. Kimberly has an Early Childhood Education Degree and a Communications Degree from UNC - Chapel Hill.  Kimberly is an Ambassador for The King Center in Atlanta and a program collaborator for Dr. Bernice A. King, the last living daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She is a Curriculum Design Specialist for the King Center in Atlanta and is a team member with their nonviolence camps and trainings.

EdsUP! Episode 58: Kimberly P Johnson

This episode, we talk with Tom "Teacher Tom" Hobson, an early childhood educator, international speaker, education consultant, teacher of teachers, parent educator, and author. Best known for Teacher Tom's Blog (https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/) and his courses for teachers and parents (https://courses.teachertomsworld.com), Teacher Tom brings his wisdom to EdsUp!  Search for his podcast online to hear more from Teacher Tom!

EdsUP! Episode 59: Teacher Tom

Episode 60 features Ellen Galinsky, the President of Families and Work Institute and the Chief Science Officer for the Bezos Family Foundation. A trailblazer in the work-family and early childhood fields, she is a prolific writer with more than 100 books and reports and 300 articles, which include the best-selling Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs, and the upcoming release The Breakthrough Years.

EdsUp! Episode 60: Ellen Galinsky

Dr. David Rose, co-founder of CAST, speaks on Universal Design for Learning.  Find more online at http://www.cast.org/

EdsUp! David Rose: Episode Four

EdsUp! talks with Ruby K. Payne, Ph.D.  Dr. Payne is the founder of aha! Process and an author, speaker, publisher, and career educator. Recognized internationally for A Framework for Understanding Poverty, her foundational work, Dr. Payne has helped students and adults of all economic backgrounds achieve academic, professional, and personal success

EdsUp! Ruby Payne: Episode Ten

EdsUp! talks with Dr. Patricia Kuhl, co-director of the Institute for Brain and Learning Sciences at the University of Washington. She's internationally recognized for her research on early language and brain development, and studies that show how young children learn.  Download and enjoy this interesting conversation!

EdsUp! Patricia Kuhl: Episode Eighteen

EdsUp! talks with Dr. Shu-Chen "Jenny" Yen, (as of this recording) an associate professor in the Department of Child and Adolescent Studies, California State University, Fullerton.  She has written "Something Strange Happened in My City", a social story about the coronavirus pandemic for children and parents.  Find the free digital copy of this book and Dr. Yen's contact information on the NACYE website at https://bit.ly/2WqmIo3 and find multiple translations PLUS the customizable version Dr. Yen speaks about in the podcast at https://socialstorycenter.com/social-stories/

EdsUp! Shu-Chen "Jenny" Yen: Episode Twenty

EdsUp! talks with Jackie Mader, Social Media Editor for The Hechinger Report [https://hechingerreport.org/] about parenting a young child with special needs and teaching issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

EdsUp! Jackie Mader: Episode Twenty - Two

Janet Lansbury is a former actress and model who is now a parent educator, author, and speaker who takes a proven approach to dealing with young children that is based on the science of brain development.  Trained by renowned infant expert Magda Gerber, Janet is the author of two books, No Bad Kids and Elevating Child Care, hosts a very popular podcast, Unruffled, and supports parents worldwide through her website, JanetLansbury.com.

EdsUp! Janet Lansbury: Episode Twenty - Five

Listen to or download our conversation with Pedro A. Noguera, the Emery Stoops and Joyce King Stoops Dean of the USC Rossier School of Education.  A sociologist, Noguera’s research focuses on the ways in which schools are influenced by social and economic conditions, as well as by demographic trends in local, regional and global contexts. He is the author, co-author and editor of 13 books.  Prior to being appointed Dean of the USC Rossier School of Education, Noguera served as a Distinguished Professor of Education at the Graduate School of Education and Information Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles.

EdsUp! Pedro Noguera: Episode Twenty - Nine

EdsUp! is a podcast all about children and those who care for them. Produced by the Graduate Center for the Study of Early Learning at the University of Mississippi, Dr. Cathy Grace and Dr. Kenya Wolff provide wit, wisdom and enthusiasm as they explore education and public policy issues with practical advice for parents, teachers and decision-makers.

Each podcast will feature in-depth interviews about a wide range of issues ranging from parenting tips to the economic benefits of investments in high-quality education programs for young children. 

Myths that have guided decisions about the education, care and development of young children for years will be exposed. Public policies and the resulting consequences for children and families will be discussed. Listeners will find the stories of famous and not-so-famous people to be inspiring and entertaining as they hear how childhood experiences shaped the adult lives of guests in predictable as well as unexpected ways.

Each episode will include no-nonsense conversation about how to give children the best possible start in life.

Thoughtful—we think so. Informative—we know so. Engaging—absolutely!

EdsUp!

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