The Step Up to Quality team shares a breakdown of what the program is all about and why providers want to be a part of quality early childhood education in Nebraska. Guest stars Lauri Cimino, Lynne Cooke and Jenny Fleming discuss what it's like to participate in Step Up to Quality, and the progress they see in each provider's quality of care. The team also addresses the eagerly-awaited revisions to the program, which are being rolled out throughout 2022 and 2023.

Season 1, Episode 1 - You're Invited to Quality Time

In this episode, we dive into the two observation tools provided by Step Up to Quality for classrooms with Traci Strazdas. The two choices are the CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System), and the ERS (Environment Rating Scales). Both of these observational tools are important to understand because they improve the interactions between adults and children. But how do providers decide which to use? Do they use either of them or both? We will answer these questions and many more in this podcast.

Season 1, Episode 2 - Fearless Observations

We dive deep into the T.E.A.C.H. program with T.E.A.C.H.’s very own Julie Warford. The letters stand for Teacher Education and Compensation Helps, and the program helps those pursuing a degree in early childhood education to financially reach their goals. Julie talks all about how the T.E.A.C.H. program provides recipients with the ability to learn and achieve their dreams debt-free.

Season 1, Episode 4 - Teaching with T.E.A.C.H.

In this episode, we had the opportunity to talk with Denita Julius! She is a family child care home provider and is rated at a Step 5 in Step Up to Quality. Denita discusses how elevated early childhood education opportunities are not just limited to those who work in a classroom. In fact, more than half of all Step 5 programs are family child care home providers!

Season 1, Episode 5 - Quality at Family Child Care Homes

In this episode of Quality Time, we get the chance to talk with Mike Stiehl. Mike is a coach for Step Up to Quality and has worked in the field of early childhood education for more than 40 years. Mike discusses what it's like being a male in a female-dominated workforce, what his job entails and how he got to where he is today.

Season 1, Episode 7 - Men in Early Childhood Education

One of the most difficult parts about being a child care provider is facing challenging behaviors and the lack of support in some instances. In this week’s Quality Time podcast, Charity Wright, teacher at Cathedral Daycare in Grand Island, talks about how she receives support from the Step Up to Quality program during challenging moments and the importance of taking time to reflect on what you are grateful for.

Season 1, Episode 10 - It's a Team Effort

Jené Chapman, a Program Specialist with the Office of Early Childhood at the Nebraska Department of Education, discusses the successes and challenges of her experience in the field of child care and education. She talks about growing through professional development and helping providers overcome barriers to earn their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in Nebraska.

Season 1, Episode 11 - Overcoming Barriers

As an Early Childhood Extension Specialist and Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Dr. Holly Hatton-Bowers focuses on identifying and implementing effective ways of promoting well-being among early childhood educators, families and young children. In this episode, Dr. Hatton-Bowers talks about what self-care is, what it's not and why it matters. She acknowledges that self-care is critical to your well-being, but it also can be challenging to practice. She offers solutions, including relying on your community to fulfill parts of your self-care.

Season 1, Episode 12 - Self-Care is Not Selfish

We created the Quality Time podcast especially for early childhood educators in Nebraska. Our intention at Step Up to Quality was to uplift and support all the teachers, directors, administrators and others who educate our future leaders. We know it can be a difficult and exhausting job, so we went a step further and recorded some special guided meditation episodes, starting with the first one today. We hope you return to these again and again for a moment of calm and reflection. Special thanks to our coaching specialist Lynne who is our meditation expert and recorded these special episodes just for you.

Season 1, Episode 13 - Mindful Moment #1

We know being a childcare provider is a difficult job. You are appreciated, you are supported and you deserve a moment just for you. Treat yourself to a mindful moment by listening to our second guided meditation episode on the Quality Time Podcast. This episode is brought to you by our coaching specialist and meditation expert, Lynne Cook.

Season 1, Episode 14 - Mindful Moment #2

If Season 1 of the Quality Time podcast were a baby, it would be all swaddled and ready to nap! We're officially done with Season 1...and we will see you soon for Season 2! Our host Colleen has some great things in store for us, including more national speakers and also more features on Nebraska providers. In the meantime, if you're interested in participating in Step Up to Quality, please refer to our Program Guide and blog, both of which have great resources for early childhood educators. Thank you to all who have listened to our first season and we can't wait to bring you more Quality Time this fall!

Season 1, Episode 15 - Wrapping Up Season 1

In this episode of the Quality Time podcast we welcome the iconic Dr. Jean Feldman. With nearly 50 years of early childhood experience, Dr. Jean brings a wealth of knowledge to our field. This week we are diving into the power of play! Tune in to hear Dr. Jean and your host, Colleen, discuss the importance of bringing joyful singing and simple silliness into early childhood spaces.

Season 2, Episode 17 - The Power of Simple, Joyful Play

B.E.T. Learning Academy was the first program to be rated under the new Step Up to Quality 2.0 process, and they came out on top at a Step 5! B.E.T. Learning Academy's CEO Bernard Turnbo Jr. encourages programs to participate in Step Up to Quality and to take advantage of the professional development and coaching opportunities. "It enhanced what we were doing already," he said. Learn more about Bernard's journey and his advice for programs who are thinking about enrolling in this episode of Quality Time.

Season 2, Episode 18 - Affirmations of Quality

Step by step, Carime Ruvalcaba achieves her goals. She recently reached Step 5, the first bilingual child care provider to accomplish this impressive milestone in Nebraska. Hear more about her story, including her tips for participating in Step Up to Quality, in our first episode recorded in both English and Spanish.

Season 2, Episode 21 - Paso a Paso

The CHIME program is designed specifically for early childhood professionals and educators, and has been in Nebraska since 2017. In this episode, our host Colleen talks with Jaci Foged, who currently helps manage the program with Nebraska Extension and was also formerly a child care center director. She explains how CHIME guides early childhood teachers and provides skills that lead to harmony both in and outside of the classroom.

Season 2, Episode 23 - CHIME In

We created the Quality Time podcast especially for early childhood educators in Nebraska. Our intention at Step Up to Quality was to uplift and support all the teachers, directors, administrators and others who educate our future leaders. We know it can be a difficult and exhausting job, so we went a step further and recorded some special guided meditation episodes. We had two in Season 1, and we'll have two in Season 2. We hope you return to these again and again for a moment of calm and reflection. Special thanks to our coaching specialist Lynne who is our meditation expert and recorded these special episodes just for you.

Season 2, Episode 28 - Mindful Moment #3

We're putting the Quality Time podcast down for a nap again as we prepare for Season 3! Thank you to all our listeners, especially the early childhood education professionals in Nebraska who work so hard to provide a high quality experience for our littlest learners. We're looking forward to continuing the self-care conversation we started this season as we move our focus toward advocacy in Season 3. See you this fall!

Season 2, Episode 30 - Wrapping Up Season 2

Season 3 of Quality Time is all about advocacy. In our first episode of season 3, Step 5 providers Liz Arnold and Shannon Hampson, both from Lincoln, share with us how they weave advocacy into their everyday lives and how they model it for the children in their care. They share ideas like championing play-based learning, sharing stories on social media, collaborating with other providers, challenging perspectives, inviting parents to advocate, giving encouragement to fellow providers, sharing resources, and visiting the capitol.

Season 3, Episode 31 - Why Advocacy Matters

In this episode, we explore the Nebraska Go NAPSACC program with Ashton Figgner, UNL Extension Educator and Go NAPSACC Coordinator. Ashton shares insights into how the program equips childcare providers to implement best practices in nutrition, physical activity, and overall well-being. We also discuss how Nebraska Go NAPSACC works in partnership with Step Up to Quality, to advocate for healthier, high-quality environments for young children across the state. For more information on Go NAPSACC, visit https://unlcms.unl.edu/ianr/extension/negonapsacc/.

Season 3, Episode 33 - Healthy Habits Start with Go NAPSACC

We're thrilled to welcome back one of our favorite guests, Carrie Gotschalk, Nebraska Extension Engagement Zone Coordinator and Licensed Mental Health Practitioner. She returns to the Quality Time Podcast to discuss the critical topic of trauma-informed care. Carrie examines how trauma impacts a child’s neural development and highlights the vital role of self-compassion for educators supporting children through these challenges. She also shares practical tools to help educators create supportive and nurturing learning environments.

Season 3, Episode 36, Tools for Trauma-Informed Care

Dr. Walter Gilliam, Executive Director of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute, joins the Quality Time podcast this week to discuss the often-overlooked care given to caregivers. Drawing from his extensive background in education and psychology, Walter explores how society values, or undervalues, the vital work of caregivers. He highlights the ripple effects this has on children, families, and even the broader economy. Gilliam also offers advice on how to band together to ensure our voices are heard when advocating for meaningful change.

Season 3, Episode 39 - Caring for the Caregivers

This week, we're excited to introduce our new Quality Time host, Laura Cady! Colleen passes the torch to Laura, who brings over 15 years of experience in the education field, with a focus on early literacy, dual language support and family engagement. She's worked in diverse settings, (including Colombia!), and brings a passion for international-mindedness to the table.

Join us as Colleen and Laura sit down for a conversation during this special handoff episode.

A huge thank you to Colleen for her incredible work over the past three seasons. Laura has big shoes to fill, but we’re thrilled for what’s ahead!

Season 3, Episode 43 - Handing over the Mic to Laura Cady

(Originally released April 23, 2025) 

We're excited to introduce our new Quality Time host, Laura Cady! Colleen passes the torch to Laura, who brings over 15 years of experience in the education field, with a focus on early literacy, dual language support and family engagement. She's worked in diverse settings, (including Colombia!), and brings a passion for international-mindedness to the table.

Join us as Colleen and Laura sit down for a conversation during this special handoff episode.

A huge thank you to Colleen for her incredible work over the past three seasons. Laura has big shoes to fill, but we’re thrilled for what’s ahead!

Season 3, Episode 43 - Handing over the Mic to Laura Cady (Re-Release)

Please give a warm welcome to Laura Cady!

You may recognize Laura from our handoff episode with Colleen, but now she officially steps in as your new host. In this episode, Laura shares her journey—from studying and teaching abroad to her deep-rooted passion for service—and how these experiences shaped her career. Get to know what inspires her and why she’s excited to lead the conversations on this podcast. Enjoy!

Season 4, Episode 44 - Introducing Laura Cady!

To kick off the Season 4 topic of literacy, Laura sits down with team members from the Nebraska Department of Education to explore how to give children the best possible start on their literacy journey.

They dive into personal stories from toddler classrooms, the power of shared reading experiences, and how read-alouds and storytelling shape (and are shaped by) dramatic play. You’ll also hear about the importance of sequencing in stories, ways to foster curiosity and connection, and tips for making reading and writing materials more accessible to young learners.

Season 4, Episode 45 - Curiosity and Connection: A Literacy Conversation with NDE

This week, Laura chats with Robert Patterson and Jason Albeno from Kids Can Community Center about what high-quality care looks like in action. From sparking a love of learning to letting kids choose their own books, they share how choice, curiosity, and creativity shape meaningful early learning experiences.

Season 4, Episode 46 - What does high quality care look like?

Early childhood professional, Diana Svela, joins Laura to talk about the journey of providing high-quality care and the imperfections that come with it. Their conversation also explores the deeper dimensions of early literacy—how it extends beyond books into intentional interactions, meaningful conversations, and creating rich learning environments.

Season 4, Episode 47 - Early Literacy and Family Engagement

Today, we dive into early literacy with Nancy Novotny, Program Manager at the Omaha Public Library (OPL). Nancy reveals how OPL is supporting young children and childcare providers in Nebraska, sharing the five key practices from the American Library Association’s Every Child Ready to Read philosophy: reading, writing, talking, singing, and playing. Listen in to learn the practical, everyday details of how these simple, fun activities build essential literacy skills.

Season 4, Episode 48 - How to Build a Reader: 5 Simple Skills

Host Laura Cady sits down with Colleen Schmidt, Erica Temperly, and Sarah Voss to unpack two powerful tools that boost quality teaching — the Environmental Rating Scales (ERS) and the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS). They explore how these tools work hand in hand: ERS builds the physical environment (think cozy reading nooks and easy-to-reach books), while CLASS focuses on intentional teacher–child interactions (like sparking conversations and growing vocabularies). Together, they help kids fall in love with reading from the very start. 

Season 4, Episode 49 - Boosting early literacy with ERS and CLASS

Is reading as important to a child’s health as excersise or nutrition? In this episode of Quality Time, host Laura Cady sits down with Dr. Karla Lester, a pediatrician and author, who believes the answer is a resounding "YES". Dr. Karla Lester views literacy as a vital health indicator, prescribing what she calls a "daily dose of reading books" to support a child's cognitive and social-emotional health.

Karla offers advice to parents to meet children where they are, even if that means letting a kiddo flip through pages or babble along rather than finishing the story.

Season 4, Episode 50 - Prescribing books: How early literacy builds healthy brains

Technology is an unavoidable part of modern life and parenting - so how can we use it intentionally? 

In today's episode, Laura welcomes Suzie Fogarty, Community Outreach Coordinator and Education Facilitator at Smart Gen Society. With over 25 years of experience in the education ecosystem, Suzie gives insight on how language from a screen isn't processed in a child's brain the same way face-to-face interactions are. 

Tune in to learn how parents and providers can navigate digital tools without sacrificing the developmentally appropriate practices that children need to thrive.

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