The Early Childhood Journeys Podcast

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The Early Childhood Journeys Podcast, where I highlight the journeys behind early childhood educators and/or community advocates through interviews and discussions including conversations on best practices in the early childhood field through an antiracist and equity lens. Our conversations are uncomfortable and are meant to be real and authentic. 

Based out of Arizona, the podcast is the only local podcast show where Early Childhood teachers, educators and other advocates of young children are being highlighted to share their journey in the profession while also discussing early education topics through candid stories about their practice. 

Recently highlighted at the 2018 First Things First Early Childhood Summit Conference, I am a proud recipient of the  Champion for Young Children Award, recognizing my work with the podcast and Early Education. As a first generation bilingual Chicana (Mexican) in the U.S. I understand the significance of representation and advocacy for BIPOC Early Childhood Educators and the communities we serve. 

A practical listen and brain nugget for the Early Childhood educator, child advocate and community alike. 

EVERYONE HAS A JOURNEY, LET'S PODCAST ABOUT YOURS! 

-Marissa 

Our podcast hosting platform is Acast.

*Disclaimer: Guests featured on the podcast or topics discussed are not endorsements or recommendations unless otherwise noted. 

Episode 54

Uncomfortable Topics with Lark Sontag from Will Start Small

Episode 54 is with advocate and outspoken champion for BIPOC, Lark Sontag from the Will Start Small Collective.

Lark's points include a very honest and uncomfortable array of topics regarding the current injustices of COVID, how child care is rooted in oppressive policies and how much of the programming in early childhood is for the benefit of white populations that hold power. Take a deep breath in this hard-hitting episode and be ready to advocate for child care teachers.

More about Lark Sontag

Lark is a New York metro early childhood education specialist, curriculum developer, speaker, children’s advocate, and the author of the children’s book “What Every Child Should Know” on Sanctuary Press. She is committed to writing literature that showcases all children, creating an equitable world for neurodiverse children, and centering children in all discussions regarding economic justice.

Lark is also the founder of the Will Start Small Collective which works collaboratively with nonprofits, schools, and social justice groups to create curriculum and programming rooted in anti-racism, critical race theory, and culturally relevant pedagogy. She is the publisher of Sweet Potato Pie, A Children's Literary Journal.

Lark holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Mount St. Mary’s University and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Pacific Oaks College.

To follow....

Will Start Small

Twitter

Facebook

Episode 53

Anti-Racist Work in Early Childhood: A Conversation with Tina Sykes

Episode 53 is with guest and Arizona early childhood education colleague, Tina Sykes. Tina Sykes is a social justice advocate, a poet a wife and parent to three children. Our conversations about the recent murder of #GeorgeFloyd online sparked an opportunity to have a candid conversation on the podcast about racism, white centric views in early childhood and the connection of social emotional development in social justice work. This topic was HEAVY.

A call for deep reflection along with some websites to add to your teacher toolkit were also discussed. A big thank you to all of the amazing black women, and IBPOC in my personal and professional circles leading the change in this work!

Check out Tina Wiggins Sykes on Facebook or connect with her on Linkedin.

Some notable resources:

Dr. Kira Banks from Raising Equity

Woke Kindergarten

Indigo Cultural Center

Ijuma Jordan

Will Start Small

Episode 52

Season Debut: Homeschooling, Teaching and Social Emotional Learning with Catherine Norwood

Season 3 debuts and podcast host, Marissa Calderón updates everyone on being on hiatus and launches the new season addressing homeschool during COVID19 with past guest and K-6 Instructional Coach in Arizona, Catherine Norwood.

Catherine and Marissa discuss what the focus should be for teachers during the last weeks of virtual school, what parents can do to help their children get thru the summer and the urgent need to build children's social and emotional skills during these stressful and anxiety inducing times for everyone.

PARENT NOTABLE

Episode 47

Kindergarten Readiness Tips with Julie Decuir

Episode 47 is the first of a series of Kindergarten Readiness Tips and Insight episodes! Joined by Sierra Vista Unified School District in Arizona, Kindergarten Teacher, Julie Decuir. Podcast host, Marissa and Julie chat about the true skills future kindergartners need vs what some parents may think their child needs to master for school. Julie has been a Kindergarten teacher for 17 years and she shares her tips and insights for parents during this busy time of year of kindergarten registration.