Ep. 83 Understanding Early Childhood Education in a New Era with Ann McKitrick

In this episode of Reimagine Childhood, brought to you by the Early Childhood Christian Network, host Monica Healer talks with Ann McKittrick, founder of Nurtured Noggins and Texas Childcare Training, about challenges young families have faced since COVID and practical ways early educators can help. Ann describes lingering impacts including fear, isolation around birth and newborn care, disrupted social-emotional development, increased reliance on screens and online "experts," and reduced everyday experiences for children. They discuss how parental loneliness and overwhelm affect children and highlight the need for belonging and predictable routines in classrooms to build confidence and security. Ann shares strategies for strengthening family community through intentional parent connections, analog wellness prompts, and facilitating relationships among parents. She also reimagines greater cultural respect, support, and pay for early childhood educators given the importance of early brain development.   00:00 Reimagine Childhood Intro 00:49 Meet Ann McKittrick 02:56 COVID Aftershocks for Families 10:37 Loneliness Screens and Child Development 20:29 Conference Season Highlights 22:38 Predictability Builds Belonging 26:09 Helping Parents Reconnect 35:15 Reimagining Educator Respect Ann McKitrick has LOADS of resources for early childhood educators, parents and moms, specifically. Check out her website at https://www.annmckitrick.com/ You can also connect with her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nurturednoggins/ And if you're interested in connection and becoming your best self in this season — check out her Momentum program at https://www.annmckitrick.com/momentum/.