Parenting Smarter: How Alabama Public Television Is Changing Early Learning, Ep.37

Is screen time hurting or helping your child's development? It depends on how you use it. In this episode of UNrattled: A Podcast for Parents, we sit down with early childhood leaders from Alabama Public Television (APT) to explore how trusted media like PBS Kids programming can actually support healthy brain development, boost literacy, and encourage social-emotional growth. Director of Early Childhood Education Tiffany Armstrong and her colleagues Pauline Lewis and Lisa Nunn break down how parents, caregivers, and educators can access free parenting resources that align with the latest research in child development. You'll learn how APT and PBS have created intentional, educational screen time experiences through shows like Sesame Street and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, and how APT's in-person and online training programs serve families and child care professionals across Alabama. The conversation also addresses screen time guidelines for toddlers, how to balance media with play and conversation, and why co-viewing makes all the difference. Whether you're raising a toddler, teaching preschoolers, or just trying to navigate technology with intention, this episode will equip you with practical insights and tools you can use today. Perfect for: Parents of young children Child care providers and early educators Grandparents and caregivers Anyone interested in using media to support learning at home Key Takeaways: Alabama Public Television offers free professional development and family engagement tools for early childhood educators and parents PBS Kids shows are research-backed and designed to prompt interaction and learning, not passive watching Parents are encouraged to co-view and engage with children during screen time to maximize educational benefits APT's online courses and in-person training are available to anyone in Alabama, including non-educators Using television and media in the classroom or home can be intentional, developmentally appropriate, and highly effective Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction and guest welcome 01:00 – Meet the Alabama Public Television Early Learning Team 03:00 – APT's history with PBS and commitment to early childhood development 05:00 – From Mister Rogers to Daniel Tiger: how media influences learning 07:30 – How APT uses educational shows as training tools 09:00 – APT's free online training courses and resources for parents and educators 11:00 – Parents as first teachers: why APT welcomes families to all its learning platforms 13:00 – Face-to-face training opportunities across Alabama 15:00 – Using media and storytelling to highlight Alabama history in early education 17:00 – What is developmentally appropriate screen time? 18:30 – Redefining screen time for toddlers, especially in a post-pandemic world 20:00 – Why interaction matters more than time limits 21:00 – How PBS shows are designed to encourage child participation 22:00 – The difference between high-quality and overstimulating media 23:30 – Screen time strategies for parents and caregivers 24:30 – Where to find APT in your community and how to get involved 25:30 – Final thoughts on partnerships, support, and continued access Call to Action: Visit aptv.org to explore free parenting tools, online training, and PBS Kids resources. Subscribe to UNrattled: A Podcast for Parents and leave a review to help more parents find our show.