The Early Childhood Promise with Dr. Aimee Ketchum & Dr. Crystal Loose

In this episode, host Dr. Erin Bailey welcomes Dr. Aimee Ketchum, a pediatric occupational therapist and founder of Aimee's Babies, and Dr. Crystal Loose, a former teacher, reading specialist, and professor of early learning at West Chester University. Together, they co-host the Plant the Seed of Learning podcast and co-authored The Early Childhood Promise: Sparking Change for Parents, Early Childhood Professionals, and Policy Makers. The conversation dives into what it truly means to be kindergarten-ready — spoiler: it's less about knowing the alphabet and more about self-regulation, fine motor skills, and the ability to function in a group. Dr. Ketchum and Dr. Loose emphasize that language and literacy development begins at birth through talking, narrating, and reading aloud, and that play is not separate from learning — it is learning, building everything from executive function to memory retention. The guests also address the growing concern around screen time, sharing research on developmental delays linked to early and excessive use, while offering practical, judgment-free guidance for busy families. The episode wraps with a call for systemic change, including paid parental leave, childcare subsidies, and universal pre-K, as essential investments in America's youngest learners.About Dr. Aimee Ketchum:Founder of Aimee’s Babies, LLC,  Dr. Aimee Ketchum is a newborn massage instructor, mom, yoga instructor, and doctor of pediatric occupational therapy with over 25 years experience working with children from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) through high school.Aimee's BabiesAbout Dr. Crystal Loose:Prior to joining the faculty at West Chester University, Dr. Crystal Loose spent 22 years in public education as an elementary teacher, reading specialist, instructional coach, administrator, and curriculum director. Her research interests include teacher professional development, relational leadership, and early learning practices that support school readiness for children and their parents. She currently teaches child development and graduate courses in leadership, educational change theory, play, and curriculum implementation.  Dr. Loose enjoys supporting area elementary schools on early learning transition practices that educate parents on brain development and developmental milestones prior to the start of school.Crystal Loose - WCU of PA Links:The Early Childhood Promise bookPlant the Seed of Learning podcast: Plant the Seed of Learning - Podcast - Apple Podcasts