Show Me KC Schools

Children start learning from birth, and we are here to answer some of the most common questions that arise regarding early childhood and early childhood education. Join Molly and Danielle as they discuss day care options, pre-k, transitioning into kindergarten and more! This episode includes information that effects all of Missouri families before focusing in on the Kansas City landscape.

In today's episode, we are continuing our conversation around literacy. There is a lot of conversation in Kansas City about literacy and reading as it relates to students and schools. But today we want to talk about how families can support their students’ literacy at home. Danielle Dispenza, Director of School Navigation, and is joined by educators Gabi Guillory Welsh, and Amanda Walker-Jackson, and Julia Kingsbury with the Kansas City Library to discuss how you can support literacy at home!

Season 3, Episode 2 - Join Nina Ward, with Danielle Dispenza, Director of School Navigation, and literacy and special ed educator Ms. Gabi Guillory Welsh as they discuss supporting students with dyslexia both at home and at school.

Season 3, Episode 1 - In today's episode, we chat about the Science of Reading- why it's important and the impact reading has on your child's education. Nina Ward is joined by Caitlin Sharp and Kristin Hart with The New Teacher Project!This episode kicks off our three part series on literacy!

Season 2, Episode 9 - Tune in as Danielle Dispenza, Director of School Navigation, is joined by Jessica DiGiovanni and Stephanie Answer, as they discuss a very unique Individualized Education Plan carried out through homebound instruction that supports the needs of Stephanie's son, who is non-verbal, and has unique needs. Resources:Understood.orgMissouri Parent Bill of Rights Missouri Procedural SafeguardsIEP Evaluation Parent Referral Flow Chart mofamilytofamily.orgmissouriparentsact.orgSpellers Documentaryhttps://i-asc.org/https://www.spellers.com/

Season 2, Episode 8 - En este episodio, escuche a Susana Elizarraraz y Celia C. Ruiz hablar sobre los recursos de salud mental disponibles en Kansas City.ResourcesLínea 988 NAMI Folleto educativo sobre salud mentalMattie Rhodes

Season 2, Episode 7 - Nina and Danielle discuss kindergarten readiness with parents and educators, Akeyla Walker and Amanda Walker-Jackson. Tune in to hear tips on how to prepare your child and yourself for he transition to kindergarten.Resources:Showmekcschools.orgKindergarten Readiness GuideSchool Guide KC English School Guide KC Spanish Finding the Right School Workbook

Season 2, Episode 6 - Middle school years pass by so quickly, we often forget to use this time to prepare our students for high school. Tune in to this episode with Nina, Danielle, and Kauffman School counselor, Alexis Thuston to hear tips on how to support your student during these transition years and how to search for the best high school for your student.Resources:School Search site School Guide KC English School Guide KC SpanishFinding the Right School Workbook

Season 2, Episode 5 - In this episode, we’re diving into an important topic that impacts students, families, and the future of Kansas City Public Schools—the upcoming General Obligation (GO) Bond on the April 2025 ballot. Nina sits down with KCPS Superintendent Dr. Collier to break down the GO Bond, why it’s needed, and how it fits into the district’s 10-year Capital Funding Plan. We’ll explore how KCPS plans to use the funding, the impact of building improvements on student success, and how the community can support these plans. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community member, this episode will help you stay informed before you head to the polls on April 8, 2025.Remember to vote! Tune in to learn more, and visit:KCPS Bond Website KCPS Capital Plan page Jackson County Election Board

Season 2, Episode 4 - ¡Sintonícese para saber cómo puede utilizar estas herramientas GRATUITAS para encontrar la mejor escuela para su hijo!Recursos:Sitio de búsqueda de escuelas Guía Escolar KCMO

Season 2, Episode 3 - Nuestros equipos de navegación escolar explican qué esperar de la Feria escolar anual de la ciudad. Escuche cómo comparten consejos y aspectos destacados del evento.Show Me KC Schools organiza una feria escolar anual en conjunto con la Biblioteca Pública de Kansas City cada año el segundo sábado de noviembre. ¡Recuerde noviembre todos los años para este emocionante evento! Este evento familiar cuenta con representantes de escuelas públicas, charter y privadas en un solo lugar para responder a todas las preguntas de búsqueda de escuela que tenga. Para hacer que el día sea divertido para toda la familia, puedes esperar entretenimiento al estilo de una feria, como pintores de caras, artistas de globos, rifas y divertidas mascotas locales. Recursos:Sitio de búsqueda de escuelas Más información sobre la feria escolar de la ciudad

Season 2, Episode 2 Our school navigation teams talk through what to expect at the annual City School Fair. Listen as they share tips and highlights for the event.Show Me KC Schools hosts an annual City School Fair in conjunction with the Kansas City Public Library every year on the second Saturday in November. Remember November every year for this exciting event! This family-friendly event features public, charter, and private school representatives in one place to answer all the school search questions you have. To make the day fun for the whole family you can expect fair-style entertainment like face painters, balloon artists, raffels and fun local mascots. Resources:School Search Site -Learn More about City School Fair

Season 2, Episode 1 - Director of School Navigation, Danielle Dispenza sits with Kansas City parent and educator, Cassandra Bruington to discuss how she utilized the school search tools provided by Show Me KC Schools.Tune in to learn how you can use these FREE tools to find the best school for your child!Resources:Kansas City School Search Site School Guide KC (Downloadable) School Search Workbook (Downloadable)

Season 1, Episode 17 - On the Show Me KC Schools Podcast we typically cover topics related to education, school options, etc. One thing we also like to do is stay engaged with families and ask them what they want to hear from us. When surveyed many families provided feedback that they wanted us to have conversations about mental health.On this episode, we are joined by incredible mental health practitioners and advocates in Kansas City: Angela Guzman with Children’s Mercy, Heather Mason with ReDiscover, and Kristin Feeback with CommCare (988 Crisis Hotline) to discuss some of the mental health resources available to children, teens, and families in Kansas City and we hope to normalize having conversations about mental health and accessing these services.Resources988 Hotline - https://988lifeline.org/Find your local Community Mental Health Center - https://dmh.mo.gov/behavioral-health/treatment-services/locating-services-treatment/community-mental-health-centersMissouri Mental Health Resources - https://dmh.mo.gov/behavioral-health/treatment-servicesReDiscover Behavioral Health Urgent Care - https://www.rediscovermh.org/behavioral-health-urgent-care/Children's Mercy Mental & Behavioral Health - https://www.childrensmercy.org/departments-and-clinics/developmental-and-behavioral-health/Children’s Mercy’s 5-year behavioral health strategic plan, Illuminate - https://www.childrensmercy.org/departments-and-clinics/developmental-and-behavioral-health/mental-health-in-children-and-adolescents/light-the-way-forward-a-mental-health-toolkit/illuminate/Parent-focused suicide prevention resource at no-cost and Children’s Mercy’s Developmental and Behavioral Health site offers information about the intake process and services provided AND free behavioral health resources for parents and families. - https://www.childrensmercy.org/departments-and-clinics/developmental-and-behavioral-health/learning-opportunities/prepped-and-ready/Teen-focused suicide prevention information - https://www.childrensmercy.org/in-the-community/supporting-parents-and-families/talking-with-teens-about-suicide/Each month Children’s Mercy will offer a free online educational event. These events will offer parents and caregivers a chance to connect with Children’s Mercy Kansas City experts and partners on a variety of topics. Each event will include information provided by the expert followed by questions from attendees submitted via chat and addressed by the experts.Webinar topics will include healthy eating, financial resources, anxiety and depression, kids’ safety, and more. Be sure and check back as new events will be added each month. - https://www.childrensmercy.org/in-the-community/supporting-parents-and-families/powering-families-webinar-series/  CARE Workshops were developed for parents and caregivers of children ages 2-12 who have experienced stressful or traumatic events in their lives, children with behavior problems, or parents who want to strengthen their relationship with their child. Each CARE Workshop is divided into two parts. Each part is 2.5 hours in length and the workshops are usually held two weeks apart.https://www.childrensmercy.org/your-visit/family-support-and-resources/social-work/care-workshops/ 

Season 1, Episode 16 - Este es otro episodio de nuestra serie sobre educación especial. Esta serie incluye información útil y experiencias personales para ayudar a otros en la navegación por el complejo mundo de la educación especial.En este episodio Trica McGhee y Bertha Aldape de RevEd hablan con los padres Leslie Villeda y Miriam Galan sobre su experiencia navegando el sistema de educación especial en las escuelas. Show Me KC Schools se compromete a brindarle informacion vital que lo respalde mientras usted apoya a su hijo en su viaje educativo. Conectese con nosotros en las redes sociales @showmekcschools en Youtube y en sus plataformas de podcasts favoritas.Recursosencontrar escuelas - http://showmekcschools.org y 816-885-4657Grupo de apoyo en español en Kansas City - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1418287272360437/Los padres y cuidadores pueden marcar al 1-844-AYUDAKC (1-844-298-3252) para recibir consejo y apoyo directo respecto a los asuntos relacionados con su experiencia escolar.

Season 1, Episode 15 - Hoy hablaremos de los Conceptos Básicos de la Educación Especial. Escuchen como nuestros amigos en RevEd, Trica McGhee y Bertha Aldape hablan sobre los conceptos básicos que necesitan saber para comenzar su viaje como padres en el espacio de la educación especial.Show Me KC Schools se compromete a brindarle informacion vital que lo respalde mientras usted apoya a su hijo en su viaje educativo. Conectese con nosotros en las redes sociales @showmekcschools en Youtube y en sus plataformas de podcasts favoritas.Recursosencontrar escuelas - http://showmekcschools.org y 816-885-4657Grupo de apoyo en español en Kansas City - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1418287272360437/Los padres y cuidadores pueden marcar al 1-844-AYUDAKC (1-844-298-3252) para recibir consejo y apoyo directo respecto a los asuntos relacionados con su experiencia escolar.

Season 1, Episode 14 - This is another episode in a Special Education series. This conversation focuses on the transition to adulthood for students currently receiving special education services due to their diverse abilities. Our guest is Kim Riley, founder of The Transition Academy in Kansas City, Missouri. The Transition Academy is a nonprofit organization created to improve postsecondary outcomes for high school special education students in Kansas City Public Schools and charter schools. Resources:The Transition Academy - https://thetransitionacademy.org/Annual KC DiversAbility College & Career Fair Hosted by Transition Academy - https://thetransitionacademy.org/kc-d...Understood.orgMissouri Parent Bill of Rights - https://dese.mo.gov/special-education...Missouri Procedural Safeguards - https://dese.mo.gov/special-education...Evaluation - Parent Referral Flow Chart - https://dese.mo.gov/media/pdf/initial...mofamilytofamily.orgmissouriparentsact.org

Season 1, Episode 13 - En este episodio en español, nuestros amigos de LatinX Education Collaborative y Revolución Educativa presentan este episodio especial del podcast Show Me KC Schools para analizar las opciones escolares y cómo las familias pueden encontrar la mejor escuela en Kansas City para sus hijos.Show Me KC Schools se compromete a brindarle informacion vital que lo respalde mientras usted apoya a su hijo en su viaje educativo. Conectese con nosotros en las redes sociales @showmekcschools en Youtube y en sus plataformas de podcasts favoritas.Recursosencontrar escuelas - http://showmekcschools.org y 816-885-4657Grupo de apoyo en español en Kansas City - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1418287272360437/Los padres y cuidadores pueden marcar al 1-844-AYUDAKC (1-844-298-3252) para recibir consejo y apoyo directo respecto a los asuntos relacionados con su experiencia escolar.

Season 1, Episode 12 - This is another episode in our Special Education series. This series includes helpful information and personal experiences to help others in navigating the complex world of special education.We are continuing to discuss Special Education in this episode we talk with parent and community advocates, Jillian RainingBird & Stephanie Answer about navigating the K-12 Special Education space.Resources:First StepsParent Power Lab Understood.orgMissouri Parent Bill of RightsMissouri Procedural SafeguardsEvaluation - Parent Referral Flow Chartmofamilytofamily.orgmissouriparentsact.orgShow Me KC Schools

Season 1, Episode 11 - Have you ever been interested in private school but haven't been sure how you could afford it? On this episode, Nina is joined by Laura Linn, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid w/ Pembroke Hill, and Cici Tompkins, Director of Outreach Children's Education Alliance of Missouri to discuss private school affordability and the process of accessing those options.Resources:Show Me KC Schools MO 529 Education Savings Plan School Scholarship Opportunities MOScholars Private School Scholarship ProgramKC Private School Finacial Aid ApplicationsFACTS Tuition Management (www.online.factsmgmt.com)Pembroke HillSaint Paul’s Episcopal Day SchoolOak Hill Day SchoolSchool and Student Services (www.sssandtadsfa.force.com)BarstowNotre Dame de SionFAIR – Financial Aid Independent Review (www.fairapp.com)St. Teresa’s AcademyRockhurst High SchoolBlackbaud Financial Aid Management (www.studentfinancialaid.blackbaud.school)Bishop MiegeIndependent School Review ProcessCity of FountainsCici TompkinsDirector of OutreachChildren's Education Alliance of Missouri(314) [email protected] Laura LinnDirector of Admissions and Financial AidPembroke Hill [email protected]

Season 1, Epsiode 10 - Today we are discussing Special Education as it relates to early childhood interventions. Danielle is joined by Dr. Jumesha Wade and Arleen Martinez with Start Zero a Kansas City nonprofit focused on early childhood development. Tune in as they discuss the importance of early childhood special education & early intervention. This is another episode in our Special Education series. This series includes helpful information and personal experiences to help others in navigating the complex world of special education.Resources for show notes:Start At ZeroMissouri First Steps Understood.orgMissouri Parent Bill of RightsMissouri Procedural SafeguardsEvaluation - Parent Referral Flow Chartmofamilytofamily.orgmissouriparentsact.orgShow Me KC Schools

Season 1, Episode 9 - Special Education Series - Special Education BasicsToday we are talking about Special Education Basic. Think of this as your Special Education intro course, with helpful information and tools to get you started. Listen in as Special Education advocates Georgia Mueller and Danielle Dispenza discuss the basics you need to know to start your journey as a parent/caregiver in the special education space. Resources:Understood.orgMissouri Parent Bill of RightsMissouri Procedural SafeguardsEvaluation - Parent Referral Flow Chartmofamilytofamily.orgmissouriparentsact.org

Season 1, Episode 8 - On this episode we hear from amazing leaders in the Kansas City parent advocacy space; Dr. Julie Holland with the Parent Leadership Training Institute & Rebecca Williams with Parent Power Lab. Join us as we talk about the work these leaders do in training parents to be advocates for their students and others.Resources:PLTI Cohort 6 Fall 2023 Application - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLX8cvlcUuBea8NywL3WcPhLzd4ipmuQLH_FZ5G0qLucYlFA/viewform. Parent Power Lab 2024 Parent Organizing Institute Application - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfl2R39B_dZWX82hAKEYEO3W3PgyypWOTpkgDgMtF9F_bh1iQ/viewformwww.pltikc.orgwww.parentpowerlab.comShowmekcschools.org Dr. Julie HollandParent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI)[email protected] WilliamsParent Power [email protected]

Season 1, Episode 7 - On this episode, the 2023 SMKCS-ProX Interns share tips on how to get the most out of your high school experience. Join Keira, Jawnaa, and MaKayla as they discuss how to be successful in high school.

Season 1, Episode 6 - On this episode, Nina is joined by Spark Bookhart with Parent Power Lab who is going to help us unpack some of the history that has impacted the education landscape in Kansas City. ResourcesPBS - TAKE NOTE, How We Got Here: A Kansas City Education TimelineParent Power Lab

Season 1, Episode 5 - There has been a lot happening in the pre-k space in Kansas City over the last couple of years. Nina and our guests discuss what pre-k options are available to families and the impacts that early childhood education has on students, families, and communities. Guests: Kris Collins with the Kansas City PreK Co-op and Julia Wendt with the Kansas City Public Schools/ Office of Early Learning.Resources:Show Me KC School Prek PageKCPS Early Learning System KC PreK Co-opHeadStartShow Me KC Schools is committed to providing you with vital information that supports you while you support your child on their educational journey. Connect with us on social media @showmekcschools on Youtube, and on your favorite podcast platforms.

Season 1, Episode 4 - Nina and Danielle are talking about how to prepare for student transitions. These transitions include moving to a new grade and or a new school. These transitions come with their own exciting new adventures and learning opportunities. Hear tips and real-life experiences that can help you prepare!Resources:⁠Showmekcschools.org⁠⁠School Guide KC⁠⁠Finding the Right School Workbook⁠ (download and save a copy to fill out)Show Me KC Schools is committed to providing you with vital information that supports you while you support your child on their educational journey. Connect with us on social media @showmekcschools on Youtube, and on your favorite podcast platforms.

Season 1, Episode 3 - Lately, we hear many buzzwords related to education like Market Value Asset, Industry Recognized Credentials & Real-World Learning. In this episode, we are joined by Beth McCarthy, Director of Community & Industry Partnerships with Prep KC we discuss what these things mean and how Prep KC is supporting Kansas City schools as they do this work. Resources:PrepKC LinkedInPrepKC WebsiteShow Me KC Schools is committed to providing you with vital information that supports you while you support your child on their educational journey. Connect with us on social media @showmekcschools on Youtube, and on your favorite podcast platforms.

Season 1, Episode 2- We often throw around terms like family or community engagement. But what is that? Does it have to look the same for every family or student? Nina and Danielle chat about the different types of family engagement and share some personal experiences on connecting to their children's education in a way that works best for them. Show Me KC Schools is committed to providing you with vital information that supports you while you support your child on their educational journey. Connect with us on social media @showmekcschools on Youtube, and on your favorite podcast platforms.

Season 1, Episode 1 - Join Nina and Danielle from the Show Me KC Schools Team to learn about school options & how you can find the best school in Kansas City for your child.Resources:Showmekcschools.orgSchool Guide KCFinding the Right School Workbook (download and save a copy to fill out)Show Me KC Schools is committed to providing you with vital information that supports you while you support your child on their educational journey. Connect with us on social media @showmekcschools on Youtube, and on your favorite podcast platforms.