STAR NET Regions I&III Podcast

Welcome to Voices From the Field!  This podcast series will look to interview a wide range of early childhood professionals across STAR NET Regions I & III, which covers Northern and Central Illinois counties.  We will look to include teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, specialists, and many more as we highlight different people and their experiences in the early childhood field.Today’s guest is Carrie Finch, a pre-k teacher in LaHarpe - a small town in Hancock, IL.  Carrie walks us through her career in early childhood special education.  She leans into ways she taught at the beginning of her career and describes how tragedy led her to change her personal and professional mindsets.  Carrie shares her love of teaching and connecting with all students, how leaning into professional development and continuing education has given her the tools to impact her classroom, and how she has been mentoring countless educators along the way.  She may humbly say her district is rural but it’s clear as day that her impact is felt far and wide!

Welcome to Voices From the Field!  This podcast series will look to interview a wide range of early childhood professionals across STAR NET Regions I & III, which covers Northern and Central Illinois counties.  We will look to include teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, specialists, and many more as we highlight different people and their experiences in the early childhood field.Today’s guest is Ronda McKee, an early childhood educator who has been in the field for more than 40 years.  Ronda is based primarily out of the McDonough County area of West Central Illinois, where she has been an ECSE teacher, director, Ag in the Classroom teacher, and substitute teacher.  In this podcast Ronda shares many of her experiences, insights, and memories of her time in the early childhood field.

In this episode, Bridget Meis and Katie Suchy talk with Grace Matzke, a Speech-Language Pathologist dedicated to bringing therapy directly into the heart of the classroom. Grace is here to discuss how to meet children’s needs in real-time through embedded therapy. We’ll explore her strategies for seamless collaboration with classroom teams—from aligning on student goals to weaving weekly curriculum vocabulary into every session.  

In this podcast Roseann Slaght shares some insights into how self-care, for children and adults, can be an important factor in our mental and physical health.  Some of the topics she covers are breathing, nutrition, movement, relaxation, and more.  Roseann also shares some tips and tricks for children and adults to help achieve some of those goals.Below are links to some of the things discussed in the podcast.- Breathing Techniques (including Box Breathing and 4-7-8 Breathing)- 4-7-8 Breathing Video Example (Dr. Andrew Weil)- A Guide to Mudras

Featuring: Natalie Doyle, Katie Madigan, & Shonda RonenThis is the third and final episode in a three-part series on inclusion and leadership.  This series covered topics such as: getting started in inclusion, maintaining staff-inclusive beliefs, and how to keep the inclusive culture thriving in schools when changes occur.  This third episode will focus on how to keep the inclusive culture thriving in schools when changes occur, with insights from professionals in positions of leadership in the early childhood field.Resources: STAR NET and Early CHOICES

Featuring: Natalie Doyle, Katie Madigan, & Shonda RonenThis is the second episode in a three-part series on inclusion and leadership.  This series will cover topics such as: getting started in inclusion, maintaining staff-inclusive beliefs, and how to keep the inclusive culture thriving in schools when changes occur.  This second episode will focus on maintaining staff-inclusive beliefs, with insights from professionals in positions of leadership in the early childhood field.Resources: STAR NET

Featuring: Natalie Doyle, Katie Madigan, & Shonda RonenThis is the first episode in a three-part series on inclusion and leadership.  This series will cover topics such as: getting started in inclusion, maintaining staff-inclusive beliefs, and how to keep the inclusive culture thriving in schools when changes occur.  This first episode will focus on getting started in inclusion, with insights from professionals in positions of leadership in the early childhood field.Resources: STAR NET, Early CHOICES, CARA’s Kit

Featuring: Kathy Slattery, Megan Carlson, and Nikki NormanIn this episode our conversation is on the topic of Selective Mutism.  There is a wide range of information in this podcast about Selective Mutism as our guests share stories of their journeys learning about SM as professionals and family members.  Below is a list of resources discussed in the podcast and on the topic.Resources

In this podcast, Kristy Doan, from the Illinois State Board of Education, talks about what the itinerant model looks like when related service providers embed services into the classroom setting and community based settings. Resources:Advancing Preschool Inclusion in Community Based Early Childhood Education ProgramsPolicy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood ProgramsDinnebeil, L.A., McInerney, W.F. (2011). A guide to itinerant early childhood special education services. Baltimore, MD: Paul H Brooks Publishing CoDinnebeil, L. A., Weber, G., & McInerney, W. F. (2019). The challenges of itinerant early childhood special education: The perspectives of practitioners. International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education, 11(1), 18–30. https:// doi. org/ 10. 20489/intje cse. 583501 http://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2012.03.001

In this podcast, we will speak with Allyssa Harpist, a teacher for students with visual impairments in the Urbana School District 116, and Hong Phangia Dewald, PhD, Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist, about strategies that can be implemented for children with visual impairments in inclusive early childhood classrooms. Resources: Teaching Students with Visual Impairments ISVI Opening Doors Family Connect  SeedlingsPerkins School for the BlindPaths to LiteracyHadleyAmerican Foundation for the BlindExceptional Teaching AidsIndependent Living Aids

In this episode, we discuss the use of AI in preschool classrooms.  We highlight some of the different tools out there, such as Large Language Models (ChatGPT, Gemini, etc) and MagicSchool.ai.  We discuss ways to use these tools to support lesson planning, classroom environments, IEP development, BIP development, and writing Social Stories.  Take a look at the resources listed below to see examples.ResourcesBeginning of the Year Lesson Plan with Paraeducator GuideFire Drill Social Story - Text onlyPlanning Based on Classroom Picture of MaterialsPreschool Teacher Persona TemplateAI Can Save Teachers Time and Stress.  

In this episode, we will discuss how Tania Swigart, a preschool itinerant teacher from Rantoul City Schools, transitioned into her new role within the district and what her daily interactions are like while pushing into the classroom to support students. ResourceResource Guide for Early Childhood Collaborative Itinerant Teaching Model

In this episode, Deb Shirley, Instructional Coach from Adams Early Childhood Center in Lincoln, Illinois, will discuss with us the ways she engages students by making stories come to life through storytelling, puppets, and role-playing. 

Dr. Lindsay Meeker and Dr. Kimberly Coy discussed the inspiration and importance of Dr. Coy's new book, "Mia with Dyslexia", which aims to provide a realistic portrayal of dyslexia and promote inclusivity in classrooms. They also discussed the challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia and other disabilities, the importance of learning in different ways, and the significance of children experiencing a range of emotions. The conversation ended with the announcement of the upcoming release of Kimberly's book, "Andy with Autism".For a copy of Dr. Kimberly Coy's Book, click the link below.Mia with Dyslexia 

Join us as we meet with Kylie (OT), Alisha (PT), and Sidney (SLP) to discuss navigating different therapeutic solutions for helping children be successful in day-to-day life and in academic settings! This conversation dives through differences parents might see in school therapies versus outpatient therapies and gives concrete examples parents and educators can use to embed individualized supports for children in day to day routines.https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html

In this episode, we are joined by Stephanie Mader, an Early Childhood Special Education teacher in Rock Island’s School District 41 who works as an itinerant teacher with the local Head Start program.  She shares how she builds relationships and collaborates with the Head Start Teachers as well as how the Head Start teachers support her work with the children in their classrooms. 

In this episode, we are joined by Jen Mohr a PFA teacher from Rock Island School District 41.  Today we are going to talk about Jen’s experience in creating an interactive and engaging writing center in her preschool classroom.  

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kasandra Posey from FAIR Consultancy LLC, about what families should know about the IEP process.  She shares tips about what families should do, what to look out for, and how to work with the school district as they navigate the process.  Resources:The Parent Guide-EnglishThe Parent Guide SpanishProcedural Safeguards-EnglishProcedural Safeguards- SpanishForms in Other LanguagesISBE Special Education Website

In this podcast with the president of Hadley's Haven, Lenore Ashby, we walk through the journey of what it takes to build an inclusive playground in your community. From advocating for true accessibility over just meeting ADA compliance to setting up a 501c3 and navigating grants with a local township and fundraising, Lenore shares the importance of this work and the struggles she faced along the way. She harnessed the strength inside her to create a space where all children can play together to honor her late daughter's legacy. Lenore persisted when the process was overwhelming, but now children from all over the country come to play at Hadley's Haven - where play can happen without limits!Resourceshttps://www.hadleyshaven.org/homehttps://www.facebook.com/p/Hadleys-Haven-100067528213970https://unlimitedplay.org/https://www.facebook.com/UnlimitedPlayPlaygrounds

In this episode, veteran teachers Sherial McKinney and Marc Baxter share some insights into preparing for a new school year.  Our discussion covers the weeks leading up to the start of school, preparing the classroom, and getting to know the children and families.Click here for a list of resources you might use for the start of the school year!

In this episode, we talk with Heather Nolan from the Urbana Early Childhood School about teaming and collaboration.  Heather takes a unique view on this process, including everyone in the process, making sure that all voices are heard, and having all classroom members, teachers, and paraeducators, take turns in the leader role, classroom support role, and the one-on-one support role in the classroom.  Heather also talks about how to get started with this type of teaming and collaboration.

In this podcast, we discuss the use of visuals with the whole class in addition to using them as individual supports. Jaz discusses several strategies she uses and the benefits she sees as she provides these supports for everyone.  Jaz even shared some examples of the visuals she created, click on the link below to view them.ResourceJasmine Norris' Classroom Visuals

In this episode, we talk with Kelly Russell from the CU Early Prevention Initiative Program in Champaign County.  We discuss the importance of Early Intervention, the transition process from Early Intervention to Early Childhood Special Education, extended services, and resources for families.ResourcesChildren and Family Connections of Central IllinoisIllinois Early Intervention Clearing HouseChampaign County home visiting Consortium    Crisis NurseryCU EarlyBottom Line Diaper BankCCRSWhen I’m 3, Where Will I Be: A Family’s Transition Workbook

This podcast is a review of the book study series completed in the Spring of 2024 on Emotionally Responsive Teaching by Travis Wright.  Marc Baxter and Sheila Yates review some of the key points from the book and discussions with the group.  Some of the key points include: what is "trauma" and how it might have come to mean many things, how the skills children in trauma develop might not serve them well at school, the stress response system, how traditional behavioral approaches might not work well with children in trauma and/or toxic stress, and how to implement Emotionally Responsive Teaching. Emotionally Responsive Teaching by Travis Wright

Nikki Pehlke is a WIU Student and currently serves as lead teacher in an Early Childhood Special Education classroom at PH Miller in Plano, IL. In this podcast, Nikki describes the power of student choice and voice, as well as how to use visuals authentically to support accessible communication. She also discusses how relationship-building with students helps teachers understand how to best support IEP growth goals.

In this episode, we talk with Katie Madigan from the Urbana Early Childhood School about their process for screening, evaluation, and referrals for identifying children with IEPs.  Resource - you are welcome to visit the Urbana Early Childhood School.https://uecs.usd116.org/about/

Welcome to the third and final episode in this three part series on the lesser known senses!  In this episode, Kirsten Amundson and Joanna Pasheluk Schimek join us as we discuss in the proprioceptive system.  We will talk about what it is, what to look for in children, and what strategies can be used to support the development of this sense.  Resources: Chicago Pediatric Therapy and Wellness https://www.chicagopediatrictherapyandwellness.com/

Welcome to the second episode in this three part series on the lesser known senses!  In this episode,  Kirsten Amundson and Joanna Pasheluk Schimek join us as we discuss in the vestibular system.  We will talk about what it is, what to look for in children, and what strategies can be used to support the development of this sense.  Resources: Kelly Mahler  https://www.kelly-mahler.com/Chicago Pediatric Therapy and Wellness https://www.chicagopediatrictherapyandwellness.com/

Welcome to the first episode in this three part series on the lesser known senses!  In this episode,  Kirsten Amundson and Joanna Pasheluk Schimek join us as we discuss in the  interoception sense.  We will talk about what it is, what to look for in children, and what strategies can be used to support the development of this sense.  Resources: Kelly Mahler  https://www.kelly-mahler.com/Chicago Pediatric Therapy and Wellness https://www.chicagopediatrictherapyandwellness.com/

In this podcast, Angie Kendall shares how Hand in Hand, a Community Based Organization in Bettendorf, Iowa grew from a one week summer camp for individuals with disabilities, to offering over 15 programs for individuals with disabilities from infants through adults.  We talk about the impact this program has on the community and the different types of programs that they offer.  If you would like to learn more about what Hand and Hand offers their community, feel free to visit their website at: https://www.handinhandqc.org/If you have any questions, please email Angie Kendall at: [email protected]

In this episode, we learn about the preschool inclusion journey from Melissa McCullough, Principal of the East Moline School District 37, Early Learning Center, Emily Ropars, Inclusion Specialist with Early CHOICES, Pam Reising Rechner, Inclusion Specialist with Early CHOICES, and Ann Kremer, Project Director of Early CHOICESResources:NAEYC & DEC Inclusion Joint Position Statement http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/DEC_NAEYC_EC_updatedKS.pdfIndicators of High Quality  https://ectacenter.org/topics/inclusion/indicators.aspSTEMIE https://stemie.fpg.unc.edu/STEMIE Videos https://ectacenter.org/topics/inclusion/videos.aspCompost Kate- Inclusion Infrastructure https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8iAQTneyXI What Makes Inclusion Work https://www.eclre.org/good-to-know/what-makes-inclusion-work/Understanding Inclusion Modules https://www.eclre.org/good-to-know/understanding-inclusion/STAR NET: https://www.starnet.org/ Early CHOICES: https://www.eclre.org/ECTA: https://ectacenter.org/

In this episode, we continue to explore the process of achieving high quality inclusion for preschool children. Please listen as Ann Kremer, Project Director of Early CHOICES and Laurel Mateyka, Principal at PH Miller Elementary School and Plano Early Learning, discuss Plano Early Learning’s Inclusion journeyResources:NAEYC & DEC Inclusion Joint Position Statement http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/DEC_NAEYC_EC_updatedKS.pdfIndicators of High Quality  https://ectacenter.org/topics/inclusion/indicators.aspSTEMIE https://stemie.fpg.unc.edu/STEMIE Videos https://ectacenter.org/topics/inclusion/videos.aspCompost Kate- Inclusion Infrastructure https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8iAQTneyXIWhat Makes Inclusion Work https://www.eclre.org/good-to-know/what-makes-inclusion-work/Understanding Inclusion Modules https://www.eclre.org/good-to-know/understanding-inclusion/No Small Matter: https://www.nosmallmatter.com/about-the-filmSTAR NET:https://www.starnet.org/ Early CHOICES:https://www.eclre.org/ECTA: https://ectacenter.org/

Show Notes:In this episode, we learn about Mannheim Early Childhood Centers Inclusion journey as one of Illinois’ 3 Community Inclusion Teams. We’ll hear from Ann Kremer, Project Director of Early CHOICES, Emily Ropars, Inclusion Specialist with Early CHOICES and Shannon Cribaro, Director of Early Childhood Education for District 83 and Principal of Mannheim Early Childhood Center. Resources:NAEYC & DEC Inclusion Joint Position Statement http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/DEC_NAEYC_EC_updatedKS.pdfInformation on the Community Inclusion Teams, the data and infographics https://www.eclre.org/planning-tools/implementation-of-inclusion-project/Building Blocks for Teaching Preschoolers with Special Needs, Third edition Preschool Inclusion ToolboxSTAR NET:https://www.starnet.org/ Early CHOICES:https://www.eclre.org/ECTA: https://ectacenter.org/

In this episode, we have the opportunity to hear from Kevi Jackson, PreK Programs Coordinator with Springfield School District 186, Julie Schackman, Inclusion Specialist with Early CHOICES, and Ann Kremer, Project Director of Early CHOICES as we learn about Springfield’s inclusion journey as one of Illinois’ 3 Community Inclusion Teams. Resources:NAEYC & DEC Inclusion Joint Position Statement http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/DEC_NAEYC_EC_updatedKS.pdfInformation on the Community Inclusion Teams, the data and infographics https://www.eclre.org/planning-tools/implementation-of-inclusion-project/STAR NET:https://www.starnet.org/ Early CHOICES:https://www.eclre.org/ECTA: https://ectacenter.org/ 

In this podcast episode, we talk with Jade Johnson from Jade Inclusion about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education and some of the lifelong impacts experiences can have on individuals.  Resources:Jade InclusionEmail: [email protected] 

In this episode, we have the opportunity to hear from Christine Coleman, Pre K Coordinator with the Collinsville School District, Pam Reising Rechner, Inclusion Specialist with Early CHOICES, and Ann Kremer, Project Director of Early CHOICES as they share Collinsville’s journey as one of Illinois’ 3 Community Inclusion Teams.Resources: NAEYC & DEC Inclusion Joint Position Statement Information on the Community Inclusion Teams, the data and infographics STAR NET Early CHOICES ECTA 

In this episode, Abbie Loos, a preschool bilingual teacher from Urbana Early Childhood School, discusses supporting multilingual learners in the early childhood classroom.   She shares tips for looking at the whole child and strategies to include families while supporting the child's home language in the classroom environment.  Resources: WIDA Early Language Development Standards Supporting Emergent Bilingual Children in Early Learning

In this episode, you will hear from Megan Vinh, Associate Director of the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center and Ann Kremer, Director of Early CHOICES the Illinois inclusion initiative for birth to 5. Megan and Ann discuss Inclusion and the tools, structures and planning used to support three Illinois communities to build Community Inclusion Teams.Click on the resources below to visit the websites discussed in this episode.NAEYC & DEC Inclusion Joint Position Statement Indicators of High Quality  STEMIE STEMIE Videos Compost Kate- Inclusion Infrastructure What Makes Inclusion Work Understanding Inclusion Modules Information on the Community Inclusion Teams, the data and infographics STAR NET Early CHOICES ECTA 

In this last episode of the DAP series, Susan Friedman, Senior Director, Publishing and Content Development with NAEYC and volume editor on the 4th edition shares the driving factors for the 4th edition, key concepts threaded throughout the DAP book, and ways to engage more deeply with DAP.  Resources:DAP Position statement purpose    (image of how the 5 NAEYC foundational documents are connected and support each other)https://www.naeyc.org/resources/position-statements/dap/purposeAbout the DAP Bookhttps://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/books/dap-fourth-editionDAP Book Study Guide: https://www.naeyc.org/sites/default/files/globally-shared/downloads/PDFs/resources/naeyc_dap4e_studyguide_new.pdfShare your own DAP story: https://www.naeyc.org/resources/dap_vignette

In this episode, Carol Weisheit, Regional Manager with Birth to Five Illinois and former college instructor shares her thoughts on foundational knowledge and principles for developmentally appropriate guidance techniques. Resources:Dan Siegel Hand Model: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFTljLo1bK8 Guidance Matters Column with Dan Gartrell: https://dangartrell.net/guidance-matters-columns/ Bruce Perry Website: https://www.bdperry.com/ Pyramid Model: https://challengingbehavior.org/ 

 In this episode educators, Erean Mei, Margi Bhansali, and Alli Bizon share the value of play-based instruction for all children and recommendations to advocate for and advance equitable play in Kindergarten classrooms in Illinois. Episode Notes: Implementing Play-Based Learning Across Illinois Classrooms Brief https://online.fliphtml5.com/mgbmv/esmm/#p=1Resources:What You Should Look For in Your School as You Implement Play-Based LearningNext Steps for Bringing Play-Based Learning to Your DistrictA Teacher's Guide to Advocacy for Play-Based LearningGuidelines for Play in KindergartenKIDS Resource List

Listen to this episode to hear from Talin Tokat, Inclusion Specialist with Early CHOICES, about how the DAP core consideration of individuality supports her work on inclusion in Illinois.Resources: https://www.eclre.org/ 

Jodi Knapp, a 38 year early childhood veteran in the field spends time reflecting on her career on her last day before retiring as an Early Childhood Special Education Professional Development Specialist from STAR NET Regions I and III. Resource links:-Illinois Early Learning Project - https://illinoisearlylearning.org-Early Childhood Professional Learning - https://www.eclearningil.org-STAR NET Regions I & III - www.starnet.org/home-Early CHOICES: An Inclusion Initiative of the Illinois State Board of Education - https://illinoisearlylearning.org-Project Approach - Can find information on the Illinois Early Learning Project website-STEMIE: Innovation for Inclusion in Early Education - https://stemie.fpg.unc.edu

In this episode, Dr. Angela Searcy shares the importance of considering context when thinking about challenging behavior. Dr. Searcy also shares how the "Push Past It" Approach from her book can be helpful for educators and professionals as a tool to be intentional when addressing challenging behaviors.Resources: Dr. Angela Searcy Author Page: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/our-authors/author-detail/angela-searcy-edd Workshop Downloadables: https://www.gryphonhouse.com/our-authors/author-detail/angela-searcy-edd 

 In this episode, you will hear from Kristy Doan, Early Childhood Principal Consultant, about the vision of the Illinois State Board of Education Early Childhood Department and several other leaders of professional development organizations in Illinois, including Early Childhood Professional Learning, Early CHOICES and STAR NET.ISBE Professional Development Calendar: https://www.isbe.net/Pages/PD-Calendar.aspxUnderstanding Inclusion Modules: https://www.eclre.org/good-to-know/understanding-inclusion/ What Makes Inclusion Work: https://www.eclre.org/good-to-know/what-makes-inclusion-work/ STAR NET: https://www.starnet.org/  ECPL home page. Look for the blue button to join our email list: https://www.eclearningil.org/ ECPL YouTube page for recorded sessions: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLbUMj08EmMNj8RJxfeOpOg Preschool English learners page: https://www.eclearningil.org/about-us/preschool-english-learners Collaborative DAP Series: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u2HPJ77Rcvv9M4NOJGZRy7xUF8cnAzTP/view 

NAEYC advocates for educators to use strengths-based inclusive language to affirm all children and families they work with and identifies deficit language as a microaggression. In this episode, Dr. Anni Reinking, founder of Reinking Education Consulting, author, and researcher shares her knowledge on microaggressions and ways early childhood professionals can become conscious of implicit bias, so they can support the individuality and social and cultural context of all children and families in their classrooms and communities. Resources:Reinking Education Consulting: https://www.akreinking.com/ Learning for Justice: https://www.learningforjustice.org/ We Need Diverse Books: https://diversebooks.org/ Here Wee Read: https://hereweeread.com/ 

In this podcast episode, Sherial McKinney discusses the importance of mathematics in early childhood education.  She focuses on the importance of the adult's attitude when engaging in mathematical activities and reminds us to be aware of the attitude we portray when introducing math concepts.DREME - Development and Research in Early Math EducationDREAM - Math Center ActivitiesDREAME - "Help Children Build Positive Math Attitudes"DREAM - "Parents, Fear Math No More!"DREAME - Family Math Activity - Reading TogetherFind and Talk about Math in Picture Books Storybook Guide Based on Crash! Boom! A Math TaleAll About Counting All About Positive Math Attitudes Everyone Can Be a Math Person Additional Math Resources 

In this episode, Emily Reilly talks with Dr. Emily Dorsey with the Illinois Early Learning Project (IEL) to explore one aspect of the DAP core consideration of context, specifically rethinking the use of the term special needs. Dr. Dorsey shares some of the factors that prompted IEL to shift the title of one of their blog posts from "Children with Special Needs" to "Children with Disabilities and Developmental Delays." Check out the episode notes to read IEL's blog post, "Rolling with the Times: Updating Our Language" and for additional resources. Resources: Rolling with the Times: Updating our Language: https://illinoisearlylearning.org/blogs/disabilities/updating-language/ IEL Website: https://illinoisearlylearning.org/ Pick a Book, Any Book: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N9tESLGlUcj80gOzKNDupEap7xbtzqgv/view?usp=sharing   

In this episode, Dr. Lindsay Meeker, Director of the Center for Best Practices in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Faculty member at Western Illinois University shares the benefits of and her experience with inquiry based learning as a way to support equitable play spaces for children. Stay connected and up to date on the topic on Lindsay's twitter account: @linsmeekerResource:NAEYC Advancing Equity Position Statement: https://www.naeyc.org/resources/position-statements/equity 

In this episode, Sherial McKinney, retired early childhood educator and current Resource Specialist with STAR NET Regions I and III, shares her knowledge about ways to make math learning fun and meaningful in the early childhood years. Listening to this episode will prompt educators and families to get creative in using natural opportunities and available resources to support math learning. Session Notes:Meaningful Math Activities in Pre-K, Part 1 (APPLES Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mKAdg2Oq_I&t=172s Meaningful Math Activities in Pre-k, Part 2 (APPLES Video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuuXWaSdl3s DREME, Development and Research in Early Math Education: https://dreme.stanford.edu/projects/early-math-resources-teacher-educators Early Math Collaborative Idea Library: https://earlymath.erikson.edu/idea/ Register for Day Camp, June 10, 2022: https://starnet.org/home/events/day-camp-mathematical-concepts/