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Inclusion Matters

Inclusion Matters

Hosted by Center for Inclusive Child Care

BusinessInterviews guests

Episodes

121

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

EN

About the show

Inclusion Matters is a podcast produced by The Center for Inclusive Child Care (CICC). Early childhood experts discuss a wide array of important topics for early childhood professionals. We are excited to have you listen in on our podcast today.

Listen to episodes

60 recent
May 19, 202624 min

Sing Again-Somali Lullaby Project

Inclusion Matters welcomes our friend Marian Hassan to the podcast.  Marian was awarded the Minnesota Legacy Cultural Heritage Grant 2024 to document the oral history and lullabies of the Somali culture.  She shares how this project has grown into a book and learning tools offered through the University of Minnesota. Links and further information are included below.

May 4, 202621 min

Early Childhood Around the World

In this episode of Inclusion Matters, Priscilla Weigel records from Malaysia at the World Forum on Early Care and Education in Kuala Lumpur.  Her guest, Mary-Louise Clifford, is a Director of Early Childhood Services in Australia.  Mary Louise shares about early childhood systems in Australia, including educator training, funding, and supports for children and families. They also reflect on global challenges like the impact of COVID-19 and the importance of finding joy and connection in the work of early childhood.

April 1, 202621 min

Helping Children Thrive in a Racially Diverse World: Young Hearts Open Minds

Inclusion Matters welcomes Marie Lister from Young Hearts Open Minds (YHOM) to the podcast.  She is the Director of Training for YHOM and the Director of Teaching and Research at the University of Minnesota Child Development Center.  The conversation highlights the way this early childhood education program supports and improves the ways very young children learn about, form, internalize, and express attitudes regarding racial identity, racial intolerance, and other biases.   🌟Additional Resources:🔗 https://youngheartsopenminds.org/📧Frank Forsberg, forsbergfp@gmail.com

March 9, 202620 min

Minnesota Child Care Assistance Special Needs Rate

Inclusion Matters welcomes Lanay Jacobs, Provider Support Specialist for the Child Care Assistance Rate at the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families.  Our conversation highlights the process that early childhood educators and families can follow to submit a request for a higher child care assistance payment for their child care setting.  🌟Additional Resources:🔗CCAP Special Needs Rate Variance Request - Parent and Provider Request (DHS-4194)🔗Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): https://www.ada.gov/Federal and State Requirements🔗Minn. Rule 3400.0130 Subp.3🔗Minn. Stat. 142E.17, Subd. 3CICC Tip Sheets:📝What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?📝What Does the ADA Mean to Child Care?Questions? Contact The Childcare Assistance Provider Support Team📧 Contact us at CCAP.Providers.DCYF@state.mn.us or 651-431-4848

February 23, 202617 min

AmazeWorks

Inclusion Matters welcomes Melissa Hendrickx, Business and Operations Director for AmazeWorks.  Through professional development and educational curricula, AmazeWorks engages people in creating the conditions for belonging by initiating important conversations with each other about identity, differences, and bias.  Tune in to the conversation to learn more about what they offer.🌟Additional Resources:🔗https://amazeworks.org/

February 19, 202621 min

CICC Coaching to Support Quality Care for Infants & Toddlers - Part 2

Priscilla Weigel is joined by CICC colleagues, Brenda Lowe and Jacy Nylander to discuss coaching that supports the key components of quality care for our youngest children.  In Part 2 of this two-part series, they discuss the fact that individualization and honoring the uniqueness of each child is essential in the infant and toddler child care space.  They also emphasize the need for open communication to foster successful partnerships with a family, and with colleagues, creating a safe foundation for infants and toddlers to learn and grow.🌟 Want to learn more about CICC Coaching? CICC FAQ PageEmail info@inclusivechildcare.org or call 651-641-8339

February 19, 202624 min

CICC Coaching to Support Quality Care for Infants & Toddlers - Part 1

Priscilla Weigel is joined by CICC colleagues, Brenda Lowe and Jacy Nylander to discuss coaching that supports the key components of quality care for our youngest children.  In Part 1 of this two-part series, they discuss safety, attachment, and the importance of routines. 🌟 Want to learn more about CICC Coaching? CICC FAQ PageEmail info@inclusivechildcare.org or call 651-641-8339

February 4, 2026Episode 30722 min

The Nervous System and Behavior

Inclusion Matters welcomes Dr. Kris Gendreau back to our program.  She has 32 years’ experience as a pediatrician supporting healthy development of young children.  In this episode, our conversation focuses on the mind/body connection and the way the nervous system influences behavior.   Join the conversation and check out these helpful resources that she shared during the episode.🌟Additional Resources:🔗 Cosmic Kids Yoga🔗 Sesame Street: Elmo's Mindfulness Spectacular!📱 Insight Timer App: The Magic Blanket - Feel Safe, Loved & Ready to Sleep🔗 Guide to Using Sesame Street’s Mindfulness Practices

February 4, 2026Episode 30524 min

Nutrition and Behavior

Inclusion Matters welcomes Dr. Kris Gendreau back to our program.  She has 32 years’ experience as a pediatrician supporting healthy development of young children.  Our conversation focuses on the connection between the foods a child eats and their behaviors.  Join the conversation and check out these helpful resources that she shared during the episode.🌟Additional Resources:📱 Start Solids with Confidence - Solid Starts App🔗 healthychildren.org - Nutrition📖 Healthy Kids Happy Kids - By: Elisa Song, MD

January 6, 202622 min

Milestones: Supporting Early Childhood in Minnesota Since 1977

Milestones is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building brighter futures, nurturing growth, and creating pathways to success for the early childhood community. Since 1977, Milestones has supported families, child care providers, and educators with comprehensive resources that strengthen early learning across Central Minnesota and beyond.  Join Priscilla Weigel as she talks with Milestones Executive Director, Jeremey Schreifels to hear more about their work across Minnesota. Through programs such as the Shared Services Alliance, CACFP Family Child Care nutrition sponsorship, Parent Aware coaching, Early Learning Scholarships, and Family, Friend & Neighbor (FFN) support, Milestones connects the early childhood community with tools and funding that promote quality care and education. As a regional partner of Child Care Aware of Minnesota, Milestones also offers robust Professional Development and training opportunities to help providers grow their skills and their impact.🌟 Learn more about Milestones🔗 www.milestonesmn.org📱 Follow on Facebook: facebook.com/MilestonesMN✨ Join the mission to support the early childhood community—because together, we’re building brighter futures.

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