Early Childhood Services' ELEVATE

A Conversation About Building Healthy Minds from Birth

Join hosts Inette Bolden and Jennifer Ferreira as they sit down with Dawn Iannaco-Hahn, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health specialist, to explore why mental health begins in the earliest years of life. They discuss how Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) focuses on relationships, emotional development, and the environments that shape young children’s well-being. Dawn breaks down common misconceptions, highlights the importance of understanding behavior as communication, and shares how supporting caregivers and educators is key to helping children thrive. This episode offers practical insight into how early, relationship-based support can strengthen emotional development and create a foundation for lifelong health and learning. A transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458592/18908436-a-conversation-about-building-healthy-minds-from-birth/transcript [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2458592/18908436-a-conversation-about-building-healthy-minds-from-birth/transcript]

Building Healthy Brains: What Families & Educators Should Know

In this episode of the ELEVATE Podcast, hosts Inette Bolden and Jennifer Ferreira welcome Sylvia Hennessie, Early Childhood Coach, and Starr Stevenson, Child Care Health Consultant with Child Care Support Services, for an insightful conversation on early childhood brain development. Sylvia and Starr break down key concepts like brain architecture, serve-and-return interactions, and toxic stress, explaining how everyday moments—talking, playing, diapering, singing, and routines—shape a child’s developing brain from before birth through the first five years of life. They emphasize that nurturing relationships and responsive interactions are just as important as nutrition and sleep in supporting healthy development. The episode offers practical, reassuring guidance for both families and educators, highlighting how being present, intentional, and responsive during ordinary moments can have a lifelong impact. Listeners walk away with a powerful reminder: brain-building happens every day, and everyone plays a role in helping children thrive.

Inside the Judy Centers: Building Strong Foundations for Early Learning

In this episode of the ELEVATE Podcast, hosts Inette Bolden and Jennifer Ferreira sit down with Nichelle Owens and Jessica Blasic from Montgomery County’s Judy Center Early Learning Hubs to explore how these family-centered programs support children from birth to age five. They discuss the Judy Centers’ mission, their rapid expansion in Montgomery County, and how playgroups, developmental screenings, and family engagement activities help build school readiness. Nichelle and Jessica also highlight the power of community partnerships and share how families, educators, and early childhood leaders can get involved.

Unlocking Child Care Support: Resources & Insights with Tamieka Thomasson

In this episode, hosts Jennifer Ferreira and Inette Bolden sit down with Tamieka Thomasson, Program Manager III of Child Care Support Services (CCSS) in Montgomery County. Tamieka shares her journey in early childhood education, her passion for play-based learning, and the mission of CCSS to ensure quality care for every child.  Listeners learn how CCSS supports: * Families through Family Involvement Centers, one-on-one parenting support, and help navigating resources and child care options. * Educators with on-site coaching, professional learning communities, training, and classroom consultation to strengthen teaching practices. * Child care programs with guidance on licensing, quality improvement, business growth, and access to funding for facilities and materials. Tamieka emphasizes CCSS’s commitment to access, quality, and equity, reminding the community: “We are here and we are your partner.” The episode highlights how CCSS empowers families, strengthens providers, and uplifts educators to create a strong early care and education system across Montgomery County.

Building Blocks of Early Literacy: A Dive into Vital Skills with Maranda Schoppert

Join hosts Inette Bolden and Jennifer Ferreira as they welcome Maranda Schoppert, Program Manager for Early Literacy and Children's Services at Montgomery County Public Libraries. With over 11 years of experience working with young children and caregivers, Maranda brings valuable insights into the foundational skills that set children on the path to becoming confident readers. In this episode, listeners will discover what early literacy truly means, why it matters before a child can even read, and how families and educators can nurture these skills through everyday activities.