Early Childhood Services' ELEVATE

Positive Solutions for Families: Simple Strategies for Family Success

Join hosts Inette Bolden and Jennifer Ferreira as they sit down with Asia Ewell and Saru Nithyanandam, facilitators of the Positive Solutions for Families program, to explore how positive parenting can strengthen family relationships and support children's social-emotional development. They discuss how behavior is communication, why predictable routines and positive guidance matter, and practical strategies families can use to reduce challenging behaviors while teaching important life skills. Asia and Saru also share tips for responding to difficult moments with empathy, consistency, and confidence, helping children—and the adults who care for them—thrive together. This episode offers practical, everyday tools for parents and caregivers looking to build stronger connections, encourage positive behavior, and create supportive environments where children can succeed.

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.