When Language Feels Like a Barrier: Supporting Bilingual Children in School-Age Spaces with Dr. Yarden Kedar

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In this episode of The Forgotten ECE Podcast, Jamie sits down with developmental psychologist and EdTech innovator Yarden Kedar to explore what it really feels like for bilingual children entering English-speaking environments. Drawing from both his research and personal experience as a parent, Yarden shares powerful insights into the social and emotional challenges children face in their first months of language transition — from navigating friendships to expressing identity without words. Together, they unpack: * What educators often miss when supporting bilingual children * The hidden emotional load of language acquisition * How gestures, relationships, and environment shape belonging * Practical ways educators can create safer, more inclusive spaces This conversation is a must-listen for anyone working in before and after school programs — where communication goes far beyond language, and connection is everything.

Hard Conversations, Real Connections: A New Lens on Supporting Families

🌟 Episode Overview In this episode of The Forgotten ECE, Jamie sits down with Jenny Nechvatal — educator, author, and parent advocate — to explore one of the most challenging and impactful parts of our work: having hard conversations with families. With over 30 years in early childhood education and 22 years of lived experience parenting children with disabilities, Jenny brings a powerful dual perspective that challenges educators to rethink how we approach communication with families. This conversation is especially important for those working in before and after school programs, where time is limited, relationships are complex, and difficult conversations often feel rushed or avoided altogether. * Why hard conversations feel so difficult for educators * Why families may avoid or fear these conversations * The emotional realities families experience — especially around diagnosis and support * How an educator’s approach can either build trust or create distance * Understanding Autism and sensory processing in everyday practice * Shifting from “delivering information” to building relationships * Practical strategies to approach conversations with confidence and care * Why these conversations directly impact outcomes for children * Perspective changes everything — understanding the parent experience transforms how we communicate * Avoidance is often rooted in fear, not resistance * Timing, language, and tone matter more than we think * Relationships come before recommendations * Small shifts in approach can lead to significantly better outcomes for children and families Jenny Nechvatal holds a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood and has worked in the early childhood sector for over 30 years in both teaching and management roles. Her work is deeply shaped by her lived experience as a parent of two children who live with disabilities. This perspective led her to write: 📘 Embracing Disability in Early Childhood – Supporting Children Living with a Disability and Their Families in Early Childhood Settings Jenny now facilitates workshops for educators and families, helping build inclusive environments and strengthening communication between educators and families through empathy, knowledge, and practical strategies. When educators feel confident having difficult conversations, families feel supported — and children benefit. This episode is a reminder that how we communicate is just as important as what we communicate. 📧 Email: ⁠idsenquiries@outlook.com [idsenquiries@outlook.com]⁠ 📘 Book: Embracing Disability in Early Childhood 🎤 Workshops: Available for educators and families If this episode resonated with you: ⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Share with a fellow educator ⭐ Tag us and let us know your biggest takeaway Hard conversations don’t have to feel like conflict. With the right lens, they can become moments of connection, understanding, and meaningful support for the children and families we serve every day.

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When Language Feels Like a Barrier: Supporting Bilingual Children in School-Age Spaces with Dr. Yarden Kedar

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