In this episode of CareCast, Kelly is chatting with her work bestie and fellow child care professional, Morgan Smoke. They talk about their friendship, their journey in the field, and the challenges they face as administrators. They also touch on the importance of hiring the right staff, keeping everyone happy, and the high standards in child care. They share stories about their roles as educators turned mothers and the different strengths they bring to their positions. The episode ends with a game of Two Truths and a Lie, where they share child care-related facts about themselves.

In this interview Kelly is back with Heather Hughes discussing her current role in childcare and her approach to classroom observations. Heather explains that her role involves both whole classroom observations and individual observations of struggling children. She emphasizes the importance of effective communication between teachers and parents and the need for early intervention. Heather also discusses her mindset during observations, her note-taking style, and the significance of co-teacher teamwork. She shares practical tips for conducting observations and highlights the importance of seeing behavior as a form of communication. Overall, observations are crucial for ensuring that the classroom environment and activities are appropriate for children's development.

In this conversation, Heather Hughes, a former teacher and current behavioral support educator, speaks about her journey in working with young children and their families. Heather discusses the importance of setting appropriate expectations for children based on their developmental age and the negative impact of unrealistic expectations. She shares a story about a child in her kindergarten class who struggled with sitting still and how she used a behavior modification technique to help him self-regulate. Heather emphasizes the need for teachers to be mindful of their words and actions, as children are highly perceptive and can internalize negative labels. The conversation concludes with a preview of the next episode, where Heather will discuss her role in conducting classroom observations and providing support to teachers.

In this episode, Jared Goodykoontz, also known as Jared the Nature Guy, discusses the importance of building community and creating events that bring families together in nature. He shares how he fosters community in his nature classes through routine, sharing nature stories, and playing games. Jared also talks about the nature parties he organizes, where families can explore and play games in nature. He highlights the role of Care Day in facilitating event organization and registration. Jared encourages teachers and parents to connect with nature by planting native plants, which attract wildlife and provide opportunities for children to observe and learn about nature.

In this episode, we're joined by Jared, a passionate educator who leads nature classes for children. With a focus on hands-on experiences and fun activities, Jared aims to instill a love for nature in young hearts. He advocates for the 'coyote method,' where learning is disguised in engaging and interactive lessons. Discover the myriad benefits of outdoor play, including increased calmness, improved gut health, and the development of empathy. Jared encourages parents to embrace simple nature activities with their children, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world. Tune in as we explore the importance of overcoming fear and finding beauty in nature's wonders, right in our own backyard.