Meet Jackie Clark, an experienced educator with a passion for nurturing joy and growth in children. We discuss the evolution of kindergarten, the shift to full-day programs, the impact of universal pre-kindergarten, and the essential skills children need to thrive in their early education.

Jackie emphasizes the importance of social skills, emotional readiness, and fostering independence in young learners, while also addressing the balance between academic and social development. In this conversation, we dive into the importance of fostering independent life skills in children, the decision-making process for parents regarding school readiness, and the impact of homeschooling on socialization. We also address separation anxiety in young children, strategies for promoting fine motor skills in the classroom, and the significance of quality time and natural learning experiences in child development.

Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/

Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot

In this episode of the Play to Learn Podcast we discuss our experiences and insights on traveling with children. We share nostalgic childhood travel memories, compare recent family trips to Disney and Atlantis, and emphasize the importance of planning, space, and sleep schedules for a successful family vacation.

The conversation also covers essential packing tips for traveling with kids, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for the whole family. We discuss the intricacies of family travel, focusing on packing strategies, managing screen time, and creating core memories. We also share personal experiences and practical tips for making vacations enjoyable for both kids AND parents, emphasizing the importance of quality time and the need to adapt to unexpected challenges during trips.

Traveling doesn't need to be a far away place or cost a fortune! This episode highlights the value of family bonding through travel, regardless of budget constraints. So if you're planning your next family trip...tune in for some great tips and tricks for traveling before you go!

Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/

Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot

In this episode, we interview Laura Vincent, a regional program director for Liberty Post and licensed speech language pathologist. We discuss Laura's journey in the field of speech language pathology, the common concerns parents have regarding their children's communication development, and the differences between late talkers and those with language disorders. Laura emphasizes the importance of intelligibility in speech, the role of pediatricians in evaluating speech and language development, and offers practical advice for parents on how to support their children's communication skills at home.

In this conversation, we discuss essential strategies for parents and caregivers to support children's development, focusing on screen time management, the importance of reading and storytelling, empowering children through choice, the role of music in learning, effective communication techniques, the significance of repetition in skill acquisition, and how to support children receiving therapy services. We emphasize the need for a nurturing environment that fosters autonomy and creativity while providing practical tips for everyday interactions.

Regional Program Director
Laura Vincent, MS CCC/SLP
lvincent@liberty-resources.org

Contact
6723 Towpath Road
E. Syracuse, NY 13057
Phone: 315-425-1004
Audiology Phone: 315-701-5710
Fax: 315-235-3411

Learn more about Liberty Post here!

Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/

Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot

Today we interview Windy Cardarelli from the Manlius Library, part of the Onondaga County Public Libraries in Central New York.

Early literacy is the foundation for reading, writing, speaking and listening as your child continues to develop and grow. We discuss the importance of promoting reading in the home and ways to make reading fun and engaging for children of all ages! Windy shares the benefits of attending your local library and the importance of utilizing their resources for learning!

Additional Topics Include:
Engaging Children with Non-Fiction//Navigating Story Time for Young Children//Tips & Tricks for Creating a Love for Reading

Check out the Manlius Library here: https://manliuslibrary.org/

Follow the Manlius Library on Social Media here: https://www.facebook.com/manliuslibrary https://www.instagram.com/manliuslibrary/?hl=en

Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/

Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot

On today's episode we interview, Dr. Lawrence Kotlow, a pediatric dentist and specialist located in Albany, NY. He focuses on laser surgery and supports families with challenges directly related to tongue and lip ties. Dr. Kotlow explains the impact that tongue and lip ties can have on the body, ways to advocate for your little one throughout their dental health journey, common misconceptions in pediatric dentistry, and more!

This episode sheds light on behaviors that you may be experiencing with your little one at home and provides insight on how to navigate situations that may in fact be related to dental health.

Check out his free resources below!
Dental Topics
Breastfeeding Health
Sleep Apnea
Thumb Sucking
Pediatric Dentistry

Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/

Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot

Meet Dr. Brooke Smith, one of the three specialized chiropractors on staff at Kukuenberger Chiropractic, located in Fayetteville, NY.

Dr. Smith highlights the Role of Chiropractic Care in Family Health, Benefits and Techniques related to Prenatal Chiropractic Care, Postnatal Recovery and Support, Chiropractic Care for Ear Infections and Ties in Children, Common Reasons for Newborn Chiropractic Visits, and Addressing Digestive Issues in Infants through Chiropractic Care.

Follow Kukenberger Chiropractic on Instagram @kukenbergchiro to learn more about perinatal chiropractic care for both mother and newborn.

Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/

Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot

As a parent, do you find it difficult to prioritize your own health and wellness? Wherever you are in your current season of life, our guest Meghan Barrett has some great tips for maintaining physical and mental health during motherhood. From diet and exercise, to self-care and sleep habits, you'll feel empowered and ready to embrace your own well-being; and in turn be able to show up for the ones you love in the best way possible.

Follow Meghan on Instagram @barrettfitnesscny

Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/

Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot

Do you sometimes find yourself comparing your child to the children around you, at the playground, at daycare, etc? Maybe you worry your child is "behind" because you witnessed another child complete a task with ease, that yours may still have difficulty with. Or perhaps you compare your second child's development to that of your eldest?

Guess what... we are all guilty of this! As caregivers, we let our worries get the best of us sometimes and comparison sneaks up. It's because we CARE!
Try the exercise in today's episode to learn more about the importance of reflection and it's impact on celebrating your child's wins!

Kelly and Alex also discuss setting goals for your individual children and family goal setting for the new year!

Local to Central New York and interested in joining a Play2Learn class? Visit our website to register here: https://play2learntot.com/

Let's connect! Follow us on Instagram @play2learntot