The Latest
Child Care Crisis Central in National News
As the country limps into the twenty-first month of the COVID-19 pandemic, much national attention remains on our failing child care system, a system which is now widely recognized to be an essential piece of the country's infrastructure — not only supporting...
Building Relationships and Community through Storytelling, with Dr. Johnny Lake
This week, host Rafael Otto speaks with Dr. Johnny Lake, an international consultant and trainer on community-building, equity, diversity and leadership with a focus on what youth need, and what our education systems need to better serve students and young people.
Earl Boyles’ Neighborhood Center Nurtures Community and Connection
In 2010, Earl Boyles became the first site for Children’s Institute’s community-centered Early Works initiative, an approach to early learning and healthy development built on partnerships, innovation, and engaged families.
Cultivating Genius: A Conversation with Dr. Gholdy Muhammad
In this episode, host Rafael Otto speaks with Dr. Gholdy Muhammad, whose research has focused on the social and historical foundations of literacy in Black communities and how literacy development can be re-conceptualized in classrooms today.
Funding Relief Nurseries is an Investment in Families and Communities
Oregon Relief Nurseries provide critical support to families with young children ages 0-5. They currently serve about 3,500 young children throughout the state and are an integral part of Oregon’s early childhood system.
Montessori Group Serves Early Childhood Community in the UK, Internationally
This week, host Rafael Otto speaks with Leonor Stjepic, who is currently the chief executive officer for The Montessori Group, an organization that provides training in Montessori education for early years communities in the UK and internationally.
Using a Social Determinants of Early Learning Framework to Eliminate Educational Disparities
In a recent publication from the Foundation for Child Development, Iheoma Iruka, PhD authored a chapter on the social determinants of early learning as a framework for eliminating educational disparities. In her writing, she discusses the entrenched nature of the achievement gap as “one of the greatest social problems in the US.”
Educators Play Key Role in Supporting Students With Dyslexia
On this episode of The Early Link Podcast, host Rafael Otto speaks with Danielle Thompson, who is the president on the board of directors for the Oregon branch of the International Dyslexia Association. She has been an educator for more than two decades. And as a dyslexia screener and tutor, she has been on a journey to understand the impact of dyslexia on students and how educators can do more to help.
Parent Advocacy, SB 236 and Changing the way we Talk About Young Children
On this episode of The Early Link Podcast, host Rafael Otto speaks with Andrew Yoshihara, who is a member of Black Child Development PDX and founder and executive director of Bustin’ Barriers, a nonprofit organization that serves kids with disabilities. He is also a parent advocate and has been involved with legislative advocacy in 2021.
No Such Thing as a Bad Preschooler: An Interview with Dalia Avello
On this episode of The Early Link Podcast, host Rafael Otto speaks with guest Dalia Avello. Dalia serves on the Board of Directors of the Oregon Montessori Association, trained as a psychologist, is a certified Montessori teacher, and has expertise in the Education and International Development fields.
