Champions for NorCal Kids

In a world racing from  AI to algorithms , this episode of  Champions for NorCal Kids  reminds us that literacy still starts somewhere much more familiar:  homes, classrooms, libraries, and small towns . We sit down with  Kathy Garcia , Executive Director of  Expect More Tehama , to talk honestly about the  raw data behind literacy outcomes , the challenges rural communities face, and the  better...

In this episode of  NorCal Champions for Kids , we’re breaking new ground on a topic that matters for families, educators, and community champions across Northern California:  Early Literacy in Rural Communities . We dive deep into provocative conversations and bold questions, the kind that make you rethink assumptions and spark action. Hot Take #1: “Book deserts hit rural communities harder than...

In the first episode of our series, "it takes a village to raise readers", Wendy and I share our personal journeys in literacy — the moments, mentors, and experiences that shaped how we see reading and the power it has in kids’ lives.

Join Wendy and Heidi for an in-depth conversation exploring how First 5 Modoc began using AmeriCorps to support preschool classrooms and how that small start has grown into a powerful model for building career pathways and bringing parenting support to some of California’s most rural and isolated communities. Despite challenges from recent budget cuts, Modoc remains deeply committed to this work....

What keeps families thriving in some of California’s most remote rural areas?  Join Heidi and Wendy as they talk with and learn from  Gordon , Shasta County’s Head Start Executive Director with over 20 years of passion and purpose!  From serving  3 counties  to delivering  whole-child, whole-family  care, this episode dives into what makes  Shasta Head Start a lifeline  for families — and (spoiler...

In this series on Advocacy and Awareness, we will hear from many counties and champions for NorCal kids who are actively pivoting and working to fill gaps where services have been cut; specifically in programs like AmeriCorps, SNAP, and Head Start. Join Heidi and Wendy as they discuss the looming changes to services for children and families, the impacts these have already had on our infrastructur...

Join us for an exciting conversation during the week of the young child, where we talk about local events and opportunities for families with young children in our community. Visit CAEYC here: https://caeyc.org/board-chapters/chapters/california-cascade-chapter/

Join podcast co-hosts and First 5 Executive Directors of First 5 Shasta and First 5 Tehama as they reflect on the year through data. Getting to know First 5 through data is a powerful way to monitor the effectiveness of early childhood programs and policies. Data helps identify needs, track progress, and make informed decisions about how to best support young children and their families. 

Join us for a lighthearted and fun conversation for our local First 5 Fall Favorite activities and experiences. Sometimes we can all use a reminder of how to play in nature, enjoy the small moments and regulate our nervous system through connection. Together, we share some of the ways we celebrate fall and do all these things keeping the light hearted feeling of childhood in our hearts. 

Celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness has an extra special meaning to us this year. Co-host Wendy Dickens bravely and boldly shares key learning moments; vulnerable moments; and hard moments of her personal journey with Breast Cancer. There is something breathlessly special about being welcomed into someone's journey before they are through the tunnel- this podcast is just that. If you are experienc...

Join us for an extra special episode where we celebrate awareness of the National Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and learn about common the "NICU"  through our very own co-host Wendy's personal experience having an infant in the NICU as a new mom. Wendy will share her top strategy for supporting new parents with similar experiences and empower us all to advocate as families. We conside...

In this episode Wendy and Heidi discuss tips for keeping our kids safe in the water, tell you about some options for where to swim and how to be safe in the water on those hot summer days.

In this episode we have a compilation of our past discussions of home visiting. Featuring guests like: Tarrah Selland of Northern Valley Catholic Social Service & TAPP Teen SVCS, Denise Hobbs R.N. P.H.N, and Amy Hobbs of Nurse Family Partnership. The episode not only discusses the resources available in regards to home visiting, but also some personal anecdotes about the benefits of home visit...

In this episode, Wendy and Heidi give us tips about utilizing holidays like Valentine's day to encourage our children, help them develop emotionally, and strengthen our bond with them.

Quality Counts North State uses a systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in early care and education programs. In this episode, Wendy and Heidi chat with Alexis Duffy about QCNS and more.

"🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 Introducing the 'Top Ten Series! 🎙️ Join us on this thrilling journey as we dive into impactful conversations with incredible advocates for our NorCal kids. 🌈 Episode 1 kicks off with Wendy and Heidi, shedding light on the POWER of literacy. 📚✨ Tune in for insights, inspiration, and a whole lot of championing for our little ones! 🎉 Let's champion together! #C...

In this enlightening episode, Wendy and Heidi engage in an insightful conversation with Mary Ann Hansen, Executive Director of First 5 Humboldt County, and her colleague Jennifer Gonzalez, Community Engagement Coordinator and Family Support Navigator at First 5 Humboldt.  The focus of this episode centers around their collaborative effort, the "Hiking Humboldt KIDS” Mary Ann and Jennifer delv...

Join us in a heartfelt conversation as we delve into the world of perinatal and postpartum care with the incredible Anna, Executive Director of Butte County First 5. 🤱🌟 Whether you're a parent-to-be, a professional caregiver, or simply intrigued by the journey into parenthood, this episode is a goldmine of wisdom and compassion. Get in touch and let us know what else you'd like to hear o...

If you enjoyed part 1, you'll love part 2! Postpartum depression is depression that occurs after having a baby. In this #championchat, Wendy and Heidi chat with Morgan Vasquez - licensed family and marriage therapist - regarding post-partum depression and anxiety and how it affects both mothers and fathers. Follow Morgan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy.with.morgan/ Get in touch...

Postpartum depression is depression that occurs after having a baby. In this #championchat, Wendy and Heidi chat with Morgan Vasquez - licensed family and marriage therapist - regarding post-partum depression and anxiety and how it affects both mothers and fathers. Follow Morgan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapy.with.morgan/ Get in touch and let us know what else you'd like to he...

Get ready for an empowering episode with our fabulous hosts, Wendy and Heidi, as they dive into the world of ASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaires) and developmental milestones. They're tackling that common concern of measuring your child's progress and introducing ASQ as a super valuable tool to assess those milestones in various areas. Best part? Wendy and Heidi want you to know that every...

We have them. You have them. Our children have them. You got it, we're talking about BIG feelings. Join Wendy and Heidi on this thought provoking, funny, casual, yet educational conversation. Get in touch and let us know what else you'd like to hear on our podcast! Email Heidi: hmendenhall@first5tehama.com Email Wendy: wdickens@first5shasta.org first5shasta.org & first5tehama.org

In this episode of "Champions for NorCal Kids," co-hosts Wendy and Heidi get real about mental health. As #Champions who wear many hats, they know how stressful it can be to find balance within it all. They share some of the things that work for them, like connecting with nature and getting active. And they remind us of the importance of filling own bucket so we can continue to pour into...

Join Wendy and Heidi as they chat with special guest Susan Wilson about the 40 Developmental Assets. You'll laugh and learn during this information-packed Champion Chat. Susan Wilson works as a consultant in the community at a variety of nonprofit organizations primarily focused on children and youth. To learn more about the 40 developmental assets, visit the following link: https://www.search...

Have you heard the phrase "Do as I say, not as I do?" This episode reminds us that 'role modeling' is one of the most powerful tools we have to positively influence our little one's personalities. Children are constantly absorbing the information they see around them. They are watching everything we say and do from how we handle stress, to how we treat others and how we manag...