Family Engagement Fridays Podcast by ELV

Send us Fan Mail As the year comes to a close, we are highlighting our top episodes of the year.   This one was the most listened to podcast in 2025.    In this episode, we’re joined by Carlie Reed, Mesa County CCCAP Supervisor, to break down what families need to know about the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)—especially during the current enrollment freeze affecting many counties a...

Send us Fan Mail To celebrate a new year of FeF we are replaying the top episodes from this year.   This one comes in at number 2.      In this heartwarming episode, we’re joined by Robin Levy , a Pyramid Model Coordinator, and Morgan , a mom to 14-month-old Javi, who’s navigating the ups and downs of toddler sleep.  Together, they explore how the Pyramid Model —a framework for promoting young chi...

Send us Fan Mail  We are doing our end of the year celebration of our favorite episodes.  Here is Number 3 In the whirlwind of parenting responsibilities, it’s easy to forget one of the most powerful ways to connect with your child: play . 💞  This episode is a gentle reminder that some of a child’s most cherished memories come from simple, joyful moments spent playing with their parents. Julie an...

Send us Fan Mail The holidays are full of joy—but they can also bring hidden hazards and seasonal illnesses. In this episode, Heidi Belatti, RN, shares practical tips to keep your home safe while decorating, plus strategies to prevent and manage common winter illnesses. From childproofing festive décor to boosting family wellness during gatherings, this conversation is packed with advice to help y...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Colleen Roahrig sits down with Heidi Belatti, RN, to unpack everything parents need to know about measles, from early signs and symptoms to effective prevention strategies. Heidi explains how to recognize risk factors in your child’s school and community, and shares practical tips for educating yourself and others to reduce exposure.  This conversation offers clea...

Send us Fan Mail Join Ariana from The Autism Project as she breaks down the clinical definition of Autism and provides a clear, accessible overview for parents and caregivers. In this episode, you’ll learn what Autism really means, common characteristics, and where to find trusted resources and support for families navigating an Autism diagnosis.  🎧 Listen now to gain practical knowledge and disc...

Send us Fan Mail  Ever wonder why kids tattle—and how to help them know when to speak up? In this episode, Colleen sits down with Julie Mendenhall to unpack the difference between “tattling” and “telling.” They share practical strategies for parents to guide children through tricky social situations, build empathy, and develop problem-solving skills. If you’ve ever heard “I’m telling!” and wondere...

Send us Fan Mail  As families across Colorado face the SNAP benefit freeze, we’re revisiting a powerful conversation that feels more relevant than ever. In this episode, Jennifer Garcia sits down with Cooking Matters facilitators Paul Soderstrom and Brigid Hunt to explore how families can prepare healthy, comforting meals on a budget. From embracing cultural food traditions to making the most of w...

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode of Family Engagement Fridays , Jennifer Garcia Rosendo shares timely information and practical resources to help families navigate the November 1 SNAP benefit freeze in Colorado. With federal funding paused, many families are facing food insecurity—but there are tools, apps, and community programs stepping up to help.  Resources Mentioned in This Episode:  ...

Send us Fan Mail  In this special Halloween edition of Family Engagement Fridays , Jennifer Garcia shares practical, family-friendly tips to help keep your trick-or-treaters safe—whether they’re tiny toddlers in strollers or older kids exploring the neighborhood with friends. From costume safety and visibility to pedestrian awareness and smart planning, this episode covers everything caregivers ne...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Julie Mendenhall joins us to explore how offering intentional choices and asking reflective questions can positively shape children's behavior and emotional development. 🧠 Learn how to: Use choices as a behavior guidance tool that builds trust and autonomy Avoid common pitfalls like unrealistic or confusing options Ask questions that spark meaningful convers...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re joined once again by Monica Dewitt, Civic Engagement Specialist at the Community Resource Center, to talk about what’s on Colorado’s statewide ballot this November—and why it matters for families with young children.  🗳Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or early childhood professional, this episode will help you feel informed and empowered to participate in...

Send us Fan Mail In the whirlwind of parenting responsibilities, it’s easy to forget one of the most powerful ways to connect with your child: PLAY! 💞  This episode is a gentle reminder that some of a child’s most cherished memories come from simple, joyful moments spent playing with their parents. Julie and Colleen share insights on why play matters, how it strengthens relationships, and how eve...

Send us Fan Mail In honor of Library Card Sign-up Month we are pulling this episode out of the archives!   We’re joined by Cynthia Keyotake and Andy Gallegos from Arapahoe Libraries to explore how today’s libraries are transforming the way families learn, play, and grow. 💡👶 🎧 Tune in to discover: ✅ Surprising things you’ll find in libraries today ✅ Services designed for families with young ch...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re joined by Briony Hudson, a realtor with The Briony Group, a team of award-winning REALTORS® dedicated to helping families achieve their homeownership dreams.  Briony walks us through the home buying process offering practical advice for first time buyers navigating the real estate world. From understanding credit and down payments to finding culturally respo...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re joined by Carlie Reed, Mesa County CCCAP Supervisor, to break down what families need to know about the Colorado Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP)—especially during the current enrollment freeze affecting many counties across the state.  Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or community partner, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating c...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartwarming episode, we’re joined by Robin Levy , a Pyramid Model Coordinator, and Morgan , a mom to 14-month-old Javi, who’s navigating the ups and downs of toddler sleep.  Together, they explore how the Pyramid Model —a framework for promoting young children’s social-emotional development—can help families create consistent, nurturing bedtime routines. Morgan shares her...

Send us Fan Mail In honor of Children's Eye Health and Safety Month we are digging into the archives for a great episode.   In this episode, we speak with Tammy Miller, MA, Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and Director of Children’s Programs at Anchor Center for Blind Children in Denver. Tammy shares expert insights on the critical role of vision in early childhood development, how...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Julie Mendenhall explores how screen time—from tablets and phones to video games and smartwatches—is impacting young children’s development and family connection. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 🎧 Learn how to:  Recognize screen time habits  Understand the effects on social and emotional growth  Create more opportunities for face-to-face interaction Learn more about Early Learning V...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Kim Wolff from Healthy Child Care Colorado shares why oral health is essential for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers—and what every parent should know to protect their child’s smile. 👶🪥 🎧 What you’ll learn: ✅ Why baby teeth matter ✅ The 5 basics of oral health ✅ What to do if you suspect a dental issue ✅ How to build strong dental habits early Resource: ht...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wonder how your parenting style shapes your child’s behavior and emotional growth? In our latest episode, we talk with Julie Mendenhall about three common parenting approaches: 🔹 Giving Orders 🔹 Giving In 🔹 Giving Choices Julie shares real-life examples and practical strategies to help families better understand their parenting style and how to use it to meet their child’s...

Send us Fan Mail In this must-listen episode for parents and caregivers, we sit down with Kim Wolff from Healthy Child Care Colorado   to talk about the five essential oral health habits every family should know . Whether you're caring for a baby, toddler, or preschooler, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you build strong dental routines from the start. What you’ll learn: Why...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for a meaningful conversation with Robin Levy, the 2025 recipient of the National Pyramid Champion Award! Robin breaks down the Pyramid Model, a powerful framework designed to support the social and emotional development of young children and their families. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the Pyramid Model is and how it works Practical ways it supports families and ca...

Send us Fan Mail Get ready to explore the miniature world of bugs with Vail Shoultz-McCole and Colleen Roahrig ! In this episode, we’re diving into the fascinating lives of insects and how parents can turn everyday outdoor moments into exciting learning adventures for their little explorers. 🐞 From butterflies to beetles, Vail and Colleen share fun, safe, and educational ways to spark curiosity a...

Send us Fan Mail We’re joined by our very own Sue Kansteiner , Child Care Partnership Specialist at Early Learning Ventures! With summer in full bloom, it’s the perfect time to explore how gardening can be a fun and educational activity for young children. Sue shares practical tips, creative ideas, and the many benefits of getting kids involved in the garden. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb...