Quest for Quality Podcast

Jen DeStephano, a Quality Coach and Barb Green, a Start Up Coach discuss some ways to improve business practices in home-based child care. You will find marketing strategies, information for filing taxes, record keeping tips, plus a whole lot more. The Civitas web address is https://www.civstrat.com/

Why does one child seek constant movement while another covers their ears during everyday activities? Just as adults experience and respond to sensory input differently, children have unique sensory preferences and needs, too. In this episode, we explore common sensory disruptions and how they may impact children's behavior, learning, and interactions. We'll discuss practical strategies for recogn...

In this episode, we explore the benefits of risky play and why opportunities for challenge, exploration, and manageable risk are so important for children’s development and regulation of their nervous systems. We discuss the six elements of risky play, simple ways to begin incorporating risky play in an ECE classroom, and practical tools to support implementation. This conversation is led by two o...

Thinking about creating a Conscious Discipline Safe Place in your classroom—or refreshing the one you already have? This episode explores why Safe Places matter, what to include, and how to use them effectively to support emotional regulation, connection, and learning in the classroom.

In early childhood education, we know relationships are the heart of children’s learning—but what about the relationships between leaders and teachers? In this episode, we explore how strong connections with staff are just as essential as those with children. Through practical strategies and reflective insights, we look at how directors can build trust, encourage positive noticing among colleagues...

Creativity isn’t just about art projects or painting a picture—it’s a way of thinking. In this episode, we explore creativity as a mindset that fuels problem-solving, innovation, and deeper learning for both children and adults. We discuss how program culture can either spark or stifle creative thinking, why creativity tends to fade as we grow older, and what leaders and educators can do to keep t...

In this episode, Jenn walks listeners through how Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) connects to the 2023 STARS standards. She explains which indicators —require programs to use data, set measurable goals, involve staff, and review progress each year. Using a real CQI planning form, Jenn shows how feedback from Program Observation Instruments, family surveys, staff development plans, and other p...

Leadership legacy in early childhood isn’t about titles or tenure. It’s about people. In this episode, we reflect on Andy Stanley’s Leadercast 2025 message and explore how the everyday choices we make as early childhood leaders shape what and who we leave behind. Join Jenn Wertz as she dives into this topic. What will you leave behind?

In this episode, Potty Train with Confidence: Supporting Readiness and Routine in the Classroom, we’re joined by Eryn Panko, CCC’s Health and Wellness Coach, for a practical and encouraging conversation on supporting potty training in early care settings. Together, we explore how tuning into each child’s cues, fostering open communication between families and educators, and maintaining strong hygi...

Have you ever left a conversation with someone and felt completely exhausted or drained? Maybe they overshared about their personal life or there just always seems to be some type of drama in their life. Well, if you’ve ever experienced that, you likely have been bitten by an energy vampire. Weaving in Conscious Discipline strategies including the “7 powers for conscious adults”, this episode disc...

Early childhood teaching is meaningful—and exhausting. In this episode, we slow things down and speak directly to infant, toddler, and preschool teachers about burnout, well-being, and the emotional weight of the work. Through real classroom scenarios and gentle, practical strategies, this episode offers a moment of validation, reflection, and support—without asking you to do more. This is a remin...

Curious about STARS or wondering what support is available? This episode breaks down what the STARS program is, how the process works, and how coaching and resources help programs build and maintain quality over time. Designed to support long-term success, STARS offers guidance, structure, and partnership—and this episode helps bring it all together in a clear, approachable way.

Step into the new year with clarity, calm, and purpose. A Fresh Start – Mindset and Intentions for the New Year is a gentle, reflective podcast episode designed to help you cultivate a positive mindset and set meaningful intentions—without pressure or perfection. Through soothing guidance and mindful reflection, this episode invites you to release what no longer serves you, reconnect with what tru...

In this episode, we explore the core of early childhood learning—attachment. We’ll break down the different attachment styles, where attachment begins, and why it matters so much for children’s growth and development. Through a simple, hands-on activity called Baby Doll Circle Time from Conscious Discipline, we’ll show how attunement and secure connections can be promoted in the classroom in a fun...

Get ready as we unlock the mysteries of the pre-designation visit ! In this episode, we break down what to expect, how to prepare, and the key pieces that make the process feel smooth, supportive, and totally achievable. Whether you’re approaching your first visit or looking for a confidence boost, we’re giving you the inside scoop you need. Tune in—you’ll walk away feeling informed, empowered, an...

Walk through the PDP in the PD Registry with me. Listen in while you follow along in your PD Registry Profile to complete/update your PD Self-Assessment and create two goals in your Professional Development Plan. All staff are required to do both of these things on an annual basis at STAR 2 through STAR 4. Step by step directions that you can use while you make your updates will make this process...

In this final episode of the "Back to School Basics" series, Teresa Beatty focuses on the critical importance of teacher self-care and addresses the high stress levels commonly experienced by educators. She presents various self-care strategies and emphasizes the need for teachers to prioritize their well-being without feeling guilty, including maintaining regulation in the classroom, teaching reg...

Teresa Beatty continues her series on back-to-school basics for Early Childhood Educators with part 3, emphasizing the importance of addressing the five domains of preschool development through play-based activities. She discusses strategies for promoting cognitive, physical, social, emotional, language, and self-help skills in young learners, offering practical suggestions for classroom setup and...

Teresa Beatty's part 2, of this 4-part series on back-to-school basics, emphasizes the importance of connecting with children and families in the classroom. She discusses strategies for getting to know children's interests, engaging in small group activities, and utilizing playtime to build relationships and reinforce social skills. Additionally, Teresa stresses the significance of family engageme...

In this first episode of a four-part series, we dive into the essentials of setting up early childhood classrooms for a successful school year. Discover how intentional design and layout planning can shape children's learning and behavior. This episode explores key elements of classroom organization, including routines, procedures, and expectations, while offering practical tips for creating a chi...

Teresa Beattie, a technical assistance coach, discusses how challenging classroom behaviors often reflect adult challenges rather than being solely the children's fault, emphasizing the importance of building connections through simple activities that foster relationships and community. She explores the role of oxytocin in social bonding and highlighted the significance of creating safe and connec...

This episode is part 2 and offers a clear, practical overview of Early Intervention (EI) for child care directors and educators. We cover how to make referrals, what to expect from the EI process, and the differences between IFSPs and IEPs. You'll also learn about available services, how they’re funded, and how early learning programs can collaborate with families and EI providers to support child...

This episode offers a clear, practical overview of Early Intervention (EI) for child care directors and educators. We cover how to make referrals, what to expect from the EI process, and the differences between IFSPs and IEPs. You'll also learn about available services, how they’re funded, and how early learning programs can collaborate with families and EI providers to support children’s developm...

In this episode of Quest for Quality, Pre-K Counts educator and program coach Amanda Dye shares her journey incorporating play-based practices into her classroom—including simple changes like switching off fluorescent lights in favor of lamps and using natural colors and materials. She discusses creating a “yes environment” where children move freely between centers, and how adopting an emergent c...

In this episode, we explore the Strengths-Based Approach and how it can transform early childhood education environments—for both children and adults. You’ll hear how focusing on what’s working well rather than what’s missing can empower educators, support positive child development, and foster more collaborative and resilient teams. Tune in to learn practical strategies for implementing this mind...