Circle Time Convos

In this episode of Circle Time Convos, "Play and Language Grow Together," we welcomed Jennifer Fernandez, Early Childhood Education Strategist at School Specialty, to discuss dual language acquisition and early childhood development. Drawing from her 23 years of teaching experience and master's degree in bilingual education, Jennifer addresses common parental concerns about raising bilingual child...

In this episode of Circle Time Convos, special education teacher Helena E. Jankowski from John T. McCutcheon Elementary School joins the conversation to discuss how experiential learning connects to early childhood education. Jankowski explains how McCutcheon’s partnership with the Chicago Children's Museum created a "Curiosity Classroom" that brings museum-style, play-based learning directly to p...

In this episode of Circle Time Convos, guest Alex Pafilis, Director of Early Childhood Learning at the Chicago Children’s Museum, explains how meaningful learning happens through play. Learn simple, everyday ways to bring the magic of museum exploration into your own home, discover how the museum fosters inclusion, and get details on local library passes and free admission days. 

In this episode, we welcome Tarrah DeClemente, Executive Director of Nutrition Support Services at Chicago Public Schools (CPS), to discuss how school nutrition directly impacts student success.

In this episode of Circle Time Convos, Principal Venus DeLoach of Carver Elementary School breaks down how families and schools can seamlessly navigate early childhood transitions. Principal DeLoach highlights the elevated expectations and rigor of modern kindergarten, explaining why early routines, self-regulation, and high attendance are essential for young learners. The conversation underlines...

No matter what the Chicago weather is doing outside, the learning never stops! In this episode, we take a walk through the beautiful Garfield Park Conservatory with Grace Urrutia, the Nature Education Manager. Grace shares how the Conservatory serves as a massive, sensory-rich classroom for young learners through free, hands-on drop-in programs.

Is your child starting pre-K or kindergarten soon? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sonji Barnes (Acting Director of Health Services) to break down how families can get free, hands-on help applying for Medicaid and SNAP, as well as access on-site school dental, vision, and physical exams. Tune in to learn how easy it is to set your child up for a healthy, successful school year with CPS's hea...

When families are juggling chaotic schedules, navigating multiple languages, and trying to find the right balance for their children, what does true kindergarten readiness actually look like? In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Spraker, Vice President of Program Services at Concordia Place, a Chicago-based nonprofit serving diverse communities representing over 22 languages. Tune in to discove...

What does it really take to raise global citizens in a world of dual-language learners? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Larue Fitch, the passionate principal of C.E. Hughes Elementary School (Charles Evans Hughes), to discuss the vital role of early childhood education in a globalized society.

Ever noticed how a lack of rest can completely change a child's behavior? Child development and parenting expert Dr. Angela Searcy joins us on this episode of Circle Time Convos to unpack why "quiet time" is one of the most powerful and most misunderstood parts of early childhood development.

In this episode, we are joined by Marquinta Thomas, Vice President of Community Impact at Illinois Action for Children (IAFC), to demystify the process of applying for early childhood education in Chicago. Whether you are looking for a Pre-K program at Chicago Public Schools (CPS) or a Community-Based Organization, this conversation covers everything families need to know to navigate the system wi...

In this episode of Circle Time Convs, we sit down with Esmeralda Bueno, District Chief at Chicago Public Library (CPL), to explore how modern libraries have evolved into vibrant community hubs that offer far more than just books. Esmeralda highlights the essential resources available across CPL’s 81 locations, including STEM programs, dual-language literacy tools, and the strategic partnership wit...

Is Pre-K just "play," or is it the foundation for a lifetime of learning? In this episode, we sit down with Mrs. Eileen Gregor, a teacher from Carver Elementary School, to explore the intentionality, joy, and rigor found in the early childhood classroom.

In this episode of Circle Time Convos, we are joined by Emily Kelin, Director of Early Childhood Access and Enrollment at Chicago Public Schools, to discuss the Chicago Early Learning application. The application window opens today at 10 AM CDT, allowing families to rank up to five program choices without the need to rush on the first day. We discuss how placements are prioritized and where famili...

In this episode of Circle Time Conversations, we are opening up about the magic that happens in the Chicago Public Schools Pre-K classroom. Join us as we sit down with Mrs. Eileen Gregor from Carver Elementary School, who shares how teachers care for your kids as they transition into the classroom and thrive.

Choosing the right Pre-K can feel overwhelming, but the signs of a great education are often hidden in plain sight. In this episode, we walk through the halls and classrooms to give parents what to look for when choosing a Pre-K for their child. 

Are we missing the signs of how children actually think? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jie-Qi “Jackie” Chen, a child development specialist, about the "hidden" learning that happens during play. Dr. Jackie explains why we should stop rushing to correct children and instead start letting them explore their choices.

What does true quality care look like when it starts right in the heart of the community? Today, we are joined by Darlene Johnson, founder of Darlene’s Daycare, to discuss the unique power of home-based childcare. Darlene’s journey began within her own family of 12 siblings and has since blossomed into a lifelong career dedicated to nurturing the "whole child" through intentionality and love.

In Part 2, Rukiya Curvey Johnson unpacks how STEM learning shows up long before high school and why curiosity, family engagement, and real-world experiences matter more than expensive tools or technology. Rukiya reflects on how COVID-19 reinforced the need for inquiry-based STEM education, the importance of representation in science and medical research, and how families can nurture STEM learning...

Those awkward questions your child asks might actually be the start of STEM learning. In this episode, we’re joined by Rukiya Curvey Johnson, VP of Community Health Equity and Executive Director of the Rush Education & Career Hub, to reframe how families and educators think about STEM. From early childhood curiosity to career pathways, Rukiya shares how everyday moments can spark lifelong inte...

How do you nurture a STEM mindset in Pre-K without worksheets or fancy materials? In this episode, CPS Pre-K teacher Tatianna Cook shares how curiosity, open-ended questions, emotional regulation, and play-based learning help young children build confidence in STEM from the very start. Perfect for parents, caregivers, and early childhood educators.

How can parents nurture a love for STEM in their preschoolers—without needing to be math experts? In this episode of Circle Time Convos, Chief Leslie McKinley sits down with Amy Spar, VP of the Chicago Children’s Museum, to explore simple, playful ways to spark curiosity and critical thinking in young children. From using everyday materials at home to Chicago’s Curiosity Classrooms, learn how STEM...

Want to make a real impact in your child’s school? In this episode of Circle Time Convos, we sit down with Myra Winding, CPS Assistant Director of Local School Council Relations, to explore how parents can take an active role in shaping their child’s education. From Local School Councils (LSC) to Parent Advisory Councils (PAC) and Community Advisory Councils (CAC), Myra breaks down how families ca...

Why do preschoolers act out, and what are they really trying to tell us? In this episode of Circle Time Convos, Dr. Carrie Comer-Yates, former Senior Manager of Early Childhood Instructional Quality at CPS, joins the conversation to unpack how misbehavior is often misunderstood. She shares insights on supporting children with disabilities, addressing trauma, and recognizing that every behavior has...

In this episode, we’re joined by Artinese Myrick, Deputy Director at Live Free Illinois, to talk about how trauma shows up in our homes, communities, and classrooms—and what healing really looks like for families. Artinese shares her personal journey and the generational patterns of strength and sacrifice that shape Black women’s experiences. Together, we explore how caregivers’ unhealed trauma im...