In this episode, Julie Wendorf of Crown Point Library shares how libraries foster early literacy through play, storytelling, and parent engagement. She highlights the impact of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and stresses the importance of access to books at home. Wendorf envisions libraries as inclusive, evolving spaces that support families and build community.

Dr. Karen Carradine leads Head Start/Early Head Start in Northwest Indiana. A lifelong champion for early learning, she began as a Head Start student in 1966 and has since shaped programs in Chicago and beyond. With decades of leadership, she focuses on school preparedness, family partnerships, and data-driven excellence for children from birth to five.Brandy Jania, Deputy Director of Geminus Head Start, brings 15 years of service, leadership, and lived experience as a former Head Start parent. She earned her MA in in Mental Health Counseling from Purdue University, and now champions family engagement and community partnerships, blending professional expertise with personal insight to uplift children and families.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjXonB3wHFc&feature=youtu.be

Rachel Lieske joins Building Blocks to discuss the vital role of early speech-language intervention and the power of play in child development. She emphasizes the importance of early action over a “wait and see” approach, highlights family involvement in therapy, and shares personal stories from her 17 years of experience. Rachel explains how music, routines, and real-life engagement—like tossing socks during laundry—can build foundational language skills. The episode also explores how being a mom transformed her practice, underscoring the value of creating supportive communities for parents.

In this episode, Rachel Lieske, M.A., CCC-SLP, Lead Speech-Language Pathologist at Wee Care Therapy, discusses the power of early intervention. Rachel shares insights on the challenges parents face when they have concerns about their child’s development and offers practical advice on how to access support and resources. With her expertise in child-led play and sensory-based strategies, Rachel emphasizes the importance of family-centered care and meeting children where they are.

In this heartfelt episode, host Dr. Mary Jane Eisenhauer talks with Mark Latta, founder of City Rising, about fatherhood, early childhood development, and the impact of community-led public health. Mark reflects on becoming a dad to his daughter and how those early parenting experiences led him to focus on maternal and infant health—especially in underserved areas. The episode explores how systemic and political forces—like zip codes and housing instability—affect families and why lasting change must come from within the community. Together, they imagine a world where every child is supported and every parent has what they need to thrive.

In this episode of Building Blocks: The Podcast, Dr. Mary Jane Eisenhauer sits down with Payton Summers from Help Me Grow Porter County to explore the vital role of resource referral services in supporting families with young children.Summers shares insights on navigating the complex web of community resources, the importance of early childhood screenings, and how a simple phone call can make a world of difference for parents in need.

On this episode of Building Blocks: The Podcast, we sit down with Hadassah Moore, a new mother, to discuss the highs, lows, and unexpected realities of early motherhood. From the joys of welcoming her child to the struggles of postpartum anxiety and attachment, Hadassah shares her honest and emotional journey. She opens up about seeking support, the challenges of balancing work and family, and the lessons she’s learned along the way

In this special episode, Chuck Roberts, President and CEO of Lakeshore Public Media, traveled to the Statehouse for Indiana Early Childhood Education Day to have conversations with folks from across the state working in early childhood development. The day at the Capitol was organized by Indiana AEYC and the Early Education Works Coalition, this event united educators, parents, and policymakers to advocate for policies supporting children and families.This episode will explore the vital role of early learning, the economic impact of childcare, policy changes needed to strengthen early education in Indiana, and much more. Hear from experts, advocates, and business leaders working to expand high-quality early learning opportunities for all.

In this episode of Building Blocks, Dr. Mary Jane Eisenhauer welcomes Congressman Frank Mrvan to discuss critical issues surrounding maternal and infant health in Northwest Indiana. They explore the importance of early childhood development, the first 1,000 days of life, and programs aimed at lowering infant and maternal mortality rates. Congressman Mrvan shares insights from his time as a township trustee and his role in Congress, emphasizing the need for strong community support systems, efficient funding allocation, and policy advocacy. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on how investment in early childhood programs creates lasting benefits for families and the region.