In this episode, Dr. Mary Jane Eisenhauer speaks with Dr. Amber Brooks, Division Vice President of Operations at Bright Horizons, about the critical role of early childhood education, particularly in the first 1,000 days of life. They discuss Bright Horizons' whole-child approach to development, including hands-on learning, family engagement, and research-backed programs like Inner Explorer, which teaches mindfulness and emotional regulation. A major focus of this episode is placed on screen time. Its risks, benefits, and how to use it responsibly. This episode emphasizes fostering “serve and return” interactions to support language and cognitive development, urging families to use technology intentionally and interactively.

In this episode of Building Blocks, Dr. Mary Jane Eisenhauer speaks with Chuck Roberts, President and CEO of Lakeshore Public Media, about the origin, impact, and future of the Building Blocks multimedia project. Roberts shares how his past experiences shaped his passion for early childhood development and how that passion led to the collaboration between Lakeshore Public Media and First Things First Porter County.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy96X2Kzc0s&t=2s

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 enlightening episode of Building Blocks, host Dr. Mary Jane Eisenhower welcomes Maureen Weber, President and CEO of Early Learning Indiana, to discuss the critical importance of early childhood education. Together, they explore the groundbreaking Early Years Initiative, which has distributed over $55 million in grants to strengthen care for Indiana’s youngest residents, from birth to age three. The conversation dives into four pillars of focus: expanding childcare access, strengthening families, promoting early detection and prevention, and boosting early literacy.

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