Family Engagement Fridays Podcast by ELV
Join hosts Jennifer Garcia Rosendo, Colleen Roahrig, and Sue Kansteiner as they sit down with leading organizations dedicated to supporting families during the critical early years. Whether you’re searching for Colorado-specific resources or national programs, this podcast is your go-to guide for trusted information.
Each episode delivers expert advice, practical tips, and actionable tools to help parents and caregivers navigate challenges like early childhood education, nutrition, health and wellness, and social-emotional development. Our guests share proven strategies and programs designed to give your child the strongest start in life.
Episodes
142 episodes
Replay Take Time to Play
We are doing our end of the year celebration of our favorite episodes. Here is Number 3In the whirlwind of parenting responsibilities, it’s easy to forget one of the most powerful ways to connect with your child: play....
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10:03
118 - Holiday Health & Safety Tips for Kids and Adults
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 i...
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23:48
117: What every parent needs to know- Measles
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...
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19:38
116- Understanding Autism – Insights from The Autism Project
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...
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21:32
115 Tattling and Telling – Helping Kids Know when to Speak Up
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 gui...
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12:38
Replay: My Plate Will Look Different Than Your Plate
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...
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37:23
114: Navigating the SNAP Freeze
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...
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13:25
113: Keeping Halloween Safe
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 th...
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6:07
112 – Empowering Children Through Meaningful Choices and Questions
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 behavio...
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9:04
111: Your Vote, Your Voice: Ballot Measures That Impact Families
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. ...
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23:02
110 Take Time to Play
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,...
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10:03
Replay: They Aren’t Your Grandfather’s Library Anymore
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 le...
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24:17
109 Home Buying 101 – What Families Need to Know
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 off...
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35:19
108: Understanding CCCAP
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 countie...
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7:06
107: Toddler Sleep Struggles? Let’s Talk Solutions with the Pyramid Model
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 Pyra...
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16:01
Replay: Vision in Early Childhood – What Every Parent & Educator Should Know
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 Progra...
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27:06
106 Is Screen Time Taking Over Family Time?
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 ...
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12:48
105 Cavity Free Kids
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 ...
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13:59
104: Parenting Styles – Giving Orders, Giving In, Giving Choices
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🔹 Givin...
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9:04
103: Oral Health Basics for Babies, Toddlers & Preschoolers
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 famil...
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10:10
102: Pyramid Model – Building Social & Emotional Support for Families
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 childr...
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12:26
101: 🦋 Tiny Wings & Curious Things
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 lea...
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16:04
Replay: Gardening with Children
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...
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16:07
100 Splash Smart: Water Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know
Christie Caster from the Western Colorado Red Cross shares essential tips to keep kids safe around water. 💧 Water is fun—but it can be dangerous without the right precautions.👀 Check out age-appropriate videos at redcross.org that you ca...
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11:21