Starting At Zero

Episode Summary:Emily Perl Kingsley is renowned for her 45-year career as a writer on Sesame Street, essentially from the show’s beginnings. In this episode, Jeana and Ms Kingsley discuss her remarkable contributions to the groundbreaking TV program’s advances in greater inclusion. Ms Kingsley is known for advocating for disability awareness and working towards improving the way people with disabilities are portrayed in the media, as well as expanding perceptions of individual potential. Additionally Ms Kingsley is the author of the inspirational and widely-published poetic essay "Welcome to Holland” - which she reads for us in this podcast episode. Also she is the author of over 20 children's books, and the many awards for her work include 23 Emmys and numerous nominations, as well as other humanitarian and public service awards.Visit: http://startingatzeropodcast.comProduced by the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation.Emily Kingsley – author: https://www.emilyperlkingsley.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/saul_zaentzTwitter:https://twitter.com/SaulZaentzFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/SaulZaentzCharitableFoundation About Jeana Ross:Jeana Ross is a lifelong educator who believes that early childhood education is a key component of a strong economy at state and national levels. As former Secretary of Alabama’s Department of Early Childhood Education, Jeana led successful efforts to grow the state’s early learning program which earned consecutive recognition as the nation’s best throughout her term. Recently, Jeana was elected to the Alabama House where she intends to prioritize education. In addition, Jeana advises the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation on Early Education Policy & Practice regarding its efforts to work with policymakers, nonprofit organizations, funders, and practitioners to support the early education workforce and advocate for increased funding for high-quality early childhood education.

Episode Summary:Dr. Dan WuoriIn this episode, Jeana and Dr. Wuori discuss his new book The Daycare Myth: What We Get Wrong About Early Care and Education (and What We Should Do About It) and explore a number of its surprising and fascinating elements. With over 30 years in Early Learning, Dr. Wuori is the founder of Early Childhood Policy Solutions, a bipartisan public policy consultancy. But across the globe Dr. Wuori is known to parents for his innovative use of social media and daily video child development lessons - for which he was recently featured in the New York Times. Dr. Wuori is also a Strategic Advisor on Early Childhood to the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation, which - as in his prior position at The Hunt Institute - includes working alongside governors and state legislators to improve policy.Visit: http://startingatzeropodcast.comProduced by the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation.Dr. Dan Wuori - author:https://danwuori.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/saul_zaentzTwitter:https://twitter.com/SaulZaentzFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/SaulZaentzCharitableFoundationAbout Jeana Ross:Jeana Ross is a lifelong educator who believes that early childhood education is a key component of a strong economy at state and national levels. As former Secretary of Alabama’s Department of Early Childhood Education, Jeana led successful efforts to grow the state’s early learning program which earned consecutive recognition as the nation’s best throughout her term. Recently, Jeana was elected to the Alabama House where she intends to prioritize education. In addition, Jeana advises the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation on Early Education Policy & Practice regarding its efforts to work with policymakers, nonprofit organizations, funders, and practitioners to support the early education workforce and advocate for increased funding for high-quality early childhood education.

Episode Summary:Dr. Calvin Moore - CEO, The Council For Professional Recognition.In this lively conversation with host Jeana Ross, Dr. Moore shares his informed and thoughtful perspectives. Describing himself as a “lifelong learner,” Dr. Moore has a passionate and undeniable enthusiasm when it comes to his search for a better tomorrow.              Dr. Moore is an accomplished early education leader with an inspiring vision for a brighter future. Throughout his career, he has held senior roles directing complex public departments at both federal and state levels, while always retaining a focus on improving outcomes for underserved children and families. In addition (after initially gravitating to the early learning field after his time in the Air Force) his experiences include having been a teacher, an administrator and also an author on the topic of early education. Previously, Dr. Moore was the regional program manager in Atlanta for the Office of Head Start for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where he led the largest region in the country, providing oversight for over 350 Head Start and Early Head Start grantees. Today Dr. Moore is CEO of The Council For Professional Recognition which oversees the CDA credential for early educators. Dr. Moore holds a bachelor of science degree in early childhood education from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a master’s degree in education and a Ph.D. in early childhood education, both from Walden University. Visit: http://startingatzeropodcast.com Produced by the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation. The Council For Professional Recognition:https://www.cdacouncil.orgInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/saul_zaentzTwitter:https://twitter.com/SaulZaentzFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/SaulZaentzCharitableFoundation About Jeana Ross:Jeana Ross is a lifelong educator who believes that early childhood education is a key component of a strong economy at state and national levels. As former Secretary of Alabama’s Department of Early Childhood Education, Jeana led successful efforts to grow the state’s early learning program which earned consecutive recognition as the nation’s best throughout her term. Recently, Jeana was elected to the Alabama House where she intends to prioritize education. In addition, Jeana joined the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation as its Strategic Advisor on Early Education Policy & Practice, where she works with policymakers, nonprofit organizations, funders, and practitioners to support the early education workforce and advocate for increased funding for high-quality early childhood education.

Episode Summary:Michelle Kang - CEO of the Early Education organization “NAEYC” (National Association for the Education of Young Children) - has had a career arc that she describes as unexpected yet deeply rewarding. In their conversation, Jeana explores what Michelle is observing for the present and future in the field across the country. Michelle describes how she is constantly inspired by the passion early educators bring to their work and her commitments to the goals of improving support for teachers and administrators and working to further spread the message about the vital importance of high quality early learning. Michelle also relates as a mom herself she experienced firsthand how early education programs can make a profound and lasting difference.  Visit: http://startingatzeropodcast.com Produced by the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation. NAEYC: https://www.naeyc.orgInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/saul_zaentzTwitter:https://twitter.com/SaulZaentzFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/SaulZaentzCharitableFoundation About Jeana Ross:Jeana Ross is a lifelong educator who believes that early childhood education is a key component of a strong economy at state and national levels. As former Secretary of Alabama’s Department of Early Childhood Education, Jeana led successful efforts to grow the state’s early learning program which earned consecutive recognition as the nation’s best throughout her term. Recently, Jeana was elected to the Alabama House where she intends to prioritize education. In addition, Jeana joined the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation as its Strategic Advisor on Early Education Policy & Practice, where she works with policymakers, nonprofit organizations, funders, and practitioners to support the early education workforce and advocate for increased funding for high-quality early childhood education.

Episode Summary:Jeana Ross learns about Tanya Wright’s surprising journey from award-winning TV actor (Orange is The New Black, True Blood) to educational entrepreneur. The conversation explores how a background in the arts can bring a refreshing perspective to the field of early education.Tanya delves into the latest phase of her career as an actor-turned-educator and how it feels like all the dots in her life are connecting in an energizing, new way. Recently at Harvard Innovation Labs, Tanya developed her “Hairiette of Harlem” children’s book series and literacy platform, which employs the intersection of education and entertainment to encourage improvements in reading for kids through age eight. Visit: http://startingatzeropodcast.com Produced by the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation.Tanya Wright: https://bighairhairiette.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/saul_zaentzTwitter:https://twitter.com/SaulZaentzFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/SaulZaentzCharitableFoundationAbout Jeana Ross:Jeana Ross is a lifelong educator who believes that early childhood education is a key component of a strong economy at state and national levels. As former Secretary of Alabama’s Department of Early Childhood Education, Jeana led successful efforts to grow the state’s early learning program which earned consecutive recognition as the nation’s best throughout her term. Recently, Jeana was elected to the Alabama House where she intends to prioritize education. In addition, Jeana joined the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation as its Strategic Advisor on Early Education Policy & Practice, where she works with policymakers, nonprofit organizations, funders, and practitioners to support the early education workforce and advocate for increased funding for high-quality early childhood education.

Starting At Zero explores early childhood education in America with host Jeana Ross and insightful guests. As the former Secretary of Early Education in Alabama (with a Pre-Kindergarten program recognized as the best in the US) Jeana Ross’ inspiring conversations include the latest discoveries from educators, policymakers, advocates, parents and others. Produced by the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation. ⁠http://startingatzeropodcast.com⁠ SZCF website: https://saulzaentzfoundation.orgInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/saul_zaentzTwitter:https://twitter.com/SaulZaentz Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/SaulZaentzCharitableFoundationAbout Jeana Ross:Jeana Ross is a lifelong educator who believes that early childhood education is a key component of a strong economy at state and national levels. As former Secretary of Alabama’s Department of Early Childhood Education, Jeana led successful efforts to grow the state’s early learning program which earned consecutive recognition as the nation’s best throughout her term. Recently, Jeana was elected to the Alabama House where she intends to prioritize education. In addition, Jeana advises the Saul Zaentz Charitable Foundation on Early Education Policy & Practice, where she works with policymakers, nonprofit organizations, funders, and practitioners to support the early education workforce and advocate for increased funding for high-quality early childhood education.