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  • S3E12: Digging Into STEAM: Playful Learning for Young Children

    S3E12: Digging Into STEAM: Playful Learning for Young Children
    2026/04/07
    What if science, math, and creativity didn’t feel intimidating—but instead looked like play, storytelling, and everyday moments? In this episode, host Emily Manning is joined by other members of the Nebraska Extension Early Childhood team to explore the 2026 STEAM Imagination Guides—free resources designed to make STEAM learning fun, accessible, and meaningful for young children. Together, they share how these guides turn simple children’s books into hands-on learning experiences—from digging into dinosaur discoveries to experimenting with melting ice cream and building with everyday materials. Along the way, they break down common misconceptions about STEAM and show how even the youngest learners are capable of big thinking. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, you’ll walk away with practical ideas and fresh inspiration to spark curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the children in your life. STEAM Guides: https://child.unl.edu/Nebraska-STEAM/ The following music was used for this media project:     Music: Afterparty Review by Sascha Ende     Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2962-afterparty-review     License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license     "Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)  Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License  http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 
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  • S3E11: From Goldfish to Goats: What Animals Teach Kids

    S3E11: From Goldfish to Goats: What Animals Teach Kids
    2026/03/31
    For many children, a pet isn’t just an animal, it’s a first friend, a quiet comfort, and a daily lesson in care and connection. In this episode, host Emily Manning sits down with veterinarian Dr. Kathleen Ritzmann of Madison County Veterinary Clinic to explore the powerful role companion animals can play in children’s lives. Together, they unpack the human–animal bond and how caring for pets can help children grow in empathy, emotional regulation, and responsibility. Dr. Ritzmann also shares practical guidance for families, from choosing the right pet for your household to safely introducing a new animal and helping children become confident, compassionate caregivers. And don’t miss the end of the episode, where Dr. Ritzmann shares some fun and surprising animal trivia you won’t want to miss! The following music was used for this media project: Music: Afterparty Review by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2962-afterparty-review License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license "Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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  • S3E10: Early Childhood Policy: Why Your Voice Does Make a Difference

    S3E10: Early Childhood Policy: Why Your Voice Does Make a Difference
    2026/03/17
    Host Emily Manning welcomes Elizabeth Everett, Vice President of Early Futures Partnership and leader of First Five Nebraska’s policy work, for a conversation about how early childhood policy is shaped in Nebraska. Everett explains Nebraska’s unicameral legislative process and highlights major priorities affecting children, birth to age eight, especially childcare affordability, capacity, and workforce retention. First Five Nebraska: https://www.earlyfutures.org/first-five-nebraska The following music was used for this media project: Music: Afterparty Review by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2962-afterparty-review License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license "Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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  • S3E9: Building Childcare Pathways – Childcare Champions of Central Nebraska

    S3E9: Building Childcare Pathways – Childcare Champions of Central Nebraska
    2026/02/24
    Starting a childcare business takes vision, commitment, and the right community of support. In this episode, Emily is joined by Dena Beck from 6 Regions One Nebraska, Central Region, to spotlight the Childcare Champions initiative and how it is strengthening child care across Central Nebraska. Together, they explore how Childcare Champions walk alongside current and prospective providers, offering mentorship, connection, and practical resources to help new programs grow and thrive. The following music was used for this media project:  Music: Afterparty Review by Sascha Ende  Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2962-afterparty-review  License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license 
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  • S3E8:Supporting Childcare Dreams- Inside NECC’s Licensing Toolkit

    S3E8:Supporting Childcare Dreams- Inside NECC’s Licensing Toolkit
    2026/02/10
    Starting a childcare business begins with a passion for children — and often a lot of questions about licensing. Emily is joined by Gina Ewing from the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative (NECC) to explore what it really takes to become a licensed childcare provider in Nebraska. Together, they discuss the benefits of licensure for providers and families, walk through key steps in the licensing process, and highlight common challenges and surprises along the way. Listeners will hear how NECC’s Licensing Toolkit offers mentoring, guidance, and practical tools to support providers from preparation through their first year of operation, helping turn big dreams into sustainable, high-quality childcare programs. Resource: https://nebraskaearly.org/toolkit-program/ The following music was used for this media project: Music: Afterparty Review by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2962-afterparty-review License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
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  • S3E7: Winter Wonders: Holiday Approaches in Childcare

    S3E7: Winter Wonders: Holiday Approaches in Childcare
    2025/12/16
    When holidays arrive in early childhood settings, they bring more than decorations and traditions; they bring stories, identities, and learning opportunities. Emily explores thoughtful approaches to navigating holidays with the director of Ruth Staples Child Development Lab, Jennifer Leeper Miller. Together, they discuss ways to support children’s development while honoring the diverse traditions, cultures, and knowledge families bring to the classroom. Listeners will hear practical ideas for engaging families as partners, creating developmentally appropriate experiences for children, and approaching the holiday season with intention, respect, and care. The following music was used for this media project: Music: Afterparty Review by Sascha Ende Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2962-afterparty-review License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license "Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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  • S3E6: The Power of Gratitude in our Work and Relationships

    S3E6: The Power of Gratitude in our Work and Relationships
    2025/11/25
    Gratitude is a powerful tool for strengthening relationships, boosting well-being, and creating healthier workplaces. Emily Manning and guest Dr. Holly Hatton dive into what gratitude looks like in action, especially when it’s woven into a program at the system level rather than left to chance. Together, they discuss how gratitude can strengthen relationships, reduce stress, and create more positive, connected environments for educators, children, and families. Listeners will walk away with tangible ideas for nurturing a more supportive, joyful, and resilient workplace grounded in gratitude.
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  • S3E5: From Tension to Teamwork- Adult Conflict in Early Childhood Settings

    S3E5: From Tension to Teamwork- Adult Conflict in Early Childhood Settings
    2025/11/18
    In this episode of The Good Life in Early Life, Emily is joined by returning guest and statewide Extension Educator Linda Reddish to explore how early childhood professionals can navigate conflict in the workplace with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Linda breaks down the four common types of conflict: task, process, interpersonal, and status. Then, she shares practical insights on why conflict arises, how our personal experiences shape our responses, and what it takes to approach difficult conversations effectively. Together, they discuss the importance of self-reflection, building strong professional relationships, and communicating with both accountability and kindness. Listeners will walk away with actionable strategies for engaging in healthier conversations that strengthen teamwork and promote positive work environments. Resources Managing Conflict in Everyday Life: https://extensionpubs.unl.edu/publication/g1696/2007/html/view Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott Nebraska Mediation Centers https://nebraskajudicial.gov/programs-services/mediation-restorative-justice/mediation-centers The following music was used for this media project:  Music: Afterparty Review by Sascha Ende  Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/2962-afterparty-review  License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license     "Wholesome" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)  Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License  http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 
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