Join 0-5 experts, rural county lovers and First 5 Executive Directors Wendy (Shasta) and Heidi (Tehama) as they showcase local 0-5 resources, tell the amazing stories of our North-state champions for children and unpack how we can continue to make a difference for young children and families. Be prepared to laugh, learn and feel inspired by your community.
Champions for NorCal Kids
Claim This Podcastby Wendy Dickens and Heidi Mendenhall
4.8(6 reviews)
117 episodes
Updated Bi-weekly
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸
47
Podcast Authority
BetaFairBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality70
Social0
YouTube0
Engagement60
Podcast Overview
Join 0-5 experts, rural county lovers and First 5 Executive Directors Wendy (Shasta) and Heidi (Tehama) as they showcase local 0-5 resources, tell the amazing stories of our North-state champions for children and unpack how we can continue to make a difference for young children and families. Be prepared to laugh, learn and feel inspired by your community.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
10/19/2020
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47
Podcast Authority
BetaFairBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality70
Social0
YouTube0
Engagement60
7
Excellent Areas
1
Good Performance
11
Growth Opportunities
excellent
Episode Length
27 minutes
Performing excellently!
good
iTunes Tags
6.5/10
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needs improvement
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Every 16 days
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Recent Episodes
August 3, 2026
What's in the News? California Budget, Diapers and the Importance of "One Small Thing"
<p>California just passed a new state budget. So, what does it actually mean for babies, young children, parents and child-care providers in Northern California? </p><p>In this episode, we discuss that and more. For families, keep trying to enroll in child care. Even if there is a waitlist, add your name. Use the SCOE Child Care Resource and Referral website to look for care, or reach out to Help Me Grow if you need support finding options.<br></p><p>Share with us: What's one small thing someone has helped you with postpartum or that you have done for someone else postpartum?</p><p>And please keep sharing your stories. Your experience matters, and your voice helps show what families really need.</p>
February 5, 2026
From AI to Hopeville: Why Rural Literacy Is Still a Human Story
<p>In a world racing from <strong>AI to algorithms</strong>, this episode of Champions for NorCal Kids reminds us that literacy still starts somewhere much more familiar: <strong>homes, classrooms, libraries, and small towns</strong>.</p><p>We sit down with <strong>Kathy Garcia</strong>, Executive Director of <strong>Expect More Tehama</strong>, to talk honestly about the <strong>raw data behind literacy outcomes</strong>, the challenges rural communities face, and the better side of rural work that doesn’t always make headlines: deep relationships, shared responsibility, and communities that refuse to give up on their kids.</p><p>This conversation connects Tehama County’s literacy movement to the broader <strong>North State</strong>, showing how local action, aligned systems, and committed partners can shift outcomes. Not with hype, but with heart, strategy, and persistence.</p><p>Because in rural communities, literacy isn’t a trend... It’s a promise.</p>
January 23, 2026
Early Literacy + AI Hot Takes on Rural Literacy!
<p>In this episode of NorCal Champions for Kids, we’re breaking new ground on a topic that matters for families, educators, and community champions across Northern California: <strong>Early Literacy in Rural Communities</strong>.</p><p>We dive deep into provocative conversations and bold questions, the kind that make you rethink assumptions and spark action.</p><p><strong>Hot Take #1: “Book deserts hit rural communities harder than food deserts — but we talk about them less.”</strong></p><p><br>In cities and towns across the country, discussions about food deserts have dominated headlines and policy actions. But what about book deserts, places where families struggle to access books, reading materials, and literacy resources? We explore:</p><ul><li><p>Why book access is essential infrastructure for children’s development.</p></li><li><p>How limited access to books affects vocabulary growth, school readiness, and lifelong learning.</p></li><li><p>What it means for rural counties like Shasta and Tehama — where long distances, few libraries, and limited bookstores create real barriers families face every day.</p></li></ul><p> <strong>Hot Take #2: “Home literacy matters more than preschool literacy in rural communities.”</strong></p><p><br>Formal preschool programs are vital, but what happens when they simply aren’t accessible due to geography, cost, or capacity? In rural places, early literacy often starts at home. So should we rethink where and how we invest?<br>We unpack:</p><ul><li><p>The case for parent coaching over classroom hours alone.</p></li><li><p>The power of book distribution programs and in-home reading support.</p></li><li><p>How home visiting programs can meet families where they are — literally and figuratively.</p></li><li><p>Whether funding should pivot to support literacy strategies that work within rural realities, not just urban models.</p></li></ul><p> <strong>We also explore questions like:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Is access to books a civil right?</p></li><li><p>Can community champions step in where systems fall short?</p></li><li><p>How can innovative programs create literacy ecosystems rooted in rural strengths rather than deficits?</p></li></ul><p>Whether you’re a parent, educator, policymaker, or community supporter, this episode will give you new ways to think, and act, on early literacy for every child, everywhere.</p><p> Tune in, join the conversation, and help us champion a future where every child in NorCal has the books, support, and opportunities they deserve.</p>
117 total episodes available
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First 5 Executive Directors of First 5 Shasta and First 5 Tehama
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Champions for NorCal Kids?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates bi-weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 8 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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