Early Childhood Services' ELEVATE

About Early Childhood Services' ELEVATE

Unlock the magic of early childhood with ELEVATE—a podcast dedicated to empowering parents and educators with the knowledge and tools to nurture the next generation. Join DHHS as we dive deep into the County’s world of early childhood, exploring topics like developmental milestones, the power of play, effective parenting strategies, and the latest in early education. Each episode features local expert insights, real-life stories, and actionable advice, all aimed at helping you create a supportive and enriching environment for young children. Whether you’re a parent seeking guidance, a teacher looking for new ideas, or an advocate passionate about early childhood, ELEVATE offers something for everyone in Montgomery County. Tune in ELEVATE to stay informed, inspired, and connected to the vibrant community of early childhood enthusiasts. Together, let’s build a strong foundation for the future—one child at a time.

Publisher

Inette B. and Jennifer F.

Category

government

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Mar 2025

Latest episode

11 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

6 of 10 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   11 Aug 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Whole Child, Whole Family: The Impact of Head Start in Montgomery County

   Join hosts Inette Bolden and Jennifer Ferreira as they sit down with Charlene Marie Muhammad, MS, Program Manager of Birth to Five Head Start, to explore how Head Start supports children's learning, health, and overall well-being while strengthening families and communities. Charlene shares how Head Start provides comprehensive services that go beyond the classroom, helping children build a strong foundation for lifelong success through education, family engagement, health services, and commu...

2. 

   9 Jun 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Positive Solutions for Families: Simple Strategies for Family Success

   Hosts Inette Bolden and Jennifer Ferreira interview facilitators Asia Ewell and Saru Nithyanandam about positive parenting strategies that strengthen family bonds and foster children's social-emotional growth.

3. 

   14 Apr 2026TRANSCRIPT

   A Conversation About Building Healthy Minds from Birth

   Join hosts Inette Bolden and Jennifer Ferreira as they sit down with Dawn Iannaco-Hahn, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health specialist, to explore why mental health begins in the earliest years of life. They discuss how Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) focuses on relationships, emotional development, and the environments that shape young children’s well-being. Dawn breaks down common misconceptions, highlights the importance of...

4. 

   10 Feb 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Building Healthy Brains: What Families & Educators Should Know

   In this episode of the ELEVATE Podcast, hosts Inette Bolden and Jennifer Ferreira welcome Sylvia Hennessie, Early Childhood Coach, and Starr Stevenson, Child Care Health Consultant with Child Care Support Services, for an insightful conversation on early childhood brain development. Sylvia and Starr break down key concepts like brain architecture, serve-and-return interactions, and toxic stress, explaining how everyday moments—talking, playing, diapering, singing, and routines—shape a child’s...

5. 

   9 Dec 2025TRANSCRIPT

   Inside the Judy Centers: Building Strong Foundations for Early Learning

   Nichelle Owens and Jessica Blasic explain to Inette Bolden and Jennifer Ferreira how Judy Center Early Learning Hubs support school readiness through family-centered programs, developmental screenings, and playgroups in this interview.

6. 

   7 Oct 2025TRANSCRIPT

   Unlocking Child Care Support: Resources & Insights with Tamieka Thomasson

   Tamieka Thomasson, Program Manager III, discusses Child Care Support Services' mission to provide quality care and resources for families, as Jennifer Ferreira and Inette Bolden interview her about early childhood education.

7. 

   12 Aug 2025

   Building Blocks of Early Literacy: A Dive into Vital Skills with Maranda Schoppert

   Hosts Inette Bolden and Jennifer Ferreira interview Maranda Schoppert, Program Manager for Early Literacy, about the vital skills that build a child's foundation for reading.

8. 

   10 Jun 2025

   The Power of Early Intervention: Why Early Matters with Jill Ginsburg

   Jill Ginsburg explains the profound effects of early intervention services for children from birth to age three, offering insights into its support for families, in an interview with Inette Bolden and Jennifer Ferreria.

9. 

   8 Apr 2025

   Behind the Impact: A conversation with Jennifer Arnaiz on Early Childhood Services

   Join hosts Inette B. and Jennifer F. with special guest Jennifer Arnáiz, Administrator of Early Childhood Services. Discover the mission that drives Early Childhood Services, the specific goals Jennifer Arnáiz aims to achieve, and the challenges they face. Gain insights into what makes a great leader in early childhood and invaluable advice for aspiring professionals entering the field. Don’t miss this engaging conversation that promises to elevate your understanding of early childhood ...

10. 

    26 Mar 2025

    Welcome to ELEVATE Podcast

    Welcome to ELEVATE Podcast. Brought to you by Early Childhood Services, a program within Montgomery County Maryland’s Department of Health and Human Services, dedicated to empowering parents and educators alike with the knowledge and tools essential for nurturing the next generation.

Inside a recent episode

Whole Child, Whole Family: The Impact of Head Start in Montgomery County

Published 11 Aug 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] Thank you for having me. I'm excited to talk about the work we're doing. Let's start with the basics. For listeners who may be new to the concept, can you explain what Head Start is and what makes it such a unique program in early childhood education? Head Start in Montgomery County is a federally funded early childhood program that serves children ages three to five and their families. What makes it unique in our county is that it's not just a preschool classroom. It's a comprehensive support system. We focus on early learning, family well-being, health, mental health supports, and community connection. […]

Who has been a guest on Early Childhood Services' ELEVATE

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Asia Ewell
• Saru Nithyanandam
• Nichelle Owens
• Jessica Blasic
• Tamieka Thomasson

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 18 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

4

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

81

Questions about Early Childhood Services' ELEVATE