In this episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, hosts Crystal Loose and Aimee Ketchum welcome Rebecca Parlakian, Senior Director of Programs at ZERO TO THREE, one of the nation's leading organizations dedicated to ensuring that every baby and toddler has a strong start in life.

With more than two decades of experience supporting children, families, educators, and policymakers, Rebecca shares practical, research-based insights on how relationships, responsive caregiving, and everyday interactions shape children's development from birth through age three.

Together, they explore the power of co-regulation, helping adults "share their calm" with young children, fostering curiosity and early STEM learning, and creating meaningful learning opportunities during everyday routines. Rebecca also discusses the biggest challenges facing today's families, where she sees hope for the future, and the policy changes that could make the greatest difference for young children over the next decade.

Listeners will learn how simple moments—reading a book, asking a question, sharing a laugh, or responding to a child's emotions—can have a profound impact on brain development, emotional well-being, and lifelong learning.

• Why the first three years are critical for brain development
• How co-regulation helps children develop emotional resilience
• Practical strategies for supporting infants and toddlers during stressful moments
• Everyday ways to encourage curiosity, learning, and STEM thinking
• How parents and educators can nurture development without overscheduling children
• The advocacy work of ZERO TO THREE and its impact on families
• Resources available through ZERO TO THREE for parents and professionals
• Insights from Rocking and Rolling, ZERO TO THREE's trusted parenting resource
• The policy changes that could transform outcomes for babies and families

Rebecca Parlakian on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-parlakian

ZERO TO THREE:
https://www.zerotothree.org

Rocking and Rolling Parenting Resources:
https://www.zerotothree.org/resource-type/rocking-and-rolling

Word Wonders Early Language and Literacy Curriculum:
https://www.zerotothree.org

Rebecca will be presenting two exciting sessions at the upcoming LEARN Conference in Portland, Oregon:

• Introducing Word Wonders, a new FREE early language and literacy curriculum grounded in the Science of Reading

• Revealing findings from ZERO TO THREE's NEW 2026 National Parent Survey

Learn more and register:

https://learnconference.org

In This Episode:Learn MoreJoin Rebecca at the 2026 LEARN Conference

In this powerful episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, Crystal Loose and Aimee Ketchum sit down with behavior and human development expert Dr. Jarmel Bell to explore the deeper “why” behind children’s behavior. Drawing from over 16 years of experience working in schools, juvenile detention centers, and resilience programs, Dr. Bell shares how trauma-informed and connection-centered practices can transform the way adults support children.

Together, they discuss why trauma-informed care is not about asking “What’s wrong with this child?” but instead understanding “What has this child experienced?” Dr. Bell explains how identity, emotional awareness, relationships, and environment all shape behavior—and how educators and caregivers can respond with empathy, consistency, and practical strategies.

Listeners will learn:

• How trauma-informed practices improve classroom management
• What adults can do in the moment when a child is upset or dysregulated
• Why helping children build a strong sense of identity matters
• How the “I Am Me” program supports emotional intelligence and resilience
• Ways teachers and schools can create safer, more connected learning environments

Whether you’re a parent, educator, therapist, or administrator, this episode offers actionable insights to help children feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Learn more about Dr. Jarmel Bell and Bell’s Education:
🌱 Website: https://www.bellseducation.com/
🌱 About the I Am Me Program: https://www.bellseducation.com/about
🌱 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarmel-bell

What if kindergarten didn't begin on the first day of school, but months before? In this episode of Plant the Seed of Learning, pediatric occupational therapist Dr. Aimee Ketchum and professor of education Dr. Crystal Loose welcome Valerie Williams, kindergarten transition leader at Trying Together, whose career has spanned the arts, education, nonprofit leadership, and public policy.

Val shares how her unique journey shaped her passion for helping children and families navigate the transition to kindergarten. Together, they explore what kindergarten readiness really means, why every child is ready to learn, and how successful transitions require more than prepared children. They require prepared families, schools, and communities. The conversation highlights Pittsburgh's nationally recognized Hi5 Kindergarten Transition model, the annual Kindergarten, Here I Come! event, and practical ways libraries, pediatricians, childcare programs, businesses, and educators can work together to give every child the best possible start.

Whether you're a parent wondering how to prepare your child, an educator supporting incoming students, or a community leader looking to strengthen early childhood partnerships, this episode offers practical ideas and an inspiring reminder that kindergarten readiness is everyone's responsibility.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why kindergarten transition begins long before the first day of school.
• What kindergarten readiness really means and why it's about more than academics.
• Why every child is ready to learn, even if they develop at different rates.
• How communities can work together to support children and families.
• What makes the Hi5 Kindergarten Transition model a national example.
• Simple, meaningful ways parents can prepare their child for kindergarten this summer.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/valwilliamspgh

Songs for Young Whippersnappers on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@songsforyoungwhippersnappe5084?si=ZfaZAx1PWig4vDuE

If you'd like to connect to the HI5 Kindergarten Transition Network you can join their free Professional Learning Community which meets 6x/year virtually on zoom by registering HERE. To reach Hi5, email: Hi5@tryingtogether.org

Val's Book! : Dilber the Cranky Banana

Links to Informatoin Discussed on this Episode: