Preschool and Beyond Podcast
Practical conversations with teachers, researchers, and early childhood experts for parents of preschoolers. Guests include North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson, Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, and Rae Pica.
Featured episode
Start here for what Discovery means by learning through play and how to bring it home.
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Why play is essential and how families can bring more of it home.
Active learning and movement to prevent behavior issues.
Why advocacy matters for families, educators, and communities.
Building patience, problem-solving, and independence.
Understanding families’ rights and supports in education.
Helping preschoolers name and navigate feelings.
Movement, intrinsic motivation, and developmentally appropriate practice.
Listen on Spreaker (site page coming soon).
Routines and transitions for a confident start.
Resilience, insight, empathy, and balance at home.
Listen on Spreaker (site page coming soon).
Tips families can start using right away.
Supporting two languages in early childhood.
Calmer approaches that strengthen relationships.
Milestones and early support strategies.
Understanding behavior and supporting growth.
What to watch for and how to help.
Make meals healthier and more enjoyable.
Setting limits and changing unhelpful dynamics at home.
Tools that help young children manage big feelings.
Why being too clean may harm kids.
How top-tier programs set children up to thrive.
Considerations for starting school ahead of schedule.
Nurturing positive bonds at home.
(Temporarily linked to Ep 24 page — update when Ep 25 page is ready.)
Preparing for productive conversations with teachers.
Helping kids step up with confidence.
Ways to support worried kids and build coping skills.
Key documents and decisions for families with young children.
Collaborative, compassionate approaches that work.
Using technology effectively at home.
Practical language strategies for everyday moments.
Considering whether to delay kindergarten start.
Simple practices to reduce stress and increase connection.
Keeping kids and pets safe—and happy—together.
Support strategies for quieter, sensitive kids.
Compassionate approaches that truly teach.
Kitchen activities that build skills and confidence.
Keeping play fresh without buying more toys.
Make the process smoother for kids and parents.
How music supports language, movement, and joy.
Routines that help families get better rest.
Sleep foundations for preschoolers and families.
Why outdoor time and nature play matter.
Identifying needs and supporting advanced learners.
Growing a love of books and stories.
Practical ways to build attentive, respectful communication.
Helping preschoolers take on new responsibilities with confidence.
Preparing your child and family for a confident start.
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Dr. Laura Markham, author of "Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings" discusses ways parents can help support positive relationships between siblings.
Kindergarten teachers Aileen Clougherty and Scott Larson discuss ways to prepare children for Kindergarten, and how parents can best support them during school year.
New York Times Best Selling Author, Dr Ross Greene shares strategies to support children with behavioral challenges.
Dr. Gabriela Stein and Discovery Director Dr. Alejandra Livas- Dlott discuss the pros and cons of having students wait an additional year before kindergarten.
Dr Gabriela Stein returns to the podcast to discuss shyness in children, and ways parents can support their social development.
Kara Curtis of First Daze and Nightzzz, is our guest this week to discuss how toy rotation can help keep your home organized.
Dr Alejandra Livas - Dlott, Director of Discovery Child chats with Mike about public and private school options and how to choose an elementary school.
Gifted Educator Lissy Wood shares her experiences identifying and working with academically gifted children.
Pre-K teacher Courtney Garver joins the podcast to discuss ways to foster independence in preschool children.
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Dr. Suzanne Bouffard, author of "The Most Important Year: Pre-K and the Future of Our Children" discusses her research on why high quality programs are so valuable.
Dr. Heather Lampel of the Cary Dermatology joins us to discuss how to keep children safe while they are outdoors enjoying the sun.
Dr. Kristin Olson discusses anxiety in young children, and offers ways parents and caregivers can help children manage it.
Mike is joined by Courtenay Garver and former school technology integration specialist, Ann Marie Dlott, to discuss how to use technology effectively at home.
Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, co-author of the NY Times bestseller, "No Drama Discipline" discusses the importance of discipline from a teaching and learning perspective.
Melissa Stephenson, preschool teacher at Discovery discusses ways to make the potty training process as smooth as possible for both the child and the parents.
Pam Diamond, baby sleep whisper and owner of First Daze & Nightzzz talks about common sleep problems and solutions to getting your child a full night's sleep.
Dr. Alejandra Livas-Dlott share ways and recommendations for helping children become excited about books.
Preschool teacher, Kate Curran discusses ways to help make the transition to school as smooth as possible.
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Lara Kelly talks about importance of learning self-regulation and strategies to help children develop skills to manage their bodies, emotions, focus, and attention.
Dr. Kristen Wynns of Wynns Family Psychology in Cary, NC discusses the process of early entry into Kindergarten and factors parents should weigh when considering early entry.
Sarah Coeyman returns to Discovery to discuss how families can get the most out of parent teacher conference. Sarah is currently a teacher at Green Hope Elementary School in Cary.
Attorney Orly Reznik of Reznik Law in Cary, North Carolina joins us to discuss wills and estate planning, and why preparing for un-forseen events is so important for families with young children.
Authors Joanna Faber and Julie King discuss their new book on how to talk so little kids will listen.
Dr. Erik Strunck of Grace Park Animal Hospital in Morrisville visits the podcast to discuss pets in homes with preschoolers and toddlers and how to keep children and pets safe.
Tammy Herr of Flour Power Kids Cooking Studios in Cary, NC joins us to talk about involving children in meal preparation, and other tips to help develop healthy eating habits.
Jessica Jenkins Davis, Director of the Community School of Music chats with Mike about benefits of music and how to introduce and instrument to your preschooler.
Joanna Snyder of Lawrence Hall of Science, joins us to talk about the importance of connecting children with nature and tips on how your family can get started outdoors.
Dr. Gabriela Stein discusses ways to improve your child's listening and increase their compliance.
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