Show 27: Early Education in Alaska

IN-STUDIO GUESTS: If you follow the latest parenting or science news you've heard about the incredible ways that children ages 0-5 are capable of learning. During this crucial time it's parents and caregivers who can do so much to teach their little ones. Host Shana Sheehy speaks with Mike Hanley, the new Commissioner of the Dept of Early Education and Development, and with Shirley Pittz, Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Coordinator at the Alaska Office of Children's Services about what the state is doing to support very early education.

DID YOU KNOW? It's the Week of the Young Child April 10-16! Celebrate your little ones by signing them up for the Alaska Imagination Library to receive one book a month from birth to age 5 (that's 60 free books!), and by attending the kick-off Family Activities Fair next Saturday at the Spenard Rec Center. Check our Calendar for more info.

FEATURED STORIES: Best Beginnings is a statewide movement that aims to spread the word that parents can teach their little ones ages 0-5 at home - just by reading, singing and talking to them. Executive Director, Abbe Hensley, spoke with producer, Sarah Gonzales, about the work they’re doing in over seventy communities throughout Alaska to help very young children learn. Check out their website for family early learning activity guides.

Along with reading, writing, math and science, Alaska has state standards for the Arts. Studies show that in art-rich settings school attendance rates are higher and kids report more positive feelings about school. Contributor Jessica Cochran speaks with artists in the schools and reports on some of the programs designed to increase access to the arts in Alaska schools.

The things we learn when we're young stay with us throughout our whole lives. Even if you don't remember the name of your kindergarten teacher, chances are you have at least one strong memory of when you started school. Kristin Spack asked a few adults what they recall of their early school days for a new installment of “When I Was Young”.