Show 27: Early Education in Alaska

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. Today we're exploring the amazing world of infant and toddler learning and the ways in which we can all help them explore, discover and learn about the world around them.

IN-STUDIO GUESTS: Joining KTD Host Shana Sheehy in the studio are two guests.

• Mike Hanley is the Commissioner of the Dept of Early Education and Development.

• Shirley Pittz is the Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Coordinator at the Alaska Office of Children's Services.

DID YOU KNOW? You can foster of love of reading in your little ones by signing them up for the Alaska Imagination Library. They'll receive one book a month from birth to age 5 (that's 60 free books!).

FEATURED STORIES:

- Helping Kids Start Strong - 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 KTD 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.

- Alaska's Standards for Arts Education - 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. KTD 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.

-When I Was Young: Remembering Kindergarten - 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 this installment of “When I Was Young”. [Full story]