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Napcast

Napcast

By Michael S Browne

Napcast is a podcast designed to help you learn on the go, hear another perspective, spark debate, agree incessantly, and honestly, remind you that you’re not alone. We live in a complex world, so allow us to challenge your orientation with words, thoughts, advice, and the perspective of two male early childhood educators of color.
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Napcast Ep48 - Joy and Healing Through Male Engagement

NapcastFeb 06, 2024

00:00
38:37
Napcast Ep48 - Joy and Healing Through Male Engagement

Napcast Ep48 - Joy and Healing Through Male Engagement

When we (un)intentionally push fathers and father-like figures to the side, we fail to recognize the impact that male figures have on a child’s life. It means we ignore the contributions and life lessons being taught in the shop as our barber cuts our hair. It means we ignore the lessons we learn about brotherhood after we see the older boys in the hood stand up for you after a bully knocks us down. It means that we don't matter. In order to disrupt the hurtful and false narrative of the absent father, we must take a look at what joy and healing looks like for male engagement. Join us as we discuss the false narratives that influence males participation in the lives of young children and work to reclaim our roles as loving, caring, and compassionate fathers, father-like figures, community members, educators, and males.

Interested in bringing Nick and Mike to your community? Got an idea for an episode? Have some comments? Email us at napcast206.com and let’s talk! 

Feb 06, 202438:37
Napcast Ep47 - Teaching US History To Young Children

Napcast Ep47 - Teaching US History To Young Children

Raise a hand if you’ve been asked by a preschooler, what’s a colonizer? No? Just us? Well, in this episode we talk about how we can teach US history to young children that isn’t whitewashed or appropriated. Using the truth to share valuable lessons, introduce unique new concepts and lay a foundation for further learning exploration, we share a story of how we used place based learning strategies to not bring shame to people but to Indigenous our curriculum. Join Nick and Mike as we kick off a brand new season of Napcast in with a bang! Got an idea for an episode? Have some comments? Or you want to be featured in one? Email us at napcast206.com and let’s talk! 

Jan 09, 202435:46
Napcast Ep46 - Why Won't They Eat?

Napcast Ep46 - Why Won't They Eat?

You'll sit there until you finish your food. Raise your hand if you ever heard that before. As you may know, getting children to eat can sometimes be a difficult task. But before you go to war with them to get them to clear their plate, have you ever stopped and wondered why they have a preferred taste? In this episode, we chat about how and why it could be more than just them being a picky eater. We explore the cultural-social-spiritual reasons why children might not have a healthy relationship with food and ways we can counteract that. If you're in need of some nourishment, you've come to the right place. Join us as we nourish our minds, bodies, and souls to help restore children's relationship with their foods and customs. *Interested in learning more about this from Nick and Mike? Reach out to napcast206@gmail.com to inquire about their workshop titled "Nourishing Our Spirits, Feeding Our Souls"*


Since meeting over 5 years ago at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute in Seattle, WA (Coast Salish Territory), Nick Terrones (he/him) and Mike Browne (he/him) have been working towards a critical reimagination of ECE spaces for BIPOC educators and youth. In 2020, they teamed up to deliver a podcast titled Napcast, where they explore the intersection of early childhood education with race, identity, and culture. Now in new roles, Nick as the Program Director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes, and Mike, Sr. Director of Community Engagement at Cultivate Learning, they combine their experience from their time in the classroom with their insights as ECE leaders in order to challenge your perspective on the ways we teach, play, and love society's youngest citizens. Please share your questions, comments, and thoughts at our new email address - Napcast206@gmail.com

Jul 17, 202344:13
Napcast Ep45 - Toddler and Preschool-Readiness

Napcast Ep45 - Toddler and Preschool-Readiness

Kindergarten Readiness. The term we all hold so dear. But instead of focusing on the future, how about we focus on the here and now? Have you ever wondered what does toddler-readiness look like? What about preschool-readiness? In this episode we chat about what we hope infant educators do to make young children ready for the terrific twos and what toddler educators would do to make them ready for preschool. Join us as we wonder, think, and play as we develop and learn how to best support each other and the children in our lives.


Since meeting over 5 years ago at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute in Seattle, WA (Coast Salish Territory), Nick Terrones (he/him) and Mike Browne (he/him) have been working towards a critical reimagination of ECE spaces for BIPOC educators and youth. In 2020, they teamed up to deliver a podcast titled Napcast, where they explore the intersection of early childhood education with race, identity, and culture. Now in new roles, Nick as the Program Director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes, and Mike, Sr. Director of Community Engagement at Cultivate Learning, they combine their experience from their time in the classroom with their insights as ECE leaders in order to challenge your perspective on the ways we teach, play, and love society's youngest citizens. Please share your questions, comments, and thoughts at our new email address - Napcast206@gmail.com


Jun 21, 202337:41
Napcast Ep44 - Talking Justice Without Saying The Word Justice

Napcast Ep44 - Talking Justice Without Saying The Word Justice

In some states, regions, and programs, the word "equity" and "justice" are not allowed. So, how can you talk about concepts of fairness, justice, and equity without jeopardizing your job? Inspired by Dr. Barbara Cooper's decision to step down as Secretary of Education in Alabama rather than change her beliefs about teaching for justice, Nick and Mike speculate about how early childhood educators can talk about gender, environmental, and immigration justice with young children without saying the word justice. Join us as we continue to evolve as reflective, social-justice educators.

Since meeting over 5 years ago at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute in Seattle, WA (Coast Salish Territory), Nick Terrones (he/him) and Mike Browne (he/him) have been working towards a critical reimagination of ECE spaces for BIPOC educators and youth. In 2020, they teamed up to deliver a podcast titled Napcast, where they explore the intersection of early childhood education with race, identity, and culture. Now in new roles, Nick as the Program Director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes, and Mike, Sr. Director of Community Engagement at Cultivate Learning, they combine their experience from their time in the classroom with their insights as ECE leaders in order to challenge your perspective on the ways we teach, play, and love society's youngest citizens. Please share your questions, comments, and thoughts at our new email address - Napcast206@gmail.com


May 15, 202344:56
Napcast Ep43 - Listening To The Heartbeat Of Water

Napcast Ep43 - Listening To The Heartbeat Of Water

What role does water play in your life? In today's episode, Nick and Mike talk about the role that water plays in our lives as BIPOCs (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and as early childhood educators. We talk about our relationship with water, the ways water can restore us, the various ways children interact it with, and the important role it has in all of our lives. Join us as we listen to the heartbeat of water.

Since meeting over 5 years ago at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute in Seattle, WA (Coast Salish Territory), Nick Terrones (he/him) and Mike Browne (he/him) have been working towards a critical reimagination of ECE spaces for BIPOC educators and youth. In 2020, they teamed up to deliver a podcast titled Napcast, where they explore the intersection of early childhood education with race, identity, and culture. Now in new roles, Nick as the Program Director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes, and Mike, Sr. Director of Community Engagement at Cultivate Learning, they combine their experience from their time in the classroom with their insights as ECE leaders in order to challenge your perspective on the ways we teach, play, and love society's youngest citizens. Please share your questions, comments, and thoughts at our new email address - Napcast206@gmail.com

Apr 17, 202323:29
Napcast Ep42 - Our Relationship With Gaia

Napcast Ep42 - Our Relationship With Gaia

You might think that nature, art, and SEL are separate things but they aren't... It's actually a family affair! Chatting with writer, pianist, and environmental justice educator, Sylvia Hadnot (she/they), we learn why and how when we connect children to Mother Earth and Father Sky we are actually connecting them to the entire universe. Using storytelling to drop knowledge on how we can build relationships, advance social justice, and tear down systems with young children, we'll spend this hour watering our roots and fertilizing our souls to continue nurturing our relationship with Gaia. Check out Sylvia's website and book at haseverything.co

Since meeting over 5 years ago at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute in Seattle, WA (Coast Salish Territory), Nick Terrones (he/him) and Mike Browne (he/him) have been working towards a critical reimagination of ECE spaces for BIPOC educators and youth. In 2020, they teamed up to deliver a podcast titled Napcast, where they explore the intersection of early childhood education with race, identity, and culture. Now in new roles, Nick as the Program Director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes, and Mike, Sr. Director of Community Engagement at Cultivate Learning, they combine their experience from their time in the classroom with their insights as ECE leaders in order to challenge your perspective on the ways we teach, play, and love society's youngest citizens. Please share your questions, comments, and thoughts at our new email address - Napcast206@gmail.com

Mar 07, 202301:10:03
Napcast Ep41 - Let's Hear It For The Boys

Napcast Ep41 - Let's Hear It For The Boys

In this keynote to the Los Angeles Community College District, Nick (he/him) and Mike (he/him), sends a message of resistance to the early childhood educators living and thriving in this region. For 90 minutes, we share our thoughts on how we as male educators of color are resisting racist and sexist curriculum,  policy that pigeonholes us, and the interactions in our learning environments that kills our Black and Brown children's dreams. Join us as we continue to challenge you and ourselves to be a bit more vulnerable, honest, and anti-racist.  

Since meeting over 5 years ago at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute in Seattle, WA (Coast Salish Territory), Nick Terrones (he/him) and Mike Browne (he/him) have been working towards a critical reimagination of ECE spaces for BIPOC educators and youth. In 2020, they teamed up to deliver a podcast titled Napcast, where they explore the intersection of early childhood education with race, identity, and culture. Now in new roles, Nick as the Program Director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes, and Mike, Sr. Director of Community Engagement at Cultivate Learning, they combine their experience from their time in the classroom with their insights as ECE leaders in order to challenge your perspective on the ways we teach, play, and love society's youngest citizens. Please share your questions, comments, and thoughts at our new email address - Napcast206@gmail.com

Jan 10, 202301:28:06
Napcast Ep40 - Lessons from Brazil

Napcast Ep40 - Lessons from Brazil

Professionalism isn't for our safety, it's to contain us, constrain us, assimilate us into a white narrative. And so how do we fight back? How do we allow our culture to wash over us and restore us? As we sit and conversate with Joana (she/ela), a former nanny turned DEI practioner who hails from Brazil, we chat about how we can raise and rear children from the joys and strengths of their culture. Join us as we hear lessons and stories from Brazil. 

Since meeting over 5 years ago at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute in Seattle, WA (Coast Salish Territory), Nick Terrones (he/him) and Mike Browne (he/him) have been working towards a critical reimagination of ECE spaces for BIPOC educators and youth. In 2020, they teamed up to deliver a podcast titled Napcast, where they explore the intersection of early childhood education with race, identity, and culture. Now in new roles, Nick as the Program Director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes, and Mike, Sr. Director of Community Engagement at Cultivate Learning, they combine their experience from their time in the classroom with their insights as ECE leaders in order to challenge your perspective on the ways we teach, play, and love society's youngest citizens. Please share your questions, comments, and thoughts at our new email address - Napcast206@gmail.com

Oct 25, 202245:28
Napcast Ep39 - What is "Normal" Anyways Part 2

Napcast Ep39 - What is "Normal" Anyways Part 2

Coming back for part 2 of 2, we continue our conversation with our colleague Suzette (she/they), an educator, mother, and advocate who currently serves as the Senior Education Specialist for the City of Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning. In this episode, you'll hear our thoughts around how we can create space for different needs and abilities, what healing for neurodiverse people could look like, and what we want to see in an equitable world. If you haven't listened to part 1, go back and listen!

Since meeting over 5 years ago at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute in Seattle, WA (Coast Salish Territory), Nick Terrones (he/him) and Mike Browne (he/him) have been working towards a critical reimagination of ECE spaces for BIPOC educators and youth. In 2020, they teamed up to deliver a podcast titled Napcast, where they explore the intersection of early childhood education with race, identity, and culture. Now in new roles, Nick as the Program Director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes, and Mike, Sr. Director of Community Engagement at Cultivate Learning, they combine their experience from their time in the classroom with their insights as ECE leaders in order to challenge your perspective on the ways we teach, play, and love society's youngest citizens. Please share your questions, comments, and thoughts at our new email address - Napcast206@gmail.com

Sep 19, 202251:36
Napcast Ep38 - What is "Normal" Anyways? Part 1

Napcast Ep38 - What is "Normal" Anyways? Part 1

Go outside and look at the trees, the sea life, the people you see. What do you notice? Each day we witness, marvel at, and celebrate the bio and cultural diversity of our world. But what about the diversity we can't quite see? How do we celebrate the diversity of our brains? In part 1 of 2, we chat with our colleague Suzette (she/they), an educator, mother, and advocate who currently serves as the Senior Education Specialist for the City of Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning. In this episode, you'll hear a multitude of thoughts including how neurodiversity is an identity, the many different strengths of neurodiverse children, and the damage that can be done if we continue to minimize their lived experiences in our early learning environments. 

Since meeting over 5 years ago at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute in Seattle, WA (Coast Salish Territory), Nick Terrones (he/him) and Mike Browne (he/him) have been working towards a critical reimagination of ECE spaces for BIPOC educators and youth. In 2020, they teamed up to deliver a podcast titled Napcast, where they explore the intersection of early childhood education with race, identity, and culture. Now in new roles, Nick as the Program Director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes, and Mike, Sr. Director of Community Engagement at Cultivate Learning, they combine their experience from their time in the classroom with their insights as ECE leaders in order to challenge your perspective on the ways we teach, play, and love society's youngest citizens. Please share your questions, comments, and thoughts at our new email address - Napcast206@gmail.com

Aug 29, 202245:37
Napcast Ep37 - My Body is a Boy, But I'm a Girl

Napcast Ep37 - My Body is a Boy, But I'm a Girl

"Dear Mike and Nick - Thank you for your conversations and your podcast. It's so refreshing hearing two male educators in our profession. I have a question though, do our toddlers really need to / have the capacity to be hearing about gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and reproductive organs?" 

In this episode, we explore this question we received the other day by unpacking and reflecting on two conversations we've had with young children about gender and sexual anatomies. Touching upon other closely related topics such as bodily consent, we'll give our rationale around why it's not just important to talk about these things with young children, but why it's necessary if we aim to create a society where all is heard, seen, validated, loved and cared for. Join us as we complicate ours and our children’s thinking on what people can or cannot do, be, or wear.

Since meeting over 5 years ago at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute in Seattle, WA (Coast Salish Territory), Nick Terrones (he/him) and Mike Browne (he/him) have been working towards a critical reimagination of ECE spaces for BIPOC educators and youth. In 2020, they teamed up to deliver a podcast titled Napcast, where they explore the intersection of early childhood education with race, identity, and culture. Now in new roles, Nick as the Program Director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes, and Mike, Sr. Director of Community Engagement at Cultivate Learning, they combine their experience from their time in the classroom with their insights as ECE leaders in order to challenge your perspective on the ways we teach, play, and love society's youngest citizens. Please share your questions, comments, and thoughts at our new email address - Napcast206@gmail.com

Aug 15, 202201:18:56
Napcast Ep36 - Preschool Graduation and Life Transitions Part 2

Napcast Ep36 - Preschool Graduation and Life Transitions Part 2

Did you hear about the change of scenery Mike had in part 1 of 2? Head back there and check it out if you haven't! Then join us for Part 2 as Napcast co-hosts, Nick (he/him), and Mike (he/him), focuses on how we can support toddlers, preschoolers, and that new colleague of yours as they transition into new learning environments and deal with all the emotions that comes with it.  

Since meeting over 5 years ago at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute in Seattle, WA (Coast Salish Territory), Nick Terrones (he/him) and Mike Browne (he/him) have been working towards a critical reimagination of ECE spaces for BIPOC educators and youth. In 2020, they teamed up to deliver a podcast titled Napcast, where they explore the intersection of early childhood education with race, identity, and culture. Now in new roles, Nick as the Program Director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes, and Mike, Sr. Director of Community Engagement at Cultivate Learning, they combine their experience from their time in the classroom with their insights as ECE leaders in order to challenge your perspective on the ways we teach, play, and love society's youngest citizens. Please share your questions, comments, and thoughts at our new email address - Napcast206@gmail.com

Jul 25, 202252:01
Napcast Ep35 - Preschool Graduation and Life Transitions Part 1

Napcast Ep35 - Preschool Graduation and Life Transitions Part 1

It was roughly 18 months ago that Nick underwent a major life transition... now its Mike's turn. In part 1 of 2, Napcast co-hosts, Nick (he/him), and Mike (he/him), chats about the emotions that comes up when adults transitions to a new phase of their lives and lays the foundation for part 2 which will focus on what preschoolers may feel as they graduate and move onto Kindergarten. 

Since meeting over 5 years ago at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute in Seattle, WA (Coast Salish Territory), Nick Terrones (he/him) and Mike Browne (he/him) have been working towards a critical reimagination of ECE spaces for BIPOC educators and youth. In 2020, they teamed up to deliver a podcast titled Napcast, where they explore the intersection of early childhood education with race, identity, and culture. Now in new roles, Nick as the Program Director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes, and Mike, Sr. Director of Community Engagement at Cultivate Learning, they combine their experience from their time in the classroom with their insights as ECE leaders in order to challenge your perspective on the ways we teach, play, and love society's youngest citizens. Please share your questions, comments, and thoughts at our new email address - Napcast206@gmail.com 

Jul 11, 202227:09
Napcast Ep34 - Supporting the Black Birthing Experience

Napcast Ep34 - Supporting the Black Birthing Experience

America is failing Black birthing people. And so, when we talk about Reproductive Justice we need to include not just the right to bodily autonomy, but also the systems needed so that this person's health is centered throughout their birthing journey. Joined by Stephaine Courtney M.Ed (she/her), the Executive Director of The Learning Project Network (https://www.tlptraining.com/), Nick and Mike discuss what culturally sustaining mental, family, and reproductive support looks like, the role Early Childhood Education can play in Postpartum depression, and what does intergenerational healing look like for birthing folxs. 

About the co-host

Since meeting over 5 years ago at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute in Seattle, WA (Coast Salish Territory), Nick Terrones (he/him) and Mike Browne (he/him) have been working towards a critical reimagination of ECE spaces for BIPOC educators and youth. In 2020, they teamed up to deliver a podcast titled Napcast, where they explore the intersection of early childhood education with race, identity, and culture. Now in new roles, Nick as the Program Director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes, and Mike, Sr. Director of Community Engagement at Cultivate Learning, they combine their experience from their time in the classroom with their insights as ECE leaders in order to challenge your perspective on the ways we teach, play, and love society's youngest citizens. 

May 23, 202258:17
Napcast Ep33 - Copy and Paste

Napcast Ep33 - Copy and Paste

This wasn't supposed to be an episode. It was supposed to be a meet and greet. But when you hear something so profound, you have to run with it right? That's what happened in this episode. Nick and I had a chat with Kristie Norwood (she/her), Education Manager living and working as an Early Childhood Professional in Chicago, IL. In this episode, we share a small portion of our conversation around Reggio, ECE, and White Supremacy and how a copy and paste approach to ECE just doesn't work. Join us for 30 minutes of reflections, thoughts, and good company. Explicit language used inside.

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA (Duwamish Territory). He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute in Seattle, WA (Duwamish Territory). He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

May 02, 202239:34
Napcast Ep32 - The Right "Fit" Part 2

Napcast Ep32 - The Right "Fit" Part 2

In this episode, Napcast co-hosts Nick (he/him) and Mike (he/him), continues their conversation on how we can create an organizational culture in which your values align with your mission which aligns with your vision. If you missed Part 1, go back and listen to it! This is Part 2 of 2. 

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA (Duwamish Territory). He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute in Seattle, WA (Duwamish Territory). He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Apr 11, 202229:30
Napcast Ep31 - The Right "Fit" Part 1

Napcast Ep31 - The Right "Fit" Part 1

Building a new culture and organizational structure is a hard and tricky thing. How are you as a leader, being open to feedback? How are you, as an educator, inviting change into your program? How does this impact the community at large? In this episode, Napcast co-hosts Nick (he/him) and Mike (he/him), shares their thoughts on culture, change management, and the flexibility needed to thrive in 2022 and beyond. Join them as we reflect together and share with one another, ways we can build a successful and healthy work culture where everyone is valued and validated. This is Part 1 of 2. 

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA (Duwamish Territory). He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute in Seattle, WA (Duwamish Territory). He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Mar 21, 202238:40
Napcast Ep30 - The Sabetours

Napcast Ep30 - The Sabetours

Am I good enough? That feels like a question that we've all asked ourselves before. But have we ever wondered.. why do we feel this way? Where did that come from? What's really behind this feeling? For Nick (he/him) and Mike (he/him), we call this sort of self-doubt "saboteurs." These saboteurs makes you feel less capable than those around you. It tells you that your success is a result of luck. That you're a fraud. You're an imposter! So, what can we do about it? In this episode, Nick and Mike tries to make sense of imposter syndrome, the fragility that may come with it, and how we've overcome some of them in our work with young children. Explicit language used inside. 

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA (Duwamish Territory). He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute in Seattle, WA (Duwamish Territory). He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Feb 28, 202252:41
Napcast Ep29 - What Does Our Environments Say?

Napcast Ep29 - What Does Our Environments Say?

You don’t have to be a white supremacist to reinforce white supremacy norms. There's lots that can be communicated non-verbally that could have harmful effects. So... what does your environments say? What does it communicate about your values and image of the child? How can we begin to shift our settings, so that it is not unintentionally having harmful impact on us all, and especially on our communities of color? In this episode, Napcast co-hosts, Nick (he/him), and Mike (he/him), talks about the environment and how we can manipulate it in order to support our youngest citizens.

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA (Duwamish Territory). He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute in Seattle, WA (Duwamish Territory). He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Feb 07, 202238:49
Napcast Ep28 - Patriarchy in ECE... Does It Exist?

Napcast Ep28 - Patriarchy in ECE... Does It Exist?

Patriarchy in ECE... Does it exist? Do we subconsciously cater to males wants and needs? How can we support young males in examining gender and their roles in the patriarchal society we live in? How can we use our privilege as males to help achieve gender-balance in our workforce? In this episode, Napcast co-hosts, Nick (he/him), and Mike (he/him), are joined by Meraf Tenaw (he/him), a Black male educator working with preschoolers in Eugene, OR. Together, they chat about the impacts our gender has in our profession, our bias, and how we can continue to question heteronormative manners, habits and attitudes. 

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA (Duwamish Territory). He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute in Seattle, WA (Duwamish Territory). He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Jan 17, 202247:02
Napcast Ep 27 - Stories Just Ain't for Storytelling Part 2

Napcast Ep 27 - Stories Just Ain't for Storytelling Part 2

Returning for Part 2 of 2, we resume our chat with Reiane (she/her), on stories from her culture, the impact stories had on her growing up, and ways she uses storytelling in order to connect with the children in her class. If you haven't listened to part 1, go back and listen! 

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA (Duwamish Territory). He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute in Seattle, WA (Duwamish Territory). He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Oct 25, 202151:24
Napcast Ep 26 - Stories Just Ain't for Storytelling Part 1

Napcast Ep 26 - Stories Just Ain't for Storytelling Part 1

Stories ain't just for storytelling, it can be used for brand identity, marketing, or communication. It can also move people. Give voice to the voiceless. Changes our brains and most importantly, preserves part of our culture. To mark the start of Filipino/x-American Heritage Month (October), Mike (he/him) and Nick (he/him), chats with Reiane Abuda (she/her) a Filipina-American on both the stories from her culture, and how she uses stories to support and sustain her in her work with young children. This is part 1 of 2. 

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA (Duwamish Territory). He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute in Seattle, WA (Duwamish Territory). He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Oct 04, 202134:17
Napcast Ep 25 - 215

Napcast Ep 25 - 215

Recently, we have been dealt a somber reminder of one of the darkest chapters of Canada's and the Pacific Northwest history over the past few weeks. The remains of 215 Indigenous children were found at unmarked graves at a former residential school in Vancouver, BC. In today's conversation with Theresa (she/her), Paty (she/her), Nick (he/him) and Mike (he/him), we focus on these 215 children, their lives, their culture, how we can heal our own trauma that has occurred from the hands of White Supremacy, racial oppression, and the attempted eradication of BIPOC people, and how we can bring this topic into our learning environments. 

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute is a social-justice oriented, reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and equity-focused professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Jul 05, 202101:38:07
Napcast Ep 24 - Outside Looking In

Napcast Ep 24 - Outside Looking In

Working with young children brings you a new perspective on life. How to be more childlike, how to find your joy, how to live life to the fullest. But does it transfer to adults who leave the sector? In this episode we catch up with Hisham, a former male educator of color (toddler educator) on why he left, what ECE taught him, and some of the transferable skills he has taken from ECE to his new field. 

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and equity-focused professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

May 10, 202101:06:38
Napcast Special Ep3 - The Significance of a Knee

Napcast Special Ep3 - The Significance of a Knee

A Knee. A knee can either be used to take a life away or can be used for justice. This week, we were reminded of both. In this special recording, in the wake of the guilt verdict of Derek Chauvin, Nick and Mike provide listeners with some concrete ways that they can introduce this topic into their classroom today. In this hour long Napcast, they share their feelings, their thoughts, and their pure exhaustion from the last 24 hours. Join them as they discusses ways you can chat with children about policing, racism, kneeling, and the significance of this moment. Explicit Language Inside. 

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and equity-focused professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Apr 23, 202101:16:10
Napcast Ep23 - Learning Stories

Napcast Ep23 - Learning Stories

With an increased pressure on demonstrating school readiness in standardized, deficit-oriented, checklist models, and time-consuming ways, educators in the USA are often challenged in making authentic connections to marginalized children and caregivers. Educators in the USA are often forced to silence the voices of families in the process. Most assessments for educators in the USA takes the joy out of sharing children's learning and success. Learning Stories, on the contrary, provides an opportunity to do away with all of that. This narrative, formative, strength-based approach towards assessment has the ability to deepen learning that leads to transformational change. In this Napcast, we sit down with Karen Virta from the American School in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to discuss how Learning Stories can connect and engage caregivers. How it can strengthen educators' observation and writing skills. And most importantly, how it can support children in establishing their identity, cultural humility, and sense of belonging in this world. 

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and equity-focused professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Apr 05, 202101:10:34
Napcast Ep22 - Building Children's Emotional Vocabulary

Napcast Ep22 - Building Children's Emotional Vocabulary

Nick and Mike are emotional dudes. We cry. We are tender. We are joyful. We get hangry. Despite wearing our emotions on our sleeve, it still takes some intentionality on our part. Intentionality with our actions, words and activities in order to support  young children’s ability to identify emotions, to increase their vocab, to think beyond emotional stereotypes, and ultimately to be confident in expressing themselves.

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and equity-focused professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Mar 29, 202101:02:48
Napcast Ep21 - The Forgotten Part of the Childcare Industry

Napcast Ep21 - The Forgotten Part of the Childcare Industry

Childcare doesn’t just consist of educators. They include home attendants who provide support to children with dis/abilities, house cleaners who are keeping our houses and programs safe and clean, nannies and all the other essential workers. Today with Stacy Kono, we shine a light on the forgotten part of our industry and what we can do to support and uplift them. Please note, this episode was recorded in December 2020. 

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and equity-focused professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Mar 15, 202149:52
Napcast Ep20 - Black Women Wisdom Part 2

Napcast Ep20 - Black Women Wisdom Part 2

Returning for Part 2 of 2, we resume our chat with Ciera, Director of DEI at the Bertschi School. In this episode we ask, what is it like being a Black woman in white spaces? How can we take these social movements and turn it into actual change? What does our institutions and organizations needs to do and consider first before engaging with communities of color? If you haven't listened to part 1, go back and listen! Join us for more Black Woman Wisdom.

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center and Educator Institute is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and equity-focused professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Mar 01, 202101:01:42
Napcast Ep19 - Black Women Wisdom Part 1

Napcast Ep19 - Black Women Wisdom Part 1

“Every place in America will represent a corner of hell for a Black woman.” In this Napcast, we chat with Ciera, Director of DEI at The Bertschi School on ways we can Institutionalize our Anti-Racism work. Dropping knowledge and wisdom on how White Supremacy lives and ways we can combat it, we reflect on what it takes to be liberated. Join us for part 1 or 2 where we reflect much more deeply on this historic opportunity to finally pursue real and lasting change. Explicit Language Inside: Parental Advisory

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children’s Center where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and equity-focused professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Feb 13, 202101:36:34
Napcast Ep18 - 3 Males and an Insurrection

Napcast Ep18 - 3 Males and an Insurrection

In this episode, we are joined once again by Amir Gilmore (he/him), Assistant Professor in Cultural Studies and Social Thought in Education at Washington State University, who also joined us on Napcast Special Episode #1 titled "Is America Anti-Black?" In the aftermath of the insurrection on the United States of America's capitol building, we gather to discuss the insurrection and how we can approach this topic with young children. Join us as we talk about politics, democracy, white supremacy and more through the eyes of three male educators of color. #BlackLivesMatter. Explicit Language Inside: Parental Advisory

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children’s Center where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and equity-focused professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Jan 18, 202151:14
Napcast Ep17 - (De)Weaponizing Our Language and Words

Napcast Ep17 - (De)Weaponizing Our Language and Words

Language isn't something we often think about and because we don't think about it, we often take it for granted. And when we take it for granted, we aren't cognizant of the ways it can be used as an instrument of oppression. In this episode, we examine our language, the power of language, and how this world can be represented in an unlimited number of ways. This live session of Napcast, delivered at the 2020 virtual WAEYC conference, we chat with early learning professionals across the state on ways we have weaponized language to suppress culture, identity, and souls. 

Napcast is a podcast designed to help you learn on the go, hear another perspective, spark debate, agree incessantly, and honestly, remind you that you’re not alone. We live in a complex world, so allow us to challenge your orientation with words, thoughts, advice, and the perspective of two male early childhood educators of color.

The Hosts:

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children’s Center where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and equity-focused professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Dec 07, 202001:22:16
Napcast Ep 16 - Indigenizing Education Part 2

Napcast Ep 16 - Indigenizing Education Part 2

Am I Black enough? How do I claim my Native heritage? Am I Latinx worthy? These are the questions many bi and multi-cultural children ask themselves. Returning for Part 2 of 2, we continue our conversation with Miriam (she/her), an Afro-Indigenous early learning professional in Seattle, WA. In this episode we take an even deeper look at connection, identities, the language of colonization and what we can do to support the Native community. To hear part 1 of our conversation, go back to Episode 13. 

Napcast is a podcast designed to help you learn on the go, hear another perspective, spark debate, agree incessantly, and honestly, remind you that you’re not alone. We live in a complex world, so allow us to challenge your orientation with words, thoughts, advice, and the perspective of two male early childhood educators of color.

To support Napcast, please visit our homepage at: https://anchor.fm/hilltopcc or email us at institute@hilltopcc.org

The Hosts:

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children’s Center where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and equity-focused professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Nov 23, 202001:16:53
Napcast Ep 15 - New Year, New School, New Children Part 2

Napcast Ep 15 - New Year, New School, New Children Part 2

In part 2 of 2, we continue our conversation focused on transitions to this new school year. In today's episode we chat with two early learning professional leaders of color, Alfonso (he/him) and Theresa (she/her), on how their own experience being marginalized gives them the strength and motivation to break the cycle of inequities that's facing today's youth. 

Napcast is a podcast designed to help you learn on the go, hear another perspective, spark debate, agree incessantly, and honestly, remind you that you’re not alone. We live in a complex world, so allow us to challenge your orientation with words, thoughts, advice, and the perspective of two male early childhood educators of color.

The Hosts:

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children’s Center where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and equity-focused professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Nov 09, 202053:52
Napcast Special Ep2- Democracy is Indigenous

Napcast Special Ep2- Democracy is Indigenous

From TV to Twitter to the dining room table, today's children get their news from a variety of sources. Some might ask you, what's going on? While some may act it out at home. So how do we respond?

In this special pre-election episode, Nick and Mike chat about how we can encourage children to be a part of the democratic system in peaceful and respectful ways. As early childhood educators, we share how adults can instill values and skills for children to recognize that all human beings are equal, have the same rights, and that participation, consensus, and bipartisanship conversation are democratic principles. Don't forget to vote! 

Napcast is a podcast designed to help you learn on the go, hear another perspective, spark debate, agree incessantly, and honestly, remind you that you’re not alone. We live in a complex world, so allow us to challenge your orientation with words, thoughts, advice, and the perspective of two male early childhood educators of color.

The Hosts:

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children’s Center where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and equity-focused professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Nov 01, 202042:48
Napcast Ep 14 - New Year, New School, New Children Part 1

Napcast Ep 14 - New Year, New School, New Children Part 1

Returning to “school” this fall is going to be .. well..  interesting. There are new challenges, anxiety, rules, children, and at Hilltop… we have a new location! In this episode, we chat about the changes, the transitions, the laughter, the tears, and how we are working with admin, educators, parents, and the community to support children and ourselves. In part 1 of 2, we chat with three womxn, educators of color - Amanda (she/her), Black, Paty (she/her), Brazilian and Indigenous, and Jen (she/her), Mexican-American, on their experience balancing the vast amount of change they have witnessed since the beginning of the school year. 

Napcast is a podcast designed to help you learn on the go, hear another perspective, spark debate, agree incessantly, and honestly, remind you that you’re not alone. We live in a complex world, so allow us to challenge your orientation with words, thoughts, advice, and the perspective of two male early childhood educators of color.

The Hosts:

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children’s Center where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and equity-focused professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Oct 27, 202001:07:51
Napcast Ep 13 - Indigenizing Education Part 1

Napcast Ep 13 - Indigenizing Education Part 1

What does it means to Indigenize educational spaces and materials to better reflect Indigenous people in an authentic way. How do we weave the strong foundations of traditional cultural knowledge with emerging ideas about what it means to be a Native-identified person in our present day. In part 1 of 2, we chat with Miriam (she/her), an Afro-Indigenous early learning professional in Seattle, WA on her experience on being and working with multi-tribal, multi-cultural, and multi-racial children and families.

Napcast is a podcast designed to help you learn on the go, hear another perspective, spark debate, agree incessantly, and honestly, remind you that you’re not alone. We live in a complex world, so allow us to challenge your orientation with words, thoughts, advice, and the perspective of two male early childhood educators of color.

The Hosts:

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children’s Center where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Senior Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and equity-focused professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Oct 13, 202043:52
Napcast Ep 12 - Rebuilding A School, Revitalizing a Community

Napcast Ep 12 - Rebuilding A School, Revitalizing a Community

We’re all ready to cancel 2020 and maybe even 2021 while we’re at it. Unfortunately, there’s too many families and lives we must support. So, how do we rebound when disasters strikes? How do we not only restore our walls, our trust in the system, our hope? In this episode, we chat about how do we adapt as a community during troubling times.

Napcast is a podcast designed to help you learn on the go, hear another perspective, spark debate, agree incessantly, and honestly, remind you that you’re not alone. We live in a complex world, so allow us to challenge your orientation with words, thoughts, advice, and the perspective of two male early childhood educators of color.

The Hosts:

Nick Terrones (he/him) is a former educator at Hilltop Children’s Center where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He now serves as the director of Daybreak Star Preschool at United Indians of All Tribes in Seattle, WA. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and equity-focused professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Oct 05, 202058:28
Napcast Ep 11 - My Growth, My Evolution

Napcast Ep 11 - My Growth, My Evolution

We all grow. It’s part of human evolution. As educators we must continuously reflect not just on our children but also on ourselves. In this episode, Nick takes a look back at his 14 year career of being an educator. We discuss not only what he learned over the years, the shots he wished he took, but we also talk about what’s next for him in his career.

Napcast is a podcast designed to help you learn on the go, hear another perspective, spark debate, agree incessantly, and honestly, remind you that you’re not alone. We live in a complex world, so allow us to challenge your orientation with words, thoughts, advice, and the perspective of two male early childhood educators of color.

The Hosts:

Nick Terrones (he/him) is an Educator at Hilltop Children’s Center where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and equity-focused professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Sep 14, 202049:19
Napcast Ep 10 - Why Sorry Sucks

Napcast Ep 10 - Why Sorry Sucks

Sorry? #sorrynotsorry, that’s not in our vernacular. Is it because we’re heartless? Maybe. Or perhaps we believe there’s an alternative way in building empathy in children in authentic and sincere ways. In this episode, we’re all up in our feels as we discuss ways we can support children in naming, framing, and expressing their feelings.

Napcast is a podcast designed to help you learn on the go, hear another perspective, spark debate, agree incessantly, and honestly, remind you that you’re not alone. We live in a complex world, so allow us to challenge your orientation with words, thoughts, advice, and the perspective of two male early childhood educators of color.

The Hosts:

Nick Terrones (he/him) is an Educator at Hilltop Children’s Center where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and equity-focused professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Aug 31, 202049:54
Napcast Ep 9 - Nuestros Niños, Nuestro Futuro

Napcast Ep 9 - Nuestros Niños, Nuestro Futuro

"Speak English." "Sound white." "Ssh, don't mention you're Mexican." These are the things parents are teaching their kids today. How do we break this stigma to support children' to speak their native tongue? Embrace their heritage? Today, we're joined by Veronica, a Latinx educator working at Epiphany Early Learning Preschool in Seattle, WA to discuss her experience as being a Latinx in ECE today. This episode is done in both English and Spanish. 

Napcast is a podcast designed to help you learn on the go, hear another perspective, spark debate, agree incessantly, and honestly, remind you that you’re not alone. We live in a complex world, so allow us to challenge your orientation with words, thoughts, advice, and the perspective of two male early childhood educators of color.

The Hosts:

Nick Terrones (he/him) is an Educator at Hilltop Children’s Center where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and equity-focused professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Aug 17, 202001:03:37
Napcast Ep 8 - Got It From My Mama

Napcast Ep 8 - Got It From My Mama

It's super tough being a mother. You have children to take care of, bills to pay, and you have to satisfy your own needs. Now imagine doing that while experiencing hardships like homelessness, and while starting your own childcare business? How do you survive? Well, let's ask my mom. In this episode Mike sits down with his mama to discuss her experiences as a Family Childcare Home provider, the struggles she saw and faced, her hopes for the industry moving forward, and why she believed her son followed down the path of childcare as well. 

Napcast is a podcast designed to help you learn on the go, hear another perspective, spark debate, agree incessantly, and honestly, remind you that you’re not alone. We live in a complex world, so allow us to challenge your orientation with words, thoughts, advice, and the perspective of two male early childhood educators of color.

The Hosts:

Nick Terrones (he/him) is an Educator at Hilltop Children’s Center where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workforce in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and equity-focused professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Aug 03, 202052:08
Napcast Ep 7 - Role of the Family

Napcast Ep 7 - Role of the Family

It's easy to say you want family to be partners in the process? So, how are you cultivating and foster a rapport with families? How are you best supporting BIPOC families? Where in your practice have you stopped hoping and wishing and instead eliminated seen and unseen barriers for families to work with you? We don't have all the answers, but we have thoughts! Hear some of those and more on ways we  we can cultivate an authentic relationship with families and the community!

Napcast is a podcast designed to help you learn on the go, hear another perspective, spark debate, agree incessantly, and honestly, remind you that you’re not alone. We live in a complex world, so allow us to challenge your orientation with words, thoughts, advice, and the perspective of two male early childhood educators of color.

The Hosts:

Nick Terrones (he/him) is an Educator at Hilltop Children’s Center where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workshop in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Jul 20, 202037:05
Napcast Ep 6 - Role of the Educator

Napcast Ep 6 - Role of the Educator

Survey 100 people and you'll probably get a 100 different answers to the question "What is the role of an educator?" For Nick and Mike, we're co-constructors, researchers, advocates, and documenters. How does these roles allow us to be an active participant in support children? Listen in to find out more! 

Napcast is a podcast designed to help you learn on the go, hear another perspective, spark debate, agree incessantly, and honestly, remind you that you’re not alone. We live in a complex world, so allow us to challenge your orientation with words, thoughts, advice, and the perspective of two male early childhood educators of color.

The Hosts:

Nick Terrones (he/him) is an Educator at Hilltop Children’s Center where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workshop in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Jul 06, 202024:39
Napcast Ep 5 - Image of the Child

Napcast Ep 5 - Image of the Child

In this episode, we reflect on our own childhood and how the image of the child encourages us adults to value children’s thinking, and to authentically make it visible to them and others. Along with the hundred languages concept which tells us that children have a hundred (and more) ways of expressing and communicating their learning, knowledge, and feelings, this episode is a tool to use to gain insight into the complex and nuanced thinking of children. 

Napcast is a podcast designed to help you learn on the go, hear another perspective, spark debate, agree incessantly, and honestly, remind you that you’re not alone. We live in a complex world, so allow us to challenge your orientation with words, thoughts, advice, and the perspective of two male early childhood educators of color.

The Hosts:

Nick Terrones (he/him) is an Educator at Hilltop Children’s Center where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workshop in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Jun 22, 202038:45
Napcast Ep4 - You're More Than An Educator

Napcast Ep4 - You're More Than An Educator

We're more than just an educator. We're researchers, therapists, party planners and activists. We might say we are educators to our friends and family. But we’re not. We play so many different roles for young children which is why being in ECE is so fun. It’s why we are so proud. It’s why we never want to leave. In this episode, we chat about our personal growth in ECE. How we came to find our voice, our confidence working with children and adults. Ways we can develop our own teacher and professional identity and what systems can do to support us as we continue to thrive. 

Napcast is a podcast designed to help you learn on the go, hear another perspective, spark debate, agree incessantly, and honestly, remind you that you’re not alone. We live in a complex world, so allow us to challenge your orientation with words, thoughts, advice, and the perspective of two male early childhood educators of color.

The Hosts:

Nick Terrones (he/him) is an Educator at Hilltop Children’s Center where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workshop in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Jun 08, 202045:41
Napcast Special Ep1- Is America Anti-Black?

Napcast Special Ep1- Is America Anti-Black?

In this episode, we are joined by Amir Gilmore (he/him), Assistant Professor in Cultural Studies and Social Thought in Education at Washington State University. In the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd, we gather to talk, to mourn, and to heal. With Amir working with the leaders of today and with Nick and Mike working with the generation of tomorrow, this episode gives you insight from 3 male educators of color on how we can all resist, innovate, and advocate for Black lives. #BlackLivesMatter. Explicit Language Inside: Parental Advisory

Napcast is a podcast designed to help you learn on the go, hear another perspective, spark debate, agree incessantly, and honestly, remind you that you’re not alone. We live in a complex world, so allow us to challenge your orientation with words, thoughts, advice, and the perspective of two male early childhood educators of color.

The Hosts:

Nick Terrones (he/him) is an Educator at Hilltop Children’s Center where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workshop in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

Jun 03, 202051:30
Napcast Ep3 - La Revolución

Napcast Ep3 - La Revolución

In this episode, we dive into ways we can build the resiliency, the leadership, the foundations of critical thinking in young learners. We also discuss ways to light the fire under children's bellies to be able to empower them to the lead a revolution and fundamentally change the way we govern, lead, live in community with one another. Sounds radical? Yeah! Education and learning should be! 

Napcast is a podcast designed to help you learn on the go, hear another perspective, spark debate, agree incessantly, and honestly, remind you that you’re not alone. We live in a complex world, so allow us to challenge your orientation with words, thoughts, advice, and the perspective of two male early childhood educators of color. 

The Hosts: Nick Terrones (he/him) is an Educator at Hilltop Children’s Center where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workshop in ECE. Mike Browne (he/him) is the Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society. Hilltop Children's Center is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

May 25, 202043:06
Napcast Ep2 - Deathmetal & Toddlers

Napcast Ep2 - Deathmetal & Toddlers

In this episode, we discuss who we are and how we give ourselves permission to be our authentic self at work. Oh.. and as the title suggest... deathmetal & toddlers. 

Napcast is a podcast designed to help you learn on the go, hear another perspective, spark debate, agree incessantly, and honestly, remind you that you’re not alone. We live in a complex world, so allow us to challenge your orientation with words, thoughts, advice, and the perspective of two male early childhood educators of color.

The Hosts:

Nick Terrones (he/him) is an Educator at Hilltop Children’s Center where he has worked with toddlers for the last 10+ years implementing Anti-Bias Curriculum. He’s a Los Angeles raised Mexican-Native-American with a passion for equity, plants, the ukulele, and raising awareness to the need of a gender-balanced workshop in ECE.

Mike Browne (he/him) is the Community Engagement Manager for Hilltop Educator Institute. He’s a New York raised, Afro-Caribbean, former collegiate athlete, working towards dismantling White Supremacy and forms of oppression in our society.

Hilltop Children's Center is a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and professional development institute in Seattle, WA, on the traditional lands of the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People.

May 11, 202034:18