Circle Time Convos

How to Nurture a STEM Mindset in Your Pre-K Child

How do you nurture a STEM mindset in Pre-K without worksheets or fancy materials? In this episode, CPS Pre-K teacher Tatianna Cook shares how curiosity, open-ended questions, emotional regulation, and play-based learning help young children build confidence in STEM from the very start. Perfect for parents, caregivers, and early childhood educators.

Making STEM Part of Your Pre-K Child's Daily Life

How can parents nurture a love for STEM in their preschoolers—without needing to be math experts?In this episode of Circle Time Convos, Chief Leslie McKinley sits down with Amy Spar, VP of the Chicago Children’s Museum, to explore simple, playful ways to spark curiosity and critical thinking in young children. From using everyday materials at home to Chicago’s Curiosity Classrooms, learn how STEM learning starts with one thing—asking great questions.

How Parents Can Lead in CPS: From PAC to LSC

Want to make a real impact in your child’s school?In this episode of Circle Time Convos, we sit down with Myra Winding, CPS Assistant Director of Local School Council Relations, to explore how parents can take an active role in shaping their child’s education. From Local School Councils (LSC) to Parent Advisory Councils (PAC) and Community Advisory Councils (CAC), Myra breaks down how families can get involved, what training is provided, and why your voice truly matters.
Whether you’re a parent of a pre-K student or a seasoned CPS family, this episode gives you the tools, insight, and inspiration to step into leadership and advocate for your school community.

Understanding Misbehavior in Preschoolers

Why do preschoolers act out, and what are they really trying to tell us? In this episode of Circle Time Convos, Dr. Carrie Comer-Yates, former Senior Manager of Early Childhood Instructional Quality at CPS, joins the conversation to unpack how misbehavior is often misunderstood. She shares insights on supporting children with disabilities, addressing trauma, and recognizing that every behavior has meaning.

What Kids Carry Before They Walk Into School

In this episode, we’re joined by Artinese Myrick, Deputy Director at Live Free Illinois, to talk about how trauma shows up in our homes, communities, and classrooms—and what healing really looks like for families. Artinese shares her personal journey and the generational patterns of strength and sacrifice that shape Black women’s experiences. Together, we explore how caregivers’ unhealed trauma impacts children, the importance of social-emotional learning, and why healing the whole family matters.

The Pre-K to Kindergarten Leap: What Families Should Know

In this episode, we welcome our very first kindergarten teacher guest, Kamille Miller from Chicago Public Schools. Kamille shares what she loves most about teaching kindergarten, including how she helps families and children transition into school, as well as the important role of routines, play, and family engagement.
From building stamina for full school days to addressing common myths, Kamille offers practical advice and reassurance for families. Plus, she highlights simple ways parents can support learning at home, like creating bedtime routines and sharing books together.

Understanding Learning Styles In Pre-K

In this episode of Circle Time Convos, Chief Leslie McKinley sits down with Dr. Chrisna Perry, an educational psychologist, learning disability specialist, and founder of Comprehensive Learning Services, to talk about how children’s different experiences show up in the classroom. From understanding the typical behaviors of 4 and 5-year-olds to recognizing when extra support may be needed, Dr. Perry shares practical insights on social-emotional learning, executive functioning, and how teachers and parents can partner to create safe and supportive spaces for every child to thrive.

Applying For Kindergarten: From Confusion to Clarity

Applying for Kindergarten doesn’t have to be overwhelming! In this episode of Circle Time Convos, we sit down with Erika Peterson from the CPS Office of Access and Enrollment to break down everything families need to know about the GoCPS application process. Erika shares key dates, important information, and practical tips to help families move from confusion to clarity. 

What's Beneath The Behavior?

How Schools Become Safe Havens

Trauma can shape how young children learn, trust, and connect. In this episode, guest Shantay McKinily, Director of the Positive School Center, shares how educators and families can work together to create safe, healing school environments—where every child feels seen, supported, and understood.