
Welcome to X Why Z: Reflections from Early Childhood Education Professionals
A DIEEC Podcast Dedicated to the Early Childhood Education Community
The podcast is hosted by DIEEC staff, Irene Ashe and Meg Keating. Each episode, released on the last Friday of every month, will feature a different guest, some from our Delaware early childhood education community and some from across the country, who will share their unique perspectives on important topics.
Episode 4: “Small Beginnings, Big Impact” feat. Erika Vidal

Erika Vidal is a family child care owner and educator based out of Bear, Delaware. With nearly two decades of experience, Erika is always eager to share her valuable insights on how small actions can lead to a big impact in the early childhood education field.
Listen to episode 4 now:
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This season will include guests:
Chrishana Lloyd – Research Scholar, New Jersey
Yvette Sanchez Fuentes – Vice President of National Policy for Start Early
Rhondalin Cannon-Tingle – Rhonda’s Little Angels Daycare and Preschool
Colleen Millman – Delaware Technical Community College Child Development Center
Sarah Reyes – Seeds of Jesus Daycare
Erika Vidal – Family Child Care Program
Bookmark this page and check back each month for new episode releases.
Past Episodes:

Yvette Sanchez Fuentes currently serves as the vice president of national policy at Start Early and previously held the position of associate secretary with the Delaware Department of Education.
She’s done extensive work in the field including former positions as deputy chief for policy and research at Child Care Aware of America, president of the National Alliance for Hispanic Families, and director of the federal Office of Head Start within the Department of Health and Human Services.
Yvette has dedicated her professional career to understanding how policy, research and implementation impact lifelong outcomes for young children and their families struggling with adversities, including low-income families, migrant and seasonal farm workers, immigrant communities, American Indian and Alaska Natives, and dual language learners.
We loved speaking with Yvette and are appreciative of this meaningful conversation. We are excited for you to listen.
Listen Below!

Rhondalin Cannon-Tingle is the owner of Rhonda’s Little Angels Daycare and Preschool in Seaford, Del. where she specializes in preschool and kindergarten readiness, outdoor learning, and school-age programs. She is the 2022 recipient of the DIEEC Family Child Care Educator of the Year award.

Colleen Millman currently serves as a preschool classroom lead teacher at the Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC) Child Development Center (CDC) at the Georgetown campus. She is the 2022 recipient of the DIEEC Classroom Educator of the Year award.
Listen below!

Chrishana M. Lloyd, Ph.D.
Lloyd currently serves as a research scholar for Child Trends in New Jersey. Child Trends “is the nation’s leading research organization focused exclusively on improving the lives of children and youth, especially those who are most vulnerable.”

Sarah Reyes
Reyes is currently the owner of Seeds of Jesus Daycare in Wilmington, DE. Her center is bi-lingual, offering teaching staff who speak both English and Spanish giving the children an enriching experience.
Listen below!
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