Champions for NorCal Kids

Champions for NorCal Kids

Wendy Dickens and Heidi Mendenhall

Episodes 116
Avg. Duration 32m
Activity Moderate
Apple Rating 5.0 (3)
Since Oct 2020
Latest Episode Feb 2026

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Features Guests

Publishing Details

Schedule
Every 2 Weeks
Format
Episodic
Consistency
34%
Hosting
anchor.fm

Contact & Outreach

About This Podcast

Join 0-5 experts, rural county lovers and First 5 Executive Directors Wendy (Shasta) and Heidi (Tehama) as they showcase local 0-5 resources, tell the amazing stories of our North-state champions for children and unpack how we can continue to make a difference for young children and families. Be prepared to laugh, learn and feel inspired by your community.

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Recent Episodes

From AI to Hopeville: Why Rural Literacy Is Still a Human Story

Feb 05, 2026 39m

In a world racing from AI to algorithms, this episode of Champions for NorCal Kids reminds us that literacy still starts somewhere much more familiar: homes, classrooms, libraries, and small towns.We…

Early Literacy + AI Hot Takes on Rural Literacy!

Jan 23, 2026 27m

In this episode of NorCal Champions for Kids, we’re breaking new ground on a topic that matters for families, educators, and community champions across Northern California: Early Literacy in Rural…

S2E1 Episode 1: Our Literacy Story — Journeys That Shaped Us

Oct 22, 2025 32m

In the first episode of our series, "it takes a village to raise readers", Wendy and I share our personal journeys in literacy — the moments, mentors, and experiences that shaped how we see reading…

Celebrating the Strength of Small Communities with First 5 Modoc and AmeriCorps

Aug 28, 2025 28m

Join Wendy and Heidi for an in-depth conversation exploring how First 5 Modoc began using AmeriCorps to support preschool classrooms and how that small start has grown into a powerful model for…

Advocacy Series: Inside Shasta Head Start — The Heart of Northern CA’s Early Learning! ❤️👶

Jul 23, 2025 29m

What keeps families thriving in some of California’s most remote rural areas?  Join Heidi and Wendy as they talk with and learn from Gordon, Shasta County’s Head Start Executive Director with over 20…

Advocacy and Awareness for Children and Families: A focus on Rural Head Start Impact

Jul 02, 2025 24m

In this series on Advocacy and Awareness, we will hear from many counties and champions for NorCal kids who are actively pivoting and working to fill gaps where services have been cut; specifically…

Week of the Young Child in the North State: The What and Why We Celebrate!!

Apr 08, 2025 26m

Join us for an exciting conversation during the week of the young child, where we talk about local events and opportunities for families with young children in our community. Visit CAEYC here:…

Reflecting on a Year of Impact: First 5 Shasta & First 5 Tehama with Data-Driven Insights

Jan 16, 2025 30m

Join podcast co-hosts and First 5 Executive Directors of First 5 Shasta and First 5 Tehama as they reflect on the year through data. Getting to know First 5 through data is a powerful way to monitor…

First 5 Fall Favs!

Nov 21, 2024 12m

Join us for a lighthearted and fun conversation for our local First 5 Fall Favorite activities and experiences. Sometimes we can all use a reminder of how to play in nature, enjoy the small moments…

Celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Our Own Champion

Oct 01, 2024 35m

Celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness has an extra special meaning to us this year. Co-host Wendy Dickens bravely and boldly shares key learning moments; vulnerable moments; and hard moments of her…

Celebrating National Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Awareness Month

Aug 30, 2024 25m

Join us for an extra special episode where we celebrate awareness of the National Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and learn about common the "NICU"  through our very own co-host Wendy's personal…

Tips on Water Safety and Norcal Water Play Spots for Families

Aug 15, 2024 25m

In this episode Wendy and Heidi discuss tips for keeping our kids safe in the water, tell you about some options for where to swim and how to be safe in the water on those hot summer days.

MashUp Series - Episode 1: The Best of our Home Visiting Conversations

May 08, 2024 27m

In this episode we have a compilation of our past discussions of home visiting. Featuring guests like: Tarrah Selland of Northern Valley Catholic Social Service & TAPP Teen SVCS, Denise Hobbs…

Utilizing holidays to promote social emotional development (Valentines Day Edition)

Mar 04, 2024 21m

In this episode, Wendy and Heidi give us tips about utilizing holidays like Valentine's day to encourage our children, help them develop emotionally, and strengthen our bond with them.

Quality Counts in the North State! ft. Alexis Duffy

Jan 18, 2024 33m

Quality Counts North State uses a systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate the level of quality in early care and education programs. In this episode, Wendy and Heidi chat with Alexis…

TOP TEN with Wendy & Heidi: Why Literacy?

Dec 01, 2023 26m

"🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 Introducing the 'Top Ten Series! 🎙️ Join us on this thrilling journey as we dive into impactful conversations with incredible advocates for our NorCal kids. 🌈 Episode 1 kicks…

#ChampionChat - Hiking Humboldt Kids w/ Mary Ann Hansen of F5 Humboldt

Oct 18, 2023 42m

In this enlightening episode, Wendy and Heidi engage in an insightful conversation with Mary Ann Hansen, Executive Director of First 5 Humboldt County, and her colleague Jennifer Gonzalez, Community…

#ChampionChat - Perinatal & Post-partum support with Anna Bauer of F5 Butte County

Aug 18, 2023 37m

Join us in a heartfelt conversation as we delve into the world of perinatal and postpartum care with the incredible Anna, Executive Director of Butte County First 5. 🤱🌟 Whether you're a parent-to-be,…

Post-Partum Depression Chat with Morgan Vazquez (Part2) #championchat

Jul 12, 2023 35m

If you enjoyed part 1, you'll love part 2! Postpartum depression is depression that occurs after having a baby. In this #championchat, Wendy and Heidi chat with Morgan Vasquez - licensed family and…

Post-Partum Depression Chat with Morgan Vazquez (Part1) #championchat

Jun 22, 2023 26m

Postpartum depression is depression that occurs after having a baby. In this #championchat, Wendy and Heidi chat with Morgan Vasquez - licensed family and marriage therapist - regarding post-partum…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Champions for NorCal Kids have?

Champions for NorCal Kids has published 116 episodes since October 2020, covering topics in Kids & Family, Parenting.

Is Champions for NorCal Kids still active?

Champions for NorCal Kids is currently moderate with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 32m.

How do I contact Champions for NorCal Kids for sponsorship or guest appearances?

Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for Champions for NorCal Kids, including email and social media links.

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