Starting kindergarten is a big step. Not just academically, but emotionally too. In this episode of the Ready, Set, Kindergarten Podcast, host Jennifer Andrews, Director of Early Childhood Strategies for Chattanooga 2.0, explores the vital topic of socio-emotional learning (SEL) and how parents can help young children understand and manage their big emotions during this major life transition. Socio-emotional learning is the foundation for healthy relationships, self-awareness, and resilience. But for young kids, emotions like frustration, anxiety, excitement, and sadness can feel overwhelming-and often show up in unexpected ways. This episode dives deep into:

• What socio-emotional learning looks like in early childhood

• How emotional regulation develops in young brains

• Common emotional challenges during the transition to kindergarten

• Practical strategies for helping kids name, express, and cope with their feelings

• How parents can model emotional intelligence and create safe spaces for emotional growth

Jennifer is joined by three expert guests who bring a wealth of insight and compassion to the conversation:

• • Dr. Allen Coffman, Pediatrician at Highland Pediatrics

• • Dr. Beth Capecchi, Licensed Psychologist

• • Lauren Hall, President & CEO of First Things First

Whether your child is nervous about leaving their preschool friends, struggling with separation anxiety, or just learning how to handle big feelings, this episode provides thoughtful, actionable advice to help you support them with confidence and care.

Subscribe and listen to the Ready, Set, Kindergarten Podcast, your trusted guide for parenting through the early years and beyond.

The end of a school or daycare day can be a whirlwind for both young children and for parents trying to connect. In this episode of Ready, Set, Kindergarten, host Jennifer Andrews, Director of Early Childhood Strategies for Chattanooga 2.0, is joined by two incredible experts: Dr. Beth Capecchi, a licensed psychologist, and Valencia Harris, Coordinator for Community and Family Engagement at Hamilton County Schools.

Together, they explore how parents can start meaningful conversations with their children after a long day, why this transition can be challenging, and practical strategies to ease the stress for the whole family. Whether your child is just starting kindergarten or you're navigating the daily ups and downs of early childhood, this episode offers compassionate insights and actionable tips to help you build stronger connections at home.

Tune in to learn how small conversations can make a big difference.

Making the leap from early childcare to kindergarten is a big moment for families—and we're here to help make it smoother. In this episode of Ready, Set, Kindergarten, host Jennifer Andrews, Director of Early Childhood Strategies for Chattanooga 2.0, dives into one of the most talked-about topics in parenting today: Screentime.

As screens become a bigger part of everyday life, parents are left wondering:

• How much screentime is too much?
• What kinds of digital content are appropriate for young kids?
• How can families create healthy tech habits without guilt or overwhelm?

Join us as we explore how young children relate to technology, what healthy tech habits look like, and how parents can set boundaries that support development without adding stress. Jennifer is joined by three expert voices:

• Dr. Allen Coffman, Pediatrician at Highland Pediatrics
• Dr. Beth Capecchi, Licensed Psychologist
• Lauren Hall, President & CEO of First Things First

Together, they discuss best practices for screen use, how to set age-appropriate boundaries, and ways to use technology as a tool—not a distraction. Whether you're navigating tantrums over tablets or wondering how to balance educational apps with outdoor play, this episode offers compassionate, research-backed guidance to help you feel more confident and informed.

Subscribe and listen now to ease the journey from early childhood to kindergarten—one episode at a time.

In this episode of The Ready, Set, Kindergarten Podcast, host Jennifer Andrews, Director of Early Childhood Strategies for Chattanooga 2.0, dives into one of the most essential (and often challenging) aspects of early childhood: sleep and its impact on your rising kindergartener. Whether your child is a bedtime champ or a midnight wanderer, this episode is full of actionable advice and reassuring insights to help everyone in your household get better rest.

Joining Jennifer are three expert guests:

• Dr. Allen Coffman of Highland Pediatrics has practiced locally in Chattanooga for 23 years. He completed his residency at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center after starting his educational journey at Abilene Christian University in Texas, followed by earning a degree in Engineering Science and Mechanics from Georgia Tech, and completing his medical training at Medical College of Georgia. Dr. Coffman also served a term as president of the TN Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and is an advocate for children and children’s health

• Dr. Beth Capecchi is a local psychologist at Grounded Counseling who has worked in private practice for 22 years. Dr. Beth works with adolescents and adults on a variety of issues including self-esteem, anxiety, depression, family issues, addictions and relationship issues. Beth and her husband have three teenagers. Almost 4 1/2 years ago, she started a mental health Podcast called Never Perfect with Dr. Beth, and a faith podcast called Never Perfect Faith.

• Lauren Hall is the President and CEO of First Things First, a Hamilton County based non-profit dedicated to helping every family build healthy relationships to pass down from generation to generation. She’s certified in the evidenced-based Active Parenting curriculum and model and holds a baccalaureate in Mass Communications/Writing/Editing from Southern Adventist University. Lauren currently writes a weekly Sunday column in The Chattanooga Times Free Press focused on research and best practices around family life and relationships.

Together, they unpack why sleep matters so much during the transition to kindergarten, how to spot signs of sleep struggles, and what parents can do to create calm, consistent bedtime habits that support both child development and family well-being.