About This Episode
Season 4. Episode 10.
In this episode of Education Insight, we explore the impactful work of the Karnig Infant Toddler Success (KITS) program, which is making a significant difference for families in the Inland Empire. Erin Brinker, Vice President of Development for the Making Hope Happen Foundation, and Emily Saunders, Program Coordinator of the KITS program, join us to discuss how this unique initiative helps parents make decisions that optimize their child’s chances for success. They delve into how the KITS program differs from other parenting programs, the challenges they’ve faced in running such a vital program, and the long-term effects on children’s brain development and family dynamics.
We also cover essential topics like the common parenting habits the KITS team helps families unlearn and how the program is providing resources that ensure healthy child development. Tune in to discover how the KITS program is shaping the future of early childhood education and supporting families in our region!
Featured Guest
Erin Brinker
Erin Brinker is a seasoned voice in Inland Southern California’s broadcasting scene, with 15 years of experience hosting shows on the NBC Radio News affiliate KCAA and currently on KQLH, 92.5 and X95.7 in the Inland Empire. Beyond the airwaves, Erin has dedicated her career to nonprofit leadership and development. As Vice President of Development at the Making Hope Happen Foundation (MHHF) in San Bernardino, CA, she plays a pivotal role in driving positive change in the community she serves. Erin’s deep commitment to uplifting others shines through in every aspect of her work. She holds a BA in Political Science from CSU San Bernardino, an MBA from the University of Redlands, and a certificate in Trauma and Resilience from Florida State University. She is married with two grown children and has hosted 11 exchange students from 8 countries on five continents.
Emily Saunders
Program Coordinator, Karnig Infant Toddler Success Program (KITS)
Dedicated and focused individual with a passion for giving back.
Interview Highlights
3:57 – Adrienne describes dual enrollment and its benefits.
7:15 – Adrienne speaks to how recent California mandates and initiatives may have influenced the growth of these new programs.
8:34 – Adrienne explains what research shows about the impact of dual enrollment on a student’s academic achievements or even their future success.
9:24 – Adrienne shares examples of dual enrollment activities that are taking place in our region and what is happening in the IE.
13:11 – Adrienne talks about strategies in place to make sure that equal opportunities are available for all students.
20:18 – Jorge explains how dual enrollment aligns with his role at Riverside County Unified School District.
21:28 – Jorge shares his experiences and thoughts on the current dual enrollment programs that are being offered at Riverside Unified School District.
23:32 – Jorge gives insight into how dual enrollment makes students career ready.
25:58 – Jorge describes what challenges students typically face in dual enrollment programs and how he addresses those issues.
32:43 – Jorge shares what he would like to see be the future of the dual enrollment program in his district and beyond.
36:31 – Special Feature: Avijeet Randhawa, 8th-Grader, Auburndale Intermediate School in the Corona Norco Unified School District.
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Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.