E98

Little Learners, Big Hearts: Leading With Empathy and Equity in Early Learning

From The NAESP Principal Podcast · Hosted by

2026-07-29·1248

Episode summary

In this episode of The NAESP Principal Podcast: In today’s episode, Kim Taylor and Julie Bloss from NAESP’s Center for Early Learning Leadership talk with Jillayne Flanders and Dr. Orinthia Harris about how school leaders can begin conversations about empathy, equity, belonging, and anti-racism with young learners, staff, and families. From leading with heart to helping children see themselves represented, this conversation explores practical ways school leaders can support belonging in early learning communities.

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Original publisher description

In today’s episode, Kim Taylor and Julie Bloss from NAESP’s Center for Early Learning Leadership talk with Jillayne Flanders and Dr. Orinthia Harris about how school leaders can begin conversations about empathy, equity, belonging, and anti-racism with young learners, staff, and families. From leading with heart to helping children see themselves represented, this conversation explores practical ways school leaders can support belonging in early learning communities. Jillayne Flanders is an author, educational consultant, and former elementary principal. Dr. Orinthia Harris is a former early childhood educator and founder & CEO of STEMearly LLC. Julie Bloss, a retired principal, is fellow at the NAESP Center for Early Learning Leadership. Kim Taylor is principal of F.X. O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center in Franklin, Massachusetts, and fellow at the NAESP Center for Early Learning Leadership.