Episode 5: A Walk on the Natural Science Side

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About the Guest

Tanna Neufeld, MA, MS, CCC-SLP, is a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in infant and early childhood development, particularly for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and complex communication needs. A doctoral candidate at Fielding Graduate University, she integrates reflective practice and supervision into her work, fostering inclusive education and advancing transdisciplinary approaches. As a Research Associate at the Marsico Institute for Early Learning, her efforts focus on enhancing inclusive STEM education through the STEMIE 2.0 project. Additionally, she founded the AACcessible Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving communication outcomes for children with disabilities. Tanna’s diverse career spans leadership, research, and clinical practice. She has served as an educator, curriculum developer, and consultant, delivering professional development and advocacy to support inclusive educational practices. An accomplished author and international presenter, Tanna’s work emphasizes policy and practice changes to enhance opportunities for children with significant disabilities. Her passion for empowering families and professionals continues to shape her mission of promoting meaningful, evidence-based solutions in the field of early childhood and special education.

Key Takeaways

• Infants and toddlers build natural science skills by using all of their senses to explore and make sense of their environment.
• Everyday moments, like sitting on a bench, touching water, or smelling flowers, offer easy and meaningful opportunities to nurture curiosity and scientific thinking
• Talking through what you notice helps children connect sensory experiences to language, concepts, and early scientific thinking.
• Nature is everywhere. Using simple, familiar items such as plants, rocks, water, and wind helps young children develop curiosity and foundational science skills in their daily routines.