If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to support children in foster care, this episode is for you. I chat with Sharon Dunlevy, an educational advocate and trainer for foster parents, who opens up about the overlooked challenges facing foster children — especially when it comes to education and trauma. We talk about why so many foster kids fall through the cracks, the real impacts of trauma in the classroom, and why traditional approaches simply aren’t enough.

You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what trauma-informed teaching looks like and why it matters. Plus, you’ll hear specific ways you can support a foster child — whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone in the community who just wants to help. We also touch on myths about foster care laws and the practical steps you can take to make a real difference, starting this week. If you care about reimagining a better future for all kids, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Connect With Sharon Dunlevy
Website:https://sharondunlevy.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharondunlevy/

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Chapters

00:00 Welcome and World Children's Day
00:27 Meet Sharon Dunlevy
01:20 Realities Facing Foster Children
02:46 Why Foster Kids Fall Behind
03:29 Are We Honoring Children's Rights?
04:40 Culture, Community, and Foster Care
05:56 The Importance of Empathy
07:10 How Children Are Affected Most
07:29 Training Foster Parents as Advocates
08:46 Misconceptions About Education Laws
09:30 The Every Student Succeeds Act
10:32 Legal Nuances and Foster Children
12:16 Why Law Awareness Matters
13:21 What Trauma-Informed Teaching Means
14:27 How Trauma Impacts Learning
15:08 Effective Classroom Approaches
16:27 Supporting All Kids in the Classroom
17:40 Creativity, Graduation, and School Gaps
18:25 Needed Changes to Support Foster Youth
21:01 Simple Ways Anyone Can Help
22:24 Where to Find Sharon Dunlevy
22:47 Wrap Up and Final Thoughts