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.