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The Everything ECE Podcast

The Everything ECE Podcast

By Carla Ward

The Everything ECE Podcast, brought to you by Early Learning Foundations, is a podcast for early childhood educators and leaders. If you work in a child care, preschool or kindergarten setting, The Everything ECE Podcast will provide you with inspiration and actionable steps with professional and personal tips and tricks to find that ideal work-life balance.

Join host, Carla Ward, each week as she brings you early childhood topics to help enhance your program and teacher life. The Everything ECE Podcast will inspire you to take action in your profession and classroom.
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Tech in ECE with Jamee Herbert of Bridgecare

The Everything ECE PodcastApr 19, 2024

00:00
22:44
Tech in ECE with Jamee Herbert of Bridgecare

Tech in ECE with Jamee Herbert of Bridgecare

Jamee Herbert joins Carla Ward on The Everything ECE Podcast to talk tech and putting systems in place to lighten the burden on Early Childhood Education. Jamee walks us through the Bridgecare system and how it supports administrative duties in child care and the parents in those programs. 


Show notes: elfoundations.com/137

Apr 19, 202422:44
#136: The Dark Connection Between Early Childhood and Serial Killers

#136: The Dark Connection Between Early Childhood and Serial Killers

Dive into the chilling connection between childhood experiences and serial killers in our latest podcast episode! From early trauma to criminal behaviour, we uncover the importance of early childhood education in rewriting the script for future generations. Tune in to unlock the secrets of the mind and learn how nurturing environments can be a powerful antidote to the allure of violence.

Show Notes: elfoundations.com/136

Apr 12, 202414:30
#135: Verbs as Projects with Heather Jackson

#135: Verbs as Projects with Heather Jackson

Heather Jackson, owner of The Sunflower School, joins Carla Ward on The Everything ECE Podcast to discuss verbs as projects. As a Reggio-inspired educator, Heather has spent many years researching, reflecting and discussing Early Childhood Education and how to take a child’s interest using verbs and play schemas to begin a project without falling into the “theme” trap. By using verbs and play schemas, educators can gain a more complex perspective on projects.  Join Heather and Carla for this fascinating conversation and learn how to take your teaching to new heights.
Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/135

Apr 05, 202435:39
#134: Using Puppets as a Teaching Tool with Ashley Jefferson
Mar 29, 202430:48
#133: Trauma and Trauma Informed Practices in Early Childhood Education with Cara Caudle

#133: Trauma and Trauma Informed Practices in Early Childhood Education with Cara Caudle

In a recent podcast episode, Cara Caudle engages in a discussion with host Carla Ward, delving into the nuances of trauma and trauma-informed practices. Cara emphasizes the importance of adopting a holistic approach to development, particularly in early childhood, where she highlights the significance of focusing on social-emotional domains. She underscores how trauma-informed practices compel us to broaden our perspectives, emphasizing the impact of emotional environments, including the influence of a teacher's mood. Instead of passing judgment, Cara advocates for understanding our own practices, prompting listeners to reflect on their own childhood experiences and key memories. Through her insightful commentary, Cara sheds light on the profound effects of COVID-19 on children and families, implicitly acknowledging the necessity of nurturing supportive environments during challenging times. Show Notes: www/elfoundations.com/133

Mar 01, 202436:55
#132: Positive Connections with Sarah Scrivens

#132: Positive Connections with Sarah Scrivens

It was almost 4 years ago when our worlds were flipped upside down. We went from living our lives unmasked and in close proximity to others to, almost overnight, keeping our distance and being masked up. Even though it was another life ago, we are still working through the consequences of COVID-19, especially for our youngest learners. Socio-emotionally, children are not where they would have been if life had not derailed them.

Sarah Scrivens joins me on The Everything ECE Podcast to dive into children's socio-emotional development and support them through connections. Sarah shares great tips to help close the gaps brought on by COVID.

We discuss looking at the learning environment and how a child feels when they walk into our programs. Sarah shares the brain development when we sing with children because the brain loves rhythm and rhyme. Everything we do should be centred around socio-emotional development, building connections with them and centring ourselves around developing the brain, building those brain connections.

Sarah shares many actionable steps we can take back to our programs today. Join us on The Everything ECE Podcast for some great tips!

Feb 23, 202447:15
#131: Active Advocacy with Angelica Celinska
Feb 09, 202435:10
#130: Early Literacy with Beck Goodman
Feb 02, 202435:35
#129: Breaking the Babysitter Stigma with Candi Vajana
Jan 26, 202432:34
#128: Beyond the Pay with Lisa Lalonde

#128: Beyond the Pay with Lisa Lalonde

Lisa Lalonde joins podcast host, Carla Ward, to engage in a comprehensive exploration of Early Childhood Education (ECE), offering a full 360-degree view of the profession. They address the prevalent issue of ECEs deserving higher pay but go beyond that, delving into the various push and pull factors influencing whether individuals in this profession choose to stay or leave. This conversation covers all areas of education and what they would do with their magic wand if they had one. 


Show Notes: https://elfoundations.com/128

Jan 22, 202448:45
#127: The Power of Resilience with Kisa Marx
Jan 12, 202425:57
#126: Understanding Emotional Regulation

#126: Understanding Emotional Regulation

Carla Ward, host of The Everything ECE Podcast, explores the vital role early childhood educators play in understanding and nurturing children's emotional development. Beginning with a discussion on emotional milestones and the impact of the pandemic, Carla emphasizes the neurological foundations of emotional regulation, involving key areas like the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. Drawing from personal experiences with children facing brain injuries, she highlights the complexity of behavior and the brain's role in decision-making. Practical strategies for supporting healthy neural pathways are shared, emphasizing dynamic learning spaces, positive interactions, resilience-building, and emotional regulation techniques. Carla encourages educators to become "emotion detectives" through observation and introduces tools that educators can use in their programs. Stressing the importance of consistent support, she underscores the long-term benefits of fostering emotional regulation in children. The episode calls for educators to adopt a brain-centered perspective.

Jan 05, 202426:14
#125: Using Enneagrams to Improve Team Dynamics with Alyssa Sanford
Dec 22, 202319:41
#124: The Whole Child Alphabet with Stacy Benge

#124: The Whole Child Alphabet with Stacy Benge

Author and Early Childhood speaker, Stacy Benge, joins Carla Ward on the podcast this week to talk about her new book, The Whole Child Alphabet, and how educators can bring the alphabet to play and WHY it's so important. The tips she shares are perfect for when parents ask how their child is learning their alphabet in a play-based program.


Show Notes & Links: www.elfoundations.com/124

Dec 14, 202330:20
#123: How Research Amplifies Early Childhood Education with Educare
Dec 01, 202344:21
#122: The Benefits of ECE Coaching with Adva Hanan
Nov 24, 202322:59
#121: Getting Comfortable with Lice with Ilene Steinberg
Nov 17, 202339:13
#120: Driving Change in Early Education Policies

#120: Driving Change in Early Education Policies

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Nonie Lesaux, co-founder of the Saul Zaentz Early Education Initiative, joins the podcast. Nonie shares the incredible work they are doing to revolutionize early education, from groundbreaking studies on early learning and development to a professional learning academy for leaders in the field. Nonie and their team are making waves in the world of early education. Join us as we dive into the importance of early education and the challenges we face, but also celebrate the progress that has been made in stabilizing the system. It's an episode you won't want to miss!

Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/120

Nov 03, 202325:01
#119: Innovative Thinking to Tackle the Child Care Crisis with Allyx Schiavone

#119: Innovative Thinking to Tackle the Child Care Crisis with Allyx Schiavone

Join Carla Ward and guest, Allyx Schiavone, as they dive feet-first into the crisis in education and the urgent need for change. Without action, the situation will only worsen.

They discuss being mission-driven and Allyx shares an innovative strategy they are doing in New Haven, Connecticut, to increase ECE wages without charging parents more. Listening will definitely get your wheels turning on how to bring this strategy to your district.


Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/119

Oct 27, 202343:36
#118: Exploring Kindergarten Practices Worldwide with Klavdija Svet
Oct 06, 202311:48
#117: Harnessing the Power of Documentation with Ron Grady
Sep 29, 202338:55
#116: Artistic Innovation with Elena Loson from Nube Lab

#116: Artistic Innovation with Elena Loson from Nube Lab

In this episode, Carla interviews Elena Loson from Nube Lab in Chile. Nube Lab is a trailblazing organization that seamlessly blends the arts with education. Elena shares their remarkable journey, from intuitive beginnings to holistic community engagement. Nube Lab offers extracurricular programs, teacher training, and creative curriculum units that integrate soft skills, empowering students with 21st-century skills. Explore how they're reshaping education through creativity, providing resources and fostering collaboration among educators. Join them in their mission to revolutionize learning through the arts.

Podcast Notes: https://elfoundations.com/116-2/

Sep 22, 202325:54
#115: Navigating Professional Friendships with Diane Kashin
Sep 15, 202334:21
#114: Investing in Children's Financial Future with Emily Naddaf from Wealthsimple Foundation
Sep 08, 202315:57
#113: How to Turn Your Expertise and Knowledge Into a Profitable Digital Course with Amy Porterfield

#113: How to Turn Your Expertise and Knowledge Into a Profitable Digital Course with Amy Porterfield

Online marketing expert author and top-ranked podcast host, Amy Porterfield, joins Carla Ward on The Everything ECE Podcast to discuss digital courses and why Early Childhood Educators need to join the world of generating passive income. Amy’s action-by-action approach proves that even the newest online entrepreneurs can bypass the overwhelm, and instead generate exciting momentum as they build a business they love.

Sep 01, 202324:55
#112: Discussing the Child Care Crisis with Renee August

#112: Discussing the Child Care Crisis with Renee August

In this week's episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward is joined by Renee August from the Montana Association of Education of Young Children. The focus of this episode revolves around the pressing topic of the child care crisis. This widespread concern stretches across North America, and its impact likely extends to other corners of the globe. The conversation underscores the urgency for individuals beyond the profession to acknowledge and appreciate the vital role played by early childhood educators. The podcast delves into the crucial efforts undertaken by these educators during a child's formative years, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Tune in to gain valuable insights from this dynamic conversation between Carla and Renee.

Aug 25, 202337:12
#111: International Fairy Tea Party with Suzanne Axelsson
Aug 18, 202342:35
#110: Teaching Math Holistically with Gillian Berard
Aug 11, 202328:41
#109: Bridging the Communication Gap Between Child Care and Home with Kris Szajner from Seesaw Learning

#109: Bridging the Communication Gap Between Child Care and Home with Kris Szajner from Seesaw Learning

Having a tool that not only saves you time but also enhances communication with parents and families while children are in your care cultivates stronger relationships that support our youngest learners. In this episode, Kris Szajner from Seesaw Learning discusses the importance of bridging the gap between child care and home and why transparency is so important. He also delves into how using technology productively as learners rather than consumers helps shape children's futures.


Connect 2023- https://connect.seesaw.me/series/connect-2023/landing_page?

Aug 04, 202323:13
#108: Involving Parents in Play with Pretend City
Jul 21, 202337:12
#107: Saying Hello
Jul 14, 202307:09
#106: Multisensory Storytelling with Laura Shea
Jul 07, 202334:48
#105: Nanny 101 with Danny Rosenthal
Jun 30, 202339:26
#104: Stop Defending Play

#104: Stop Defending Play

This episode delves into the importance of shifting from a defensive stance to playing offense and becoming advocates for play. It emphasizes that play isn't just child's play—it plays a vital role in children's cognitive growth, creativity, and overall development. It's time to spread this valuable information far and wide!

Jun 23, 202309:12
#103: Supporting Emotional Intelligence with Stephanie Danso
Jun 15, 202342:40
#102: Helping ECEs Find Their Voice with Rae Pica
Jun 09, 202340:29
#101: Trauma-Informed Care with Ana Valle Rivera
Jun 02, 202330:03
#100: The Power of Connections

#100: The Power of Connections

You are invited to celebrate the 100th episode of The Everything ECE Podcast. Thank you so much for being part of this journey and for your continued support. Over the last 100 episodes, Carla has explored amazing topics, had incredible guest speakers, and connected with fantastic organizations in the ECE world.

In this episode, as a thank you, Carla is excited to offer two bonuses, the chance to win one of her favorite books, and an incredible opportunity to start your own podcast. You can check out the podcast to find out how you can get in on the action.

This episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, titled "The Power of Connections," focuses on an essential component of early childhood education. Carla highlights how connections are a decisive element in creating a positive climate that impacts everyone's daily mood and relationships. She encourages you to join her in exploring the important role of meaningful adult-child connections in fostering social and emotional development.

May 12, 202308:58
#99: Obstacles within the ECE Profession with Ashleigh Davies

#99: Obstacles within the ECE Profession with Ashleigh Davies

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Ashleigh Davies joins Carla Ward and shares her insights on the various obstacles that early childhood education is facing in the public and private college sectors. She discusses the lack of recognition and respect for early childhood educators and the low wages that they receive despite the critical role they play in shaping the lives of young children.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the early childhood education profession or concerned about the quality of care and education that young children receive. Join Carla and Ashleigh as they navigate the obstacles within the ECE profession.


May 05, 202339:40
#98: Breaking Up With Calendar Time with Samuel Broaden

#98: Breaking Up With Calendar Time with Samuel Broaden

Calendar time is always a hot topic in early childhood education. Come along with Carla Ward and guest, Samuel Broaden of Honoring Childhood, as they navigate why calendar time does not serve the children and their developmental journey. 


Apr 28, 202333:43
#97: 7 Fundamental Foundations for Growth with Asher Cloran
Apr 21, 202346:16
#96: Systems for the First 5 Years with Kimberly Goll
Apr 14, 202330:00
#95: 3 Ways AI Can Support Early Childhood Educators

#95: 3 Ways AI Can Support Early Childhood Educators

In the latest episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward introduces the topic of "3 Ways AI can Support Early Childhood Educators". Educators often struggle, trying to be everything for everyone, and AI can provide much-needed assistance. The episode explains how embracing this technology can make life easier for Early Childhood Educators. Even if the idea of AI is daunting, this episode will help listeners get a little taste of its benefits. Give the episode a listen and discover how AI can support Early Childhood Educators. 

Apr 06, 202308:53
#94: Learning and Connections with Maxwell Roach
Mar 24, 202301:03:14
#93: Art Therapy with Lynn Cukaj

#93: Art Therapy with Lynn Cukaj

What is art therapy? Lynn Cukaj has the answer! Join her on The Everything ECE Podcast with Carla Ward where they talk about what art therapy is and what it isn’t.

Mar 16, 202344:27
#92: An ECE Rant with Kayla Papalia

#92: An ECE Rant with Kayla Papalia

Every now and then, as a podcaster, you have a guest that you connect with and you have a plan for one topic but land up completely talking about something else! This happened when Kayla Papalia joined The Everything ECE Podcast this week and it was glorious. They were supposed to be discussing toys in the classroom but ended up recording a very raw conversation all about early childhood education. Carla and Kayla talk about everything from money to time to toxic positivity to the child care shortage and everything in between! Join Carla and Kayla and listen to their very open and raw conversation about Early Childhood Education.

Mar 10, 202347:31
#91: Playfully Teaching the Alphabet with Breanna Churchill
Mar 03, 202319:32
#90: Running a Home Child Care with Shirley Rempel

#90: Running a Home Child Care with Shirley Rempel

Have you ever considered running a home child business? Or maybe you’re already running one? Today’s podcast guest has been running her home child care for 13 years and she absolutely loves it! Early Childhood Educator, Shirley Rempel joins The Everything ECE Podcast and shares all about how she got started, what she loves about running a home child care business, how she is finding work/ life balance and tips for anyone looking to start their own home child care business.

Show notes: www.elfoundations.com/90

Feb 10, 202331:56
#89: Let Them Pick Their Nose with Kristen Peterson

#89: Let Them Pick Their Nose with Kristen Peterson

Everybody picks their nose! Not convinced? Give today's podcast episode a listen and see if it can change your mind! It sounds like a gross and controversial topic but letting children pick their noses goes well beyond the finger up the nose. Join Carla Ward and Kristen Peterson where they deep dive (ha!) into nose picking and why educators should let it go. 

Join the Camp Renegade Play Virtual Summit

https://www.kristenrbpeterson.com/a/2147502944/hhwNViYF 

Feb 02, 202330:23
#88: Protecting Your Time and Energy with Adva Hannan

#88: Protecting Your Time and Energy with Adva Hannan

Have you ever worked somewhere where you feel you spend more time at work than at home? Many educators are guilty of this because there is always something to do. On today’s podcast, Adva Hannan, talks about protecting your time and energy. It is important that you have a balance between work and home and not staying at work until all hours. Adva can help you protect your time and energy!

Jan 27, 202328:22