The Everything ECE Podcast

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward is joined by the one and only Sally Haughey, founder of Fairy Dust Teaching (now Wunderled) and a beloved leader in the world of play-based early childhood education.Together, they dive deep into what it really means to build a culture of belonging in early childhood classrooms. Sally shares her personal story, the origin of Fairy Dust Teaching, and how her own struggles as an educator inspired the work she does today. From making the shift from theme-based to play-based learning to creating meaningful, anti-bias practices rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion, Sally offers vulnerable insights and practical first steps educators can take to do better for the children in their care.You’ll also hear about the inspiration behind the Belonging First Summit, a free event dedicated to helping early childhood educators create truly inclusive spaces—without shame, guilt, or overwhelm.Key topics in this episode include:Why relationships are the foundation of all learningHow to begin uncovering your own biases in the classroomWhat belonging really means for children—and educatorsThe role of discomfort in growth and learningHow to serve children and families with intention and authenticity✨ Whether you're new to anti-bias work or looking to deepen your practice, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to take the next step.🎟️ Join us at the Belonging First Summit — it’s free, powerful, and designed to move this profession forward together.Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/187Sign Up for our Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, host Carla Ward answers real questions submitted by early childhood educators. From burnout and leadership struggles to career pivots and unforgettable placement moments, Carla shares personal stories and honest reflections from her 20 years in the profession.You'll hear:What made her cry at work (and it wasn’t the child)How leadership can make or break your ECE experienceWhy she stepped out of the classroom to create greater impactTips for supporting Out of School Care (OSC) staffWhy she doesn’t work with toddlers—and how that decision started on day one of placementWhether you're a student, ECE, or seasoned educator, this episode is filled with insights, encouragement, and a lot of real talk.Sponsored by Tiny Tales, a branch of Growing Wonder. Discover felt story sets and hands-on storytelling workshops for educators at @growingwonder.tinytales.Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/186Sign Up for our Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, host Carla Ward is joined by early childhood education expert Amy Reyes-Hauff to explore the powerful connection between outdoor learning and self-regulation in young children. With over 25 years of experience—from Head Start Director to Montessori Kindergarten Teacher to her current role at the Wyoming Department of Education—Amy brings a wealth of knowledge and real-world insight.As the founder of Get Wild Wyoming, an outdoor learning initiative reaching nearly 200 early childhood classrooms, Amy shares practical strategies and research-backed benefits of taking lessons outside. Discover how nature can support emotional regulation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being—for both children and educators.If you’re an early childhood educator, administrator, or advocate looking for nature-based learning ideas, self-regulation support, or fresh inspiration for your classroom, this episode is for you.🎧 Tune in now and get ready to take your teaching outside!Sign Up for our Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Show Notes: elfoundations.com/185

In the final episode of her classroom environment series, Carla Ward dives into the concept of YES Spaces—learning environments intentionally designed to say yes to children’s curiosity, autonomy, and play. Drawing from experience and research, Carla explores how YES Spaces support independence, reduce behavioral challenges, and foster deeper engagement. This episode offers a mindset shift and practical steps for educators looking to create meaningful, child-centered environments in any program setting.Sign up for The Everything ECE Summit at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠elfoundations.com/ecesummit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Sign Up for our Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/184

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward explores the surprising power of plants in early learning environments. From purifying air to boosting focus and promoting empathy, plants bring more than beauty—they bring connection. Carla shares research-backed insights, practical tips, and how educators can start their own “plant movement” without spending a dime. Whether in a centre, home child care, or school-age program, this episode will leave educators inspired to grow something meaningful.Sign up for The Everything ECE Summit at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠elfoundations.com/ecesummit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Sign Up for our Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/183

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward explores a part of early learning environments that’s often overlooked—but deeply impactful. Lighting can influence everything from energy levels to emotional regulation for both children and educators. Whether you’re in a child care centre, home child care, or school-age program, this conversation will leave you rethinking the light in your space.Sign up for The Everything ECE Summit at ⁠⁠⁠⁠elfoundations.com/ecesummit⁠⁠⁠⁠.Sign Up for our Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/182

Colour is more than just decoration—it influences mood, focus, and the overall energy of a learning environment. In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward explores the psychology of colour in early childhood settings, sharing research-backed insights on how different hues impact both children and educators. She offers creative, budget-friendly ways to introduce colour into child care programs without painting the walls. Plus, Carla shares a personal story about a bright red table that completely changed her perspective on classroom design. Tune in for practical strategies and inspiration to create a space that supports learning, play, and emotional well-being.Sign up for The Everything ECE Summit at ⁠⁠⁠elfoundations.com/ecesummit⁠⁠⁠.Sign Up for our Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠ Click Here⁠⁠⁠Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/181

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla sits down with Ishaa Vinod Chopra, an early childhood educator and performing artist, to explore how movement and dance can support mental health for Early Childhood Educators. They discuss the importance of emotional regulation for both educators and children, breaking the stigma around mental well-being, and how integrating dance into learning spaces can create a sense of belonging and self-expression.Tune in to hear how dance can be a simple yet powerful tool to promote well-being in early childhood education.Sign up for The Everything ECE Summit at ⁠⁠elfoundations.com/ecesummit⁠⁠.Sign Up for our Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠ Click Here⁠⁠Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/180

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward explores the difference between consequences and punishment in early childhood education. She discusses why harsh discipline methods, including shame and unrelated punishments, are not effective in guiding children's behavior. Instead, Carla dives into natural and logical consequences that support learning, emotional regulation, and positive relationships. Tune in for actionable strategies, research-backed insights, and real-life examples to help educators rethink their approach to discipline.Listen now and learn how to create a more respectful and supportive learning environment!Sign up for The Everything ECE Summit at ⁠elfoundations.com/ecesummit⁠.Sign Up for our Newsletter:⁠⁠ Click Here⁠Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/179

This week on The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward welcomes Emily Clark, a passionate PhD student in early childhood education with international teaching experience. Emily is dedicated to making educational research more accessible and emphasizes the importance of understanding each child’s unique needs. She challenges traditional standardized measures and instead advocates for quality interactions and play as liberation.In this episode, Emily shares insights on supportive leadership, professional relationships, and the power of documentation in early childhood education. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about rethinking research, practice, and play in ECE!The Everything ECE Summit: www.elfoundations.com/ecesummitJoin Our Newsletter: https://early-learning-foundations.kit.com/b0fcdc38a5 Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/178

After returning from a much-needed getaway to Mexico, Carla Ward explores why boundaries and breaks are essential for Early Childhood Educators. In this episode ofThe Everything ECE Podcast, she dives into the science behind why stepping away leads to better focus, patience, and overall well-being.Listeners will learn:✔️ How breaks improve brain function and emotional regulation✔️ Why setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for longevity in ECE✔️ Practical ways to create work-life balance without guiltCarla also invites educators to join her on April 5th & 6th for The Everything ECE Summit, a free event featuring inspiring speakers and actionable strategies for thriving in the profession.🎧 Tune in now to discover why prioritizing rest makes educators stronger, not weaker.Sign up for The Everything ECE Summit atelfoundations.com/ecesummit.Sign Up for our Newsletter:⁠Click HereShow Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/177

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward is joined by Sherri Phillips, a registered early childhood educator and postpartum doula, to explore the critical role of supporting families in the postpartum period. Sherri shares valuable insights into the emotional, physical, and practical support doulas provide, and why tummy time is more than just a developmental milestone. Whether you work with infants or simply want to learn more about early development, this conversation is packed with useful takeaways.Tune in now and discover the importance of those early connections! Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/176 Sign Up for our Newsletter: Click Here

Did you think you were signing up to work just with children? Surprise! Families play a HUGE role in early childhood education, and building strong relationships with them makes a massive difference—not just for the children, but for you as an educator. In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, we explore:✔️ Why family-educator relationships are so important✔️ The impact on children’s success and development✔️ How strong family connections make your job easier and more fulfilling✔️ Actionable steps to build trust, collaboration, and better communication with families When families trust and support you, everything becomes smoother—less stress, better teamwork, and a classroom full of children who feel safe and supported. Whether you’re struggling with family engagement or looking to deepen those connections, this episode has you covered! Listen now and take the first step toward stronger educator-family partnerships! Sign Up for the Newsletter (From The ELF Desk)

Math doesn’t have to be scary—it can be fun, engaging, and a natural part of everyday life! In this episode, Carla Ward chats with Dr. Sara Delano Moore, a math enthusiast, educator and the VP of Content & Research at ORIGO Education, about how to make math approachable for young learners. Discover why early math foundations are crucial for future success, how play and everyday activities can teach math concepts, and strategies to overcome math anxiety for both children and adults. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or simply curious, this conversation will change how you see math in the early years. Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/174 Work With Carla: www.elfoundations.com/professionaldevelopment

Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and candles—it’s about real, intentional practices that help you thrive, not just survive. In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward gets real about the impact of stress on your health and relationships, sharing personal stories and actionable strategies to make self-care a non-negotiable part of your life. From setting boundaries to celebrating small wins, this episode is packed with insights to help you prioritize your well-being. Don’t miss the free Self-Care Guide for Early Childhood Educators—download it at elfoundations.com/selfcareguide. Tune in now and take the first step toward better self-care! Show Notes: elfoundations.com/173

Carla welcomes Hina Khan, a former psychotherapist turned peak performance mindset coach, to discuss the power of manifestation and personal growth. Hina shares her journey and insights on recognizing abundance, the importance of community, and the undervaluation of early childhood educators. They explore concepts like the financial thermostat and goal setting, emphasizing that women's wealth can uplift communities. Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/172 Hina's Book: https://amzn.to/4fNMIjW Work with Carla: https://www.elfoundations.com/professionaldevelopment

Carla is joined by Kerry Drake to discuss the vital role of mentorship in early childhood education, highlighting its impact on educators' growth. Kerry, a seasoned educator and founder of KD Talks, shares her positive experiences and emphasizes the need for structured placements and mentor preparation. The conversation covers the importance of building relationships, collective responsibility in mentorship, and the necessity of incentives to support mentors.  Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/171 Work with Carla: https://www.elfoundations.com/professionaldevelopment

Choosing a word for the year can be a powerful way to set your intentions and stay grounded throughout 2025. In this reflective episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, host Carla Ward guides early childhood educators on a meaningful journey to discover their word for the year. Through moments of reflection, thoughtful prompts, and actionable tips, you’ll learn how to choose a word that inspires you both personally and professionally. Whether it’s balance, connection, or growth, this episode will help you embrace your 2025 word as your North Star. Tune in for inspiration, insight, and community as you step into the new year with purpose. Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/170 Work with Carla: www.elfoundations.com/professionaldevelopment

How has the pandemic shaped the literacy and motor skills of today’s preschoolers? Join Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift as she explores the startling decline in kindergarten readiness and its ripple effects. Dr. Swift dives into how social-emotional development, phonological awareness, and play-based learning hold the keys to recovery. This episode offers strategies for educators and parents alike—but what’s the one surprising factor that could make all the difference? Tune in to uncover it. Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/169 Work with Carla: https://www.elfoundations.com/professionaldevelopment

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward shares five practical strategies to help children start their day on the right foot. Whether you’re in home child care or a center-based program, these tips will empower you to create a welcoming and supportive environment from the moment children arrive. Tune in to discover how small, intentional actions can set the tone for a positive day. Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/168 Work with Carla: https://www.elfoundations.com/professionaldevelopment

What happens when a hurricane or wildfire interrupts a child's early education? For over 500,000 children enrolled in Head Start programs—40% of which are in federally declared disaster areas—the consequences are profound. In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, host Carla Ward speaks with Todd Grindall, Co-Director at SRI Education, to uncover the critical challenges that extreme weather poses to early childhood education. Inspired by the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael, Todd shares insights from his research into how disasters disrupt learning environments, particularly for young children and those with disabilities. Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/167 Work with Carla: https://www.elfoundations.com/professionaldevelopment

Cathy Turalinski returns to share her extensive 40+ years of experience in early childhood education, focusing on the critical first five years of brain development. She emphasizes the importance of integrating research into daily interactions with children and advocates for a shift in mindset among educators regarding toddler behaviour. As an entrepreneur and author of a four-book series, she aims to empower educators and parents, highlighting the significance of emotional development, play-based learning, and the need for empathy in childcare settings. Resources and training sessions are available on her website to support this mission. Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/166 Work with Carla: https://www.elfoundations.com/professionaldevelopment

Carla Ward joins nine incredible podcasting educators who came together for a roundtable discussion to explore the vital themes of mentorship, self-care, and advocacy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of play in maintaining creativity and passion in teaching while offering practical self-care tips and leadership insights. The podcasters share their experiences and highlight the need for proactive mentorship to bridge the gap between educational preparation and real classroom challenges. The podcast advocates for valuing early childhood educators and encourages collaboration to elevate the profession. Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/165 Work with Carla: www.elfoundations.com/professionaldevelopment

Dana Levin-Robinson, CEO and founder of Upfront, joins Carla Ward on The Everything ECE Podcast to discuss how she is transforming childcare access through innovative data integration. Inspired by her own struggles to find suitable childcare, Dana launched Upfront to tackle the supply-demand mismatch by breaking down data silos and enhancing collaboration with governments and nonprofits. By creating a comprehensive, frequently updated database, Upfront connects families with available childcare spots, streamlines data collection, and supports providers, all while aiming to boost community engagement and resource allocation. Tune in to hear how Dana's vision is reshaping the future of childcare. Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/164 Work with Carla: www.elfoundations.com

Join Carla Ward on The Everything ECE Podcast as she talks with Macall Gordon, a specialist in sleep training children, about the importance of naps in early childhood. Macall explains why naps are essential not only for physical growth but also for emotional regulation and behaviour. In this episode, discover: The hidden benefits of nap time and how missed naps can affect behaviour Strategies for setting up a sleep-friendly environment in daycare settings Why early bedtimes matter and how to tune into each child’s unique sleep needs Don’t miss this insightful conversation that shines a light on the science of sleep and child development. Listen now for practical tips and advice! For more resources, be sure to visit www.elfoundations.com/163. Also, check out how to work with Carla here

Maddie Pelz, founder of Grow Into Math, joins Carla Ward on The Everything ECE Podcast to discuss the importance of play-based environments in alleviating math anxiety in children. She shares her research on innate math intuitions and the confusion often caused by formal education. Highlighting her experience, she emphasizes integrating math discussions into daily activities and the significance of foundational skills like cardinality and subitizing. Maddie encourages educators to observe and narrate children's play to enhance math understanding and offers practical tips for incorporating math talk into routines. Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/162 How to Work with Carla

In this episode, Rae discusses the vital role of play in early childhood education and why it should be an essential part of every learning environment. She explores different types of play, including free play, guided play, block play, and risky play, and explains how each supports children's development. Rae also addresses concerns about a possible return to more traditional education methods and emphasizes the importance of ongoing educator training in play-based learning. Additionally, she highlights the role of parental involvement and the profound impact play has on children's emotional expression and overall well-being. Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/161 How to work with Carla

Erica Saccoccio, a Rhode Island childcare owner, shares insights from her experience managing three centres and hosting the "Childcare Directors Chair" podcast. She emphasizes the importance of flow in life, effective communication, and a supportive work environment to enhance staff morale and retention. With a focus on personalized professional development, cross-training, and strong team bonding, Erica fosters a culture that prioritizes both employee well-being and high-quality childcare. Her revamped onboarding process and commitment to addressing staff concerns further contribute to a positive workplace atmosphere. Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/160 How to Work with Carla

Jamie Wagler joins Carla Ward on The Everything ECE Podcast to discuss the crucial role of school-age educators. She explores the high turnover rates in before and after school programs and their detrimental effects on children. Jamie advocates for the creation of full-time positions to enhance stability, improved training, and stronger community support for educators. She stresses the significance of building meaningful connections with children, designing engaging environments, and involving them in program planning. Additionally, Jamie addresses the challenges of split shifts, the need for clear boundaries, the impact of technology on learning, and the necessity of greater administrative support for school-age teachers.. Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/159 ⁠How to Work with Carla⁠

Carla Ward interviews Marlo Humiski from Learn, Develop, Succeed (LDS), a nonprofit in BC dedicated to supporting families with learning disabilities. The discussion highlights the Early Risers Program, which provides early intervention in a preschool-like setting, engaging families through community partnerships and workshops. With a focus on literacy, numeracy, and fine motor skills, the program includes professional support from specialists and features QT the Robot to aid emotional awareness. Marlo emphasizes the importance of early intervention and the ongoing resources available to families, showcasing LDS's commitment to fostering a supportive community for neurodivergent children. Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/158 ⁠How to Work with Carla⁠

Host Carla Ward interviews Dr. Jasmine Moses, an expert in anti-bias early childhood education, discussing the importance of inclusivity in early learning environments. Dr. Moses outlines the four main goals of anti-bias education—identity, diversity, justice, and activism—and emphasizes the need for diverse materials and perspectives in classrooms. The conversation highlights the significance of confronting biases, fostering empathy, and advocating for equitable policies to create supportive communities for children and families. https://www.elfoundations.com/157 ⁠How to Work with Carla⁠

Host Carla Ward engages with leadership strategist Beth Cannon to explore self-disqualification in early childhood education. They discuss the importance of treating early education as a business focused on delivering positive experiences, emphasizing effective systems, core values, and operational efficiency. Beth introduces her Stuck to Strategy Academy, outlining four core pillars for strengthening leadership foundations. The conversation also addresses challenges in the sector, the significance of feedback loops, and the need for continuous learning and clear hiring practices. Join the Everything ECE Podcast Insider Group for more insights and resources. https://www.elfoundations.com/156 ⁠How to Work with Carla⁠

Carla Ward hosts a discussion with Jesse, CEO of Anji Education, on the transformative Anji Play philosophy in early childhood education. This approach prioritizes love, safety, and children's autonomy, fostering independent problem-solving through unguided play. The conversation highlights the importance of strong relationships with families, the balance between structure and freedom, and the need for educational reform that respects children's voices and experiences. Emphasizing collaboration among educators and parents, this episode advocates for a joyful play movement that enhances learning and emotional connections. Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/155 ⁠How to Work with Carla⁠

Carla Ward hosts The Everything ECE Podcast with Kristine Parsons from the College of Early Childhood Educators in Ontario, discussing the College's vital role in regulating early childhood educators. Kristine explains how the College protects the public through standards, a public register, and handling complaints. The episode highlights Ontario's unique position as the only Canadian province with a regulatory college for this profession, the importance of maintaining standards, and the ongoing challenges. Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/154 ⁠How to Work with Carla⁠

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward sits down with Alex Carnio, CEO of Productivity, to explore an innovative childcare model that’s making waves in Kelowna, BC. Alex shares her unique approach to early childhood care, which blends flexible childcare services with co-working spaces for parents. With three centers offering 111 spots for children aged 0-5, this model is designed to support families in a holistic way. The facilities feature extended hours, a pet-friendly environment, and a flagship location with a spacious outdoor area, all aimed at fostering a sense of community and balance. Listeners will learn how this approach not only addresses the practical needs of childcare but also emphasizes mental health and work-life harmony for families. Alex also discusses the importance of promoting from within to ensure high-quality care across all centers. Tune in to hear how this groundbreaking model sets new standards in the childcare industry and creates a thriving community for parents and children alike. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! Listen now and discover how this model could transform the future of childcare. Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/153 How to Work with Carla

Carla Ward hosts the Everything ECE podcast featuring 'Iolani Bullock, who discusses her children's book "Little Lenox Takes Flight," which encourages travel and diversity for preschoolers. Inspired by the lack of diverse travel literature for her son, Bullock emphasizes the importance of representation in children's books and the negative impact of book bans on exposure to diverse perspectives. The episode also highlights the role of psychological safety in learning and the need for children to see themselves in literature with "Little Lenox Takes Flight." Show Notes : elfoundations.com/152 ⁠How to Work with Carla⁠

Carla Ward explores the concept of self-serve lunches for children, emphasizing the importance of fostering independence and confidence. The discussion covers developmental considerations, benefits such as improved motor skills and healthy eating habits, and practical implementation strategies. Listeners will learn how to gradually introduce self-serving practices and address common concerns, ultimately encouraging positive outcomes in childcare. A downloadable guide is available for further support. Listen to find out how you can get your copy. Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/151 ⁠⁠How to Work with Carla⁠⁠

Carla Ward and Lisa MacKay explore the vital role of outdoor learning in early childhood education, emphasizing its benefits for children's well-being amidst increasing screen time. With over 20 years of experience, Lisa advocates for inquiry-based learning, highlighting how outdoor environments stimulate curiosity and cognitive development. This episode offers practical tips for educators and parents to promote outdoor play, encouraging exploration and creativity while fostering mental health and social skills. Embrace outdoor learning in all weather to enrich children's experiences and learning. Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/150 ⁠⁠How to Work with Carla⁠⁠

Explore ethical dilemmas in Early Childhood Education (ECE) with Taylor Aiyadurai on the Everything ECE podcast. Learn about common challenges like babysitting after hours and favouritism and the importance of reflecting on personal values and setting professional boundaries. Discover the significance of seeking guidance from policies and colleagues to navigate ethical dilemmas effectively, and the need to review and update ECE policies to promote inclusivity. Show notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/149 ⁠⁠How to Work with Carla⁠⁠

Carla Ward and Tammy Kelly from Early Childhood Coach team discuss breaking down barriers beyond physical ones on the Everything ECE podcast. Tammy shares experiences with children with disabilities in childcare, highlighting challenges like lack of expertise and parental concerns. Emphasizing the importance of fostering independence and inclusivity, she stresses the need for guidance and support from adults. Tammy finds it rewarding to help children with support needs reach milestones, emphasizing the significance of building bonds and a sense of belonging for children's development and well-being. Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/148 ⁠⁠How to Work with Carla⁠⁠

Educators understand that the period from 0 to 6 years old is crucial for a child's development. This time frame is characterized by rapid growth and significant cognitive, emotional, and social developmental milestones. However, despite this understanding, infants—those in the earliest stages of this developmental window—are often overlooked when it comes to professional development for educators, program planning, and resource prioritization. In today's episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, host Carla Ward sits down with Sophie Rayner-Grignon from The ECE (The Early Childhood Coach) to delve into the importance of focusing on infant learning and early mental health care. The discussion sheds light on the unique needs of infants and emphasizes the necessity of integrating specialized training and program strategies that cater to this age group. Sophie Rayner-Grignon shares valuable insights on how early childhood educators (ECEs) can better support the youngest learners and foster environments conducive to their mental health and overall development. The conversation is enlightening and essential, making it a must-listen for all ECEs who aim to enhance their understanding and practices around infant care. Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/147 How to Work with Carla

Join Carla Ward, host of The Everything ECE Podcast, and special guest Kisa Marx as they continue the insightful conversation from episode #145 on rethinking weapon play in early childhood education. In this episode, Carla and Kisa dive deep into the underlying reasons behind adults' hesitations toward embracing weapon play. They explore the cultural, psychological, and developmental factors that contribute to these concerns and discuss the potential benefits of reevaluating our approach. Through engaging anecdotes, expert insights, and practical advice, this episode challenges conventional wisdom and encourages educators and parents to consider a more nuanced perspective on weapon play. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that aims to reshape our understanding and support the holistic development of young children. Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/146 How to Work with Carla

Weapon play in Early Childhood Education is a controversial topic, to say the least. In this episode Carla Ward and Samuel Broaden come at this topic from different point of views. Samuel offers some lovely insight to why it isn't so much about the weapon play but the conversations we have with children surrounding the topic based on our lived experiences and those of the children we work with. Tune into this interesting discussion. Show notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/145 How to Work with Carla

In this episode of the Everything ECE Podcast, host, Carla Ward welcomes Anthony Delauney, the financial "dadvisor." Anthony is a father of two, a Certified Family Financial Planner, a Behavioral Financial Advisor, and the author of the award-winning "Owning the Dash" children's book series. He shares his innovative approach to teaching children foundational financial skills by focusing on life skills and behaviours essential for financial understanding. Listeners will learn about the importance of non-judgmental behaviour in financial education and gain practical tips for early childhood education. Tune in for an enlightening and transformative discussion! Show Notes: https://elfoundations.com/144 ⁠How to Work with Carla⁠

Join Carla Ward on The Everything ECE Podcast as she discusses a critical aspect of early childhood education: giving children autonomy. Carla explains why fostering a sense of independence is essential for young learners' development and offers practical advice on how educators can support autonomy in their programs. Tune in to discover effective strategies for empowering children to make choices, learn from their experiences, and grow into confident, responsible individuals. Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/143 ⁠How to Work with Carla⁠

Explore practical strategies and insights for creating an inclusive learning environment for left-handed learners in early childhood education on The Everything ECE Podcast. Join host Carla Ward as she shares valuable tips to support the unique needs of left-handed children in the classroom. Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/142 ⁠How to Work with Carla⁠

In this episode, Carla Ward is joined by Katie-Lynn Parkinson of ECCDC to dive into the crucial topic of risk and challenge in early learning programs. Together, they explore why educators should lean into potential risks rather than shy away from them. Katie-Lynn breaks down the distinction between risk and challenge versus hazards or dangers, offering clarity on how embracing the former fosters growth and development in young learners. Through engaging conversation, they discuss the importance of risk and challenge in early childhood education and where some of our fears surrounding them stem from. As educators, they discuss our role in creating environments that encourage healthy risk-taking and provide opportunities for children to explore and learn. Katie-Lynn shares valuable insights on how to navigate conversations with others who may be more risk-averse, empowering educators to advocate for enriching learning experiences. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of why embracing risk and challenge is essential for the growth and development of young minds, and how we can cultivate environments that support this philosophy in early learning programs. Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/141

Dive into the world of rhyme and colossal words for kids with host Carla Ward and special guest Colette Hiller on The Everything ECE Podcast! Join Carla as she sits down with Colette, a writer, arts producer, and author of the critically acclaimed poetry book "The B on Your Thumb." With a background in acting on the London stage and appearances in iconic films like "Aliens," Colette brings a unique perspective to the importance of language in early childhood education. Discover how Colette's children's rhymes, featured on BBC Words and Pictures, and her album "Applehead" have captivated young minds worldwide, selling over 50,000 copies. As a former producer at BBC Education, she shares her passion for introducing big words to little learners and the joy of wordplay. Tune in as Colette shares excerpts from her latest book, "Colossal Words for Kids," and explores the transformative power of language in shaping young minds. Whether you're a parent, educator, or language enthusiast, this episode is a must-listen! Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com ⁠How to Work with Carla

This week on The Everything ECE Podcast, host Carla Ward is joined by special guest Faigie Kobre, a seasoned early childhood educator passionate about fostering creativity in the classroom. In the episode titled "Ditching the Copycat Crafts Mindset," Faigie shares her expertise gained from years as an early childhood teacher and director and leading professional development workshops. Learn about her innovative approach to elementary school art using the choice-based method called TAB and discover her recent online program, "Beyond Copycat Crafts." Don't miss this inspiring conversation! Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/139 ⁠ ⁠How to Work with Carla ⁠

This week, Susie Beghin joins Carla Ward on the podcast to explore the exciting realm of STEAM in Early Childhood Education. As they chat, you can almost feel the energy as they discuss the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, all within the context of early learning. There's a particular moment where Carla is illuminated by the realization of just how seamlessly play and STEAM intertwine in the development of young minds. Tune in to hear about the magic that happens when curiosity meets creativity, and how STEAM is not just a curriculum, but a way of fostering exploration, problem-solving, and innovation from the earliest stages of education. Show Notes: elfoundations.com/138