The Everything ECE Podcast

What if storytime didn’t end when you closed the book?
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward invites you to reimagine how literacy lives in your early childhood classroom by taking stories beyond the book.

Discover why the most powerful literacy experiences happen after the last page is turned, and how you can weave books into play, conversation, and connection throughout your learning environment.

Carla shares 3 practical, classroom-tested strategies to help educators extend storytime into meaningful, child-led learning moments that touch every area of the curriculum.

Join Carla and Dr. Margaret Quinn as they explore how children under six make meaning through writing. This episode breaks down Margaret’s fascinating research on transcription, connection, and discourse—three essential components of early writing—and gives practical strategies for supporting young children’s literacy through intentional, play-based learning.

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 learning

• How to begin uncovering your own biases in the classroom

• What belonging really means for children—and educators

• The role of discomfort in growth and learning

• How 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.

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 experience

• Why she stepped out of the classroom to create greater impact

• Tips for supporting Out of School Care (OSC) staff

• Why she doesn’t work with toddlers—and how that decision started on day one of placement

Whether you're a student, ECE, or seasoned educator, this episode is filled with insights, encouragement, and a lot of real talk.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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 guilt

Carla 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.

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

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!

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.