Between Us Mums

Navigating childcare with a neurodivergent child or one with unique support needs can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone.

In this episode, host Anika is joined by Jackie Sikic and Caitlin Smith, expert occupational therapists from Kidlink and hosts of The Pipcast. Together, they unpack practical strategies for finding neuro-affirming childcare, asking the right questions on tours, and building strong partnerships with educators. 

They also discuss environmental adaptations, sensory preferences, and how to effectively advocate for your child even before receiving a formal diagnosis.

Plus, they explore the upcoming Thriving Kids framework and share actionable advice on handling transition periods and regulation.

Tune in for an empowering discussion filled with insider tips, heartfelt lived experience, and expert guidance to set your family up for success.

(00:00:43) Introduction of OT guests Jackie and Caitlin

(00:01:43) First steps when searching for childcare

(00:03:10) Questions to ask and environment checks on tours

(00:09:01) Advocating for support without a formal diagnosis

(00:13:18) Navigating the upcoming Thriving Kids framework

(00:18:56) Implementing environmental and regulation supports

(00:35:12) Essential preparation tips before starting childcare

For more information on Care for Kids, visit www.careforkids.com.au

Follow @careforkidsau

For more info on KidLink, visit https://www.kidlink.net.au

Podcast produced by Posterboy Media.

Ever wondered what actually happens during play-based learning at childcare? And how is it different to what our kids do at home or the playground?

In this episode of Between Us Mums, host Anika sits down with Nadia Wilson-Ali, an early childhood education leader, researcher, mum, and Director of Education and Quality at Nido Early School. 

Nadia unpacks the science and structure behind early childhood play, explaining how intentional environments transform simple activities—like building block towers, blowing bubbles, or writing classroom labels—into crucial foundation skills for literacy, numeracy, and emotional regulation. Discover how different educational philosophies like Reggio Emilia foster curious minds, and learn practical strategies parents can use at home, from using the 10-second pause rule to empowering kids through everyday tasks. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that redefines how we view play, learning, and early childhood development.

(00:01:00) Defining Play-Based Learning

(00:02:45) The Three Types of Play

(00:07:15) How Play Supports Academic Learning

(00:09:45) High-Quality Kinder Play-Based Curriculum

(00:15:00) Infant Play and the First Thousand Days

(00:18:30) Navigating Montessori, Steiner, and Reggio Emilia

(00:24:00) Practical Tips for Play at Home

For more information on Care for Kids, visit www.careforkids.com.au

Follow @careforkidsau

For more info on Nido Early School, visit https://nido.edu.au/ 

Podcast produced by Posterboy Media.

The incident report doesn't have to be a source of dread for parents. This episode features Emma Rattenbury, a seasoned early childhood teacher and registered play therapist, who provides a refreshing and empathetic look at "tricky" behaviors in childcare settings. Emma dismantles the shame often associated with biting, hitting, or pushing, explaining these actions as developmental milestones or expressions of unmet needs rather than signs of a 'bad' child. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of why these incidents occur, the importance of educator-parent collaboration, and how to navigate the complex emotions of guilt and protection. With professional grace and practical advice, Emma encourages parents to view these moments with curiosity rather than judgment, offering a roadmap for supporting children through their big emotions.

For more information on Care for Kids, visit www.careforkids.com.au

Follow @careforkidsau

Follow Emma Rattenbury - @emma_in_earlychildhood

Podcast produced by Posterboy Media.

In this episode, we tackle the high-stakes dilemma of school readiness with guest Jacqui, a highly experienced prep teacher and founder of Ready Wrens. With nearly a decade of experience in Melbourne classrooms, Jacqui specialises in bridging the gap between kindergarten and the first year of school. This episode moves beyond the "ABCs and 123s" to focus on the true markers of readiness: emotional regulation and social confidence. Jacqui offers practical advice on navigating professional recommendations, managing 'older child' concerns, and trusting your parental gut. This conversation provides the expert scaffolding parents need to make the best decision for their unique family situation.

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:01:51) When to expect readiness conversations

(00:07:18) Emotional versus academic readiness

(00:11:42) Defining quality versus detrimental screentime

(00:14:40) Why repeating kindergarten beats repeating prep

(00:21:02) Navigating advice from specialists and PSFOs

(00:29:52) Trusting your gut as a parent

For more information on Care for Kids, visit www.careforkids.com.au

Follow @careforkidsau

For more information on Ready Wrens, visit www.readywrens.com.au

Follow @readywrens

Podcast produced by Posterboy Media.

In this eye-opening episode, we tackle the distressing reality of safety incidents and abuse within Australian childcare settings. Our guest is Kristi McVee, a former police detective with over a decade of experience investigating child abuse and a leading child safety educator. Kristi provides expert insights into why these incidents often go undetected, explaining the sophisticated grooming tactics used by offenders to manipulate both children and adults.

The conversation covers essential red flags for parents and educators, such as boundary-pushing and inappropriate initiation of physical contact, while offering practical advice on fostering bodily autonomy in children. Listeners will learn how to vet centres effectively and the critical steps to take if they suspect a child is at risk.

(00:01:25) Trends in reported childcare abuse

(00:04:11) Why abuse goes unnoticed for years

(00:07:56) How offenders groom other adults

(00:10:20) Red flags in educator-child contact

(00:14:29) What to look for during tours

(00:26:33) Reporting procedures and mandatory requirements

(00:30:48) Trusting your gut and instincts

For more information on Care for Kids , visit www.careforkids.com.au

Follow @careforkidsau

For more information on Kristi McVee, visit www.kristimcvee.com

Follow @kristimcvee

Podcast produced by Posterboy Media.

You've seen the NQS badge on the fence - but do you actually know what it means?

In this episode, Anika and Kate sit down with Elise Disher, former educator, former centre director, and now an in-demand early childhood consultant, to finally decode the National Quality Standard in plain English. Elise reveals why a "Meeting" rating isn't something to fear, what a "Working Towards" really signals, and why an "Exceeding" badge is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle.

She also shares the three quality areas every parent should focus on when touring a centre, and why your gut feeling on the day matters more than any rating on a website. Practical, refreshingly honest, and packed with insider knowledge - this episode will completely change how you read an NQS rating.

(00:00) The NQS confusion every parent has

(01:22) What the National Quality Standard actually is

(03:22) Meeting vs. Exceeding: what's the real difference?

(06:28) "Working Towards" — red flag or just ask questions?

(13:00) Who are the Authorised Officers and how do they assess?

(20:46) Can a centre fake a good rating?

(32:56) The three quality areas Elise looks at as a mum

For more information on Care for Kids , visit www.careforkids.com.au

Follow @careforkidsau

For more information on Elise Disher, visit www.elisedisher.com

Follow @elisedisher.ed

Podcast produced by Posterboy Media.

One of the biggest questions facing new mums: Is my baby too young for childcare? In this episode, Anika and Kate sit down with Professor Tricia Eadie from Melbourne University - one of Australia's leading researchers in early childhood development - to finally get the evidence-based answers. Tricia unpacks why age is rarely the right question, what quality actually looks like for different stages, and why a stable, skilled workforce matters more than a fancy fitout. She shares the long-term research on children who start care early, the truth about multiple caregivers, and the single most powerful thing parents can do at home to support learning. Warm, reassuring, and packed with practical tools - this is the episode every mum questioning her childcare choices needs to hear.

(00:00) The guilt of sending your baby early

(01:00) Introducing Professor Tricia Eadie

(01:41) How young is too young — what does the evidence say?

(04:30) Multiple caregivers: overwhelming or totally normal?

(06:05) Can childcare really meet a young baby's needs?

(09:35) School readiness and the three-day guarantee

(16:34) The single most important thing parents can do at home.

For more information on Care for Kids, visit www.careforkids.com.au

Follow @careforkidsau

Podcast produced by Posterboy Media.

Welcome to Between Us Mums, a bold, no-fluff podcast that gets real about the childcare stage of life - the stuff you wish someone had told you, the questions you didn’t know you could ask, and the support you didn’t know you needed. Between Us Mums offers solid advice and interesting Australian guest appearances, to get you ready for Day One of childcare. Hosted by real mums, for mums. 

Choosing a childcare provider is arguably one of the most emotional milestones in the early parenting journey. In this debut episode of Between Us Mums, hosts Anika and Kate sit down with Cassandra Stark, the "magical unicorn" of early childhood education. As the founder of The Childcare Concierge & Advisory, Cassandra brings 15 years of deep-insider experience, ranging from nanny and educator to centre director and parent.Cassandra pulls back the curtain on what parents should be looking for during a tour, moving beyond the "aesthetic" playrooms and fancy marketing. This episode covers critical safety green flags (like water bottle placement and digital privacy), the truth behind "Exceeding" NQS ratings, and why a messy room might actually be a sign of a high-quality centre. This conversation provides the tactical tools you need to trust your gut and find your village.

(00:00) Why dads skip the childcare tour

(01:17) Introducing Cassandra Stark, The Childcare Concierge

(02:22) The shiny distractions that fool parents on tours

(04:41) Why a messy room is actually a green flag

(09:01) What to look for when it comes to safety

(14:29) Cass's gold nugget questions to ask every tour

(25:49) Red flags, green flags and reading online reviews.

For more information on Care for Kids, visit www.careforkids.com.au

Follow @careforkidsau

For more information on Cassandra Stark, visit www.thechildcareconcierge.com.au

Follow @the.childcare.concierge

Podcast produced by Posterboy Media.

Welcome to Between Us Mums, a bold, no-fluff podcast that gets real about the childcare stage of life - the stuff you wish someone had told you, the questions you didn’t know you could ask, and the support you didn’t know you needed. Between Us Mums offers solid advice and interesting Australian guest appearances, to get you ready for Day One of childcare. Hosted by real mums, for mums.

For more information on Care for Kids , visit www.careforkids.com.au

Follow @careforkidsau

For more information on Cassandra Stark, visit www.thechildcareconcierge.com.au

Follow @the.childcare.concierge

Podcast produced by Posterboy Media.