In today’s episode of Learn Play Thrive, we’re thrilled to welcome back Aimee Hansen, an experienced Educational Leader with over 26 years in the early childhood education sector. Aimee holds a Masters degree in early childhood education and mentors a team of 40 educators. If you missed our first conversation with Aimee, make sure to check it out—it’s one of our most downloaded episodes! Today, Aimee returns to share deeper insights into the role of an Educational Leader, particularly in planning a balanced curriculum in early learning environments.

In this episode, Aimee takes us through her approach to pedagogical leadership, explaining how she leads the development and implementation of effective educational programs. She also discusses how the Early Years Learning Framework V2.0 plays a crucial role in fostering holistic, integrated, and connected learning.

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- Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au

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In this episode, we welcome Racheal O’Brien, founder of Consciously Raising Kids. With a career as an early childhood educator and sleep and wellbeing coach, Rach brings a wealth of knowledge on supporting children’s emotional regulation, managing sleep, and guiding educators through challenges related to behavior. She shares her insights on temperament, emotional development, and strategies for nurturing emotional well-being in young children.

You’ll discover:
How a child’s temperament can affect their emotional responses and behaviours.
Practical strategies to help children regulate their emotions.
Ways to shift our understanding of challenging behaviour as age-appropriate and how to effectively support children through these moments.
How the three brain states can impact behaviour in children and why they’re important for educators to consider when supporting emotional development.
Tips for creating environments that cater to the emotional needs of children, promoting emotional well-being and positive development. 

Find out more:
https://consciouslyraisingkids.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Consciously-Raising-Kids/61566618311217/
https://www.instagram.com/consciouslyraisingkids/

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- Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au

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In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, we are joined by Dr. Kathy Cologon, Principal Consultant and Founder of Toward Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. With a wealth of experience in Inclusive Education and Disability Studies, Dr. Cologon is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in the field. She has published extensively and spent 15 years as a researcher and university teacher at Macquarie University. Her books, Inclusive Education in the Early Years: Right from the Start and Inclusive Education through the Creative Arts, have become essential resources for educators committed to inclusion.

Join us as we explore the vital role of equity, diversity, and inclusion in early childhood education and care (ECEC), discussing practical strategies educators can implement in their everyday practice. Discover how inclusion is about creating a sense of belonging and ensuring full participation for every child.

Find out more:
www.towardinclusion.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/TowardInclusion/#

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Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

Connect with Us:

- Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au

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Join me, Simone Brand, on Learn, Play, Thrive, the ultimate early learning podcast for educators and leaders. In this episode, we dive deep into critical reflection with Dr. Angela Andonopoulos. 

We explore a ten-step critical reflection framework designed to help educators analyse and respond to complex situations effectively. Learn how to develop a reflective culture, interpret situations, explore emotions and biases, and incorporate perspectives from various stakeholders. Dr. Andonopoulos emphasises critical thinking, innovation, risk assessment, action implementation, and the importance of continuous reevaluation. 

Tune in for practical advice on making critical reflection a meaningful part of your early learning settings.

Find out more about Dr Angela and her work: 
www.reflectiveeducatorshq.com.au 

www.facebook.com/reflectiveeducatorshq

www.instagram.com/reflectiveeducatorshq

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Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

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- Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au

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- Email: [email protected]

Welcome to the Learn, Play, Thrive podcast, the ultimate early learning platform for educators and leaders. In today's episode, we dive into part one of 'Expanding Your Critical Reflection Toolbox' with Dr. Angela Andonopoulos, an esteemed educational consultant, researcher, and founder of Reflective Educators HQ.

 Angela discusses the importance of critical reflection in early childhood education, highlighting the differences between mere reflection and critical reflection. She explains why critical reflection is crucial for driving quality improvement and intentional teaching, and provides practical tools and resources for educators to integrate reflective practices into their routines. Additionally, we explore the challenges educators face with critical reflection, and Angela provides strategies to overcome these barriers by embedding reflection into daily practice, utilising team strengths, and fostering a culture of continuous professional development. 

Join us on this insightful journey to empower educators with the skills needed to enhance their critical reflection capabilities.

Find out more about Dr Angela and her work:
www.reflectiveeducatorshq.com.au 

www.facebook.com/reflectiveeducatorshq

www.instagram.com/reflectiveeducatorshq

If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform.

Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

Connect with Us:

- Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au

- Instagram: @learnplaythrive_

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- Email: [email protected]

In this episode we’re joined by Emma Moore, founder and Senior Audiologist at Emma’s Ears on the NSW Central Coast. Emma and her team are dedicated to providing families with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their child's hearing and developmental health.
We delve into crucial topics around children's hearing health, from screening recommendations to understanding the impact of mild hearing loss. Emma shares practical advice for educators and parents on how to support children with hearing impairments, whether permanent or temporary.
You’ll discover:
Why misconceptions about hearing loss might delay getting children tested.
Sensitivity to sound and the impacts of mild hearing loss on a child’s development.
How to monitor a child's hearing over time, especially after a diagnosis.
Strategies to support children with conductive hearing loss in developing language and communication skills.

Find out more:
https://emmasears.com.au/ 
INSTA - EMMAS_EARS_A_HEARING_HUB

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Connect with Us:

- Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au

- Instagram: @learnplaythrive_

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- Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Learn, Play, Thrive, host Simone Brand welcomes Colin Slattery and Anthony Semann, founders of Semann and Slattery consultancy, to discuss the impact of leadership on workplace culture in early childhood education. They explore the significance of aligning professional values with organisational philosophies, strategies for building trust and collaboration among team members, and effective approaches to managing and resolving conflict. Key insights include understanding individual behaviors through tools like DISC profiling, the importance of actionable empathy, and fostering a cohesive, supportive environment despite challenges. This episode provides valuable perspectives for educators and leaders aiming to inspire and sustain positive change in their settings.

If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform.

Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

Connect with Us:

- Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au

- Instagram: @learnplaythrive_

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- Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Learn, Play, Thrive, host Simone Brand interviews Meg Tidyman, a speech pathologist and founder of Eat Talk Play. They discuss Meg's extensive background in early childhood development, the importance of early intervention in speech and language pathology, and practical strategies for educators and parents. Key topics include foundational communication skills, distinguishing between meltdowns and tantrums, integrating different forms of communication like AAC, and how social stories and mealtime language can support children's development. The episode wraps up with actionable takeaways and insights for fostering effective communication and learning in early childhood settings.

If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform.

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Connect with Us:

- Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au

- Instagram: @learnplaythrive_

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- Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, we are joined by Beth Borowsky, founder of The Karma Class, an organisation dedicated to bringing the benefits of movement, breath, and mindfulness into early learning centers and primary schools. Beth, a former Montessori preschool teacher and one of Sydney’s most respected yoga teachers and trainers, has made it her mission to provide educators with practical, science-based tools to support their own wellbeing and that of the children they teach.

If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform.

Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

Connect with Us:

- Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au

- Instagram: @learnplaythrive_

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- Email: [email protected]

In this enlightening episode of Learn Play Thrive, we are honored to welcome Sharon Buck, a proud Kamilaroi woman and Assistant Principal at Kooloora Preschool, a designated Aboriginal preschool located on Darkinjung Country in NSW’s Central Coast. Sharon leads a team committed to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in every aspect of their curriculum, creating an environment where cultural diversity is celebrated and acknowledged.
Episode Highlights:
Embedding Cultural Practices:
Discover how Kooloora Preschool incorporates Aboriginal storytelling, traditional language, and cultural practices into their play-based learning model. Sharon shares how these methods cultivate a culturally safe space, supporting children to develop a strong sense of identity and belonging.
Implementing EYLF V2.0 Principles:
We explore practical strategies aligned with Principle 4 of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF V2.0), which emphasises reflecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in the learning environment. Sharon provides insights into Kooloora’s curriculum planning and the significance of oral storytelling, language, and cultural responsiveness.
Authentic Curriculum Integration:
Find out how early education services can genuinely embed Aboriginal perspectives in their philosophy, planning, and daily practices—even in communities without Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children enrolled. Learn about creating authentic connections to Country through books, songs, natural materials, and partnerships with Traditional Owners.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

https://toukley-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/kooloora-pre-school.html

Resources

https://www.snaicc.org.au/
https://sway.org.au/
https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/map-indigenous-australia
https://www.8ways.online/
https://www.aecg.nsw.edu.au/
https://supplynation.org.au/

If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform.

Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

Connect with Us:

- Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au

- Instagram: @learnplaythrive_

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- Email: [email protected]