Ready to build a culture of well-being in your early childhood program?

In this episode of the Child Care Business Podcast, we sit down with Wendy Turcotte and Dani Svantner, the dynamic duo known as The Play Coaches who have become leaders in implementing social-emotional learning from infancy.

They share why SEL should be the foundation of your curriculum — not just an add-on — and how this approach transforms classroom management and enhances child development.

In this episode, you’ll learn the following (with timing outlined below so you can fast-forward to the parts that most interest you!):

• (05:48) What social-emotional learning is and why it's the foundation for all other learning
• (06:55) Why it should start in infancy, not just in preschool or kindergarten.
• (12:35) Common myths about social-emotional learning, including the misconception that it excuses bad behavior
• (14:15) The role of a "calm corner" and how to use it for regulation, not punishment
• (16:10) Why educators must model emotional intelligence and do the personal work to teach it effectively
• (19:10) Practical tips to start incorporating social-emotional learning into your daily routines, such as during transitions
• (25:13) How to communicate the value of play-based learning and social-emotional learning to parents to ensure everyone is on the same team
• (29:45) The first step for directors who want to build a culture of well-being: start with yourself

Connect with Wendy and Dani through their website www.theplaycoaches.org and follow them on Instagram and Facebook!