The ECE Classroom with Susie Beghin

By Susie Beghin

The ECE Classroom explores key topics in early childhood education. Each episode offers insightful discussions and practical advice and is designed to inspire, inform, and empower educators, home care... more

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FAQs about The ECE Classroom with Susie Beghin:

How many episodes does The ECE Classroom with Susie Beghin have?

The podcast currently has 15 episodes available.

The ECE Classroom with Susie Beghin episodes:

April 15, 2025 Circle Time Magic: Bringing Stories, Music and Movement to Life!
In this episode, we’re diving into the heart of every early childhood classroom and learning space—circle time!
Susie talks to Jacky Sheppard, Early Years Consultant, about how to turn this daily routine into a powerful moment of connection, learning, and joy through creative music and movement activities and imaginative storytelling.
As an educator, you'll walk away with fresh, playful ideasto keep little ones engaged and excited to participate. From fingerplays and movement songs that boost coordination to storytelling that sparks curiosity and language development, you’ll learn how to transform circle time into a magical experience filled with inquiry, discovery, and exploration.
Get ready to sing, move, and make some circle time memories!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Circle Time
02:58 Why is Circle Time Important in the Early Years
06:00 Components of a Successful Circle Time
09:12 Benefits of Circle Time for Transitions
11:42 Spontaneous Circles
14:50 Music and Movement Ideas
21:27 Storytelling Ideas
29:14 Susie’s reflection and takeaways
About Jacky Sheppard
With over 45 years of experience in early childhoodeducation, Jacky Sheppard is a trailblazer and passionate advocate for high-quality child care. As the visionary behind the Streetsville Children’s Centre and Streetsville Academy, she has dedicated a lifetime to nurturing young minds and supporting families.
An influential voice in the industry, Jacky serves on the Executive of the Private Daycare Operators Group and is an active member of the Education Minister Advisory Committee, where she champions policies that put childrenfirst. In addition to operating outstanding child care centres, she consults and trains early childhood educators, equipping the next generation of professionals with the tools and inspiration they need to thrive. She continues to shape the future of early learning through advocacy, mentorship, and asteadfast commitment to excellence in early years education.
If you would like to book a workshop with Susie and Jacky, visit www.susiebeghin.com for more information.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA
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32min
March 15, 2025 S2 Ep. 3 - Rethinking Challenging Behaviour: A Person-Centered Approach to Early Childhood Education
In this episode of the ECE Classroom podcast, host SusieBeghin welcomes behaviour specialist Andy Baker to discuss effective strategies for managing challenging behaviors in early childhood education classrooms.
Andy emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying reasons for behaviors. He introduces his Six-Stage Target Model for behavior management, which focuses on proactive strategies and building trust with children.
The conversation highlights the significance of a person-centered approach in education, recognizing that each child's needs and responses are unique. Andy shares practical advice for educators on fostering trust and connection with young children, especially those experiencing separation anxiety. The episode concludes with insights on the profound impact educators have on children's emotional development and behaviour.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Early Childhood Education and Behaviour Management
03:25 A shift in language from 'challenging behaviors' to'behaviors that challenge"
07:14 Attention-seeking Behaviour
11:51 The Six-Stage Target Model for Behaviour Management
14:47 Practical Strategies for Educators
19:29 Building Trust with Young Children
26:12 The Importance of a Person-Centered Approach
31:17 Susie’s reflection and takeaways
About Andy Baker
Andy Baker is a renowned Behavior Specialist, author,and entrepreneur with over 20 years of expertise in health and social care. A leading voice in the field of human behavior, Andy combines deep professional insight with a proven track record in business innovation. His latest book, Targeting the Positive, launched in November 2024, offers transformative strategies for personal and professional growth.
https://www.able-training.co.uk/Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠⁠
License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA
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35min
February 15, 2025 S2 Ep 2 - The Science of Happiness in Early Childhood
In this episode of the ECE Classroom Podcast, host Susie Beghin interviews ECE Professor, Christine Zupo, about the Science of Happiness and its relevance to early childhood education.
Christine explains the principles of positive psychology, the sustainable happiness model, and how educators can influence children's emotional well-being. The conversation delves into intentional strategies for fostering happiness, the distinction between joy and happiness, and the physical effects of positive emotions.
Christine emphasizes the importance of intentionality in creating positive experiences and the significant role educators play in shaping children's baseline of happiness.
Chapters
00:00 Introductions
02:21 What is the Science of Happiness
04:24 The Sustainable Happiness Model
09:26 Intentional Strategies to Achieve Happiness
16:12 Influence of Educators on Children's Happiness
20:17 Physical Effects of Positive Emotions
25:57 Susie’s Reflection and Takeaways
About Christine Zupo
Christine Zupo is a professor at the University of Guelph-Humber and Humber College in the Early Childhood degree/diploma and Electives programs, bringing over 35 years of experience working with young children andfamilies in a variety of Early Learning and Care settings.
Christine has been teaching post-secondary education for over 18 years, holds a Master of Arts degree and is a passionate advocate for social justice issues.
Christine’s research interest is studying the effects of positive emotions on the subjective sense of wellbeing to better understand how post-secondary institutions can build initiatives that create a culture of mental wellness.
About The Workshops
Please check out this link for more details about her professional development workshops.
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGbYWfTKKI/KUsvEReTZ1wmaZOBk1jLJg/edit?utm_content=DAGbYWfTKKI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠⁠
License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA

...more
28min
January 16, 2025 S02 Ep 1: The Power of Storytelling in Early Education
In this conversation, Susie Beghin discusses the
significance of storytelling for young children with guests Daniela and Dina from Little Light Books. They explore the inspiration behind their children's books, the key messages they aim to convey, and the developmental benefits of
storytelling. The discussion highlights the importance of creating a safe and engaging environment for children through interactive storytelling techniques. Daniela and Dina share their experiences as educators and authors, emphasizing the impact their stories have on children's learning and emotional development.
Susie Beghin reflects on the need for interactive
storytelling techniques to engage children and enhance their imagination. The episode encourages educators and parents to incorporate props and real-life experiences into storytelling to create a more immersive learning environment.
Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Storytelling for Young Children
01:15 Inspiration Behind Writing Children's Books
03:48 Key Messages in Children's Literature
08:00 The Importance of Storytelling in Development
09:57 Creating a Safe Space Through Storytelling
14:23 Engaging Storytelling Techniques for Educators
19:08 Favorite Stories and Their Impact
24:00 Susie’s episode reflection and takeaways
About Daniela and Dina (Little Light Books Inc)
Igniting the love of reading was the inspiration behind
creating this series for young children. The engaging stories are familiar and relatable, as well as diverse and inclusive; expressing the message, "I believe in you!"
Ethically produced on FSC paper with an environmentally soft touch finish. Proudly manufactured in Canada from start to finish.
https://www.littlelightbooks.ca/
https://www.instagram.com/littlelightbooks_/?hl=en
https://www.facebook.com/LittleLightBooksInc/
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠⁠
License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA
...more
29min
December 20, 2024 S1 Ep 10 - Bonus Episode - The ECE Power Hour
In this bonus episode, The ECE Power Hour gathered leading early childhood education podcasters for a dynamic roundtable discussion on the future of the field. Susie Beghin joined the conversation to explore impactful topics, including the significance of play, the value of mentorship, and innovative strategies to elevate early childhood education.

This bonus episode is a collaboration between:
The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast (moderator)
The Everything ECE Podcast
ECE Honestly Podcast
Child Care Conversations Podcast
The Forgotten ECE Podcast
Pre-K Spot Podcast
The Inspiring ECE Podcast
Shaping Little Minds Podcast
...more
1h 24min
December 15, 2024 S01 Ep 9: ECE Questions Answered: Challenging Behavior, Parent Communication, Program and Team Dynamics
In this holiday episode of the ECE Classroom, host Susie
Beghin addresses pressing questions from early childhood educators about managing challenging behaviors in the classroom, effective parent communication, classroom strategies and team dynamics.
The episode covers challenging behavior topics such as aggressive behavior, tantrums, biting, speech difficulties and handling conflict between children.
Susie discusses effective communication with parents while emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding child development, and building trust with both children and parents to create a supportive learning environment and great relationships with parents.
In this episode, Susie Beghin addresses key questions related to early childhood classrooms, focusing on managing transitions, the importance of messy play, fostering inclusion, effective team dynamics, addressing educator burnout, and the challenges of opening a daycare.
She provides practical strategies and insights for educators to enhance their teaching practices and support their students' development.
More information about Susie Beghin is available at www.susiebeghin.com
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Holiday Episode and Q&A Format
01:00 Strategies for Managing Aggressive Behavior
06:10 Strategies to Deal with a Tantrum
07:11 Strategies for Children who are Biting
11:08 Strategies to Support Children with Speech
Difficulties
12:30 Supporting Conflict Between Children
15:05 How to Stop Children from Using Inappropriate Language
17:07 How to Support New Children in the Classroom
19:30 Lingering Parents at Drop-off Time
21:16 Effective Parent Communication
23:29 Managing Transitions in Early Childhood Education
26:33 How to Manage Messy Play
30:03 Fostering Inclusion in the Classroom
31:50 Team Communication and Celebrating our Differences
36:30 Addressing Educator Burnout
39:00 Challenges of Opening a New Daycare
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠⁠
License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA
...more
43min
November 15, 2024 S01 Ep 8: Creating Compassionate Learning Environments
In this episode of the ECE Classroom Podcast, host Susie
Beghin speaks with Cameile Henry, co-founder of Strengthen Hands and author of several children's books focused on emotional regulation.
They discuss the importance of understanding children's emotions, recognizing signs of emotional struggles, and the role of books in helping children express their feelings.
Cameile shares insights from her workshops for parents and educators, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in supporting children's emotional development. The conversation highlights the significance of community and resources in fostering emotional literacy and well-being in children.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Emotional Regulation and Strengthen Hands
02:11 Common Signs that a Child is Struggling with their Emotions
11:22 The Role of Storytelling in Emotional Regulation
20:37 Workshops and Community Engagement for Parents and Educators
27:27 Susie's Reflection on Emotional Regulation in the Early Years
About Cameile Henry
As an ECE professor she has facilitated numerous learning
opportunities to enrich the lives of preservice educators. She has supported children from infancy to 12 years of age as an ECE. She is a registered facilitator for Circle of Security, an international program that supports primary care providers with the tools to enhance building strong attachments with children. She also serves as an educational consultant for the CBC animation series ‘Jeremy and Jazzy’.
Instagram - StrengthenHands
Youtube - @StrengthenHandsEDU
Website - www.strengthenhands.com
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠⁠
License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA

...more
31min
October 15, 2024 S01 Ep 7: Navigating Speech Delays in Early Childhood Education
In this episode of the ECE Classroom Podcast, host Susie Beghin speaks with Mary Plain, a speech and language pathologist from Hello Speech. They discuss the importance of early identification of speech delays in
children, strategies for educators to support language development, and how to approach parents about potential concerns. Mary emphasizes the distinction
between speech and language, the significance of early intervention, and the resources available for educators and parents to enhance communication skills in children.
Susie further explores the differences between speech and language and emphasizes the importance of language development in early childhood education. She highlights the impact of daycare programs on speech and language development and the benefits of a classroom environment. She emphasizes the importance of early intervention and the de-stigmatization of speech and language services in education.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview of Hello Speech
Developmental Services
02:15 Identifying Speech Delays in Early Childhood Education
06:25 Approaching Parents About Speech Services
10:10 Strategies for Supporting Children with Speech Delays
11:56 Understanding the Difference Between Speech and
Language
16:45 Enhancing Communication with Visual Aids and Sign Language
20:52 The Impact of Daycare Programs on Speech and Language Development
22:54 Looking Beyond Words: Assessing Communication in Children

About Mary Plain (Hello Speech)
Mary Plain is a Master’s level Speech-Language Pathologist and is registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). Since 2005, she has been practicing with specialties in the areas of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Motor Speech Disorders, Social-Communication challenges, Late Talkers, and Language Disorders.
www.hellospeechgta.com
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA

...more
26min
September 15, 2024 S01 Ep 6: Parents are the First Educators
In this episode, Susie Beghin interviews Amanda DaCosta, a supervisor at Alpha's Discovery Kids Preschool and Daycare, about how to educate parents on the importance of play and how to engage with their children. They discuss the need for educators to empathize with parents and understand that they may not have the same knowledge or tools. They also emphasize the role of parents as the first and best educators for their children. The conversation covers the use of everyday household items for play and learning, the four pillars of learning (language and literacy, STEAM, physical activity and nutrition, and mindful awareness), and the importance of communication between educators and parents to show the value of play-based learning.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:04 Empathizing with Parents and Understanding Their
Perspective
02:45 The Role of Parents as the First Educators
04:27 Using Everyday Household Items for Play and Learning
08:04 The Four Pillars of Learning: Language and Literacy,
STEAM, Physical Activity and Nutrition, Mindful Awareness
13:08 Favorite Activities for Parents to Do with Their
Children
16:12 The Importance of Communication in Showing the Value
of Play-Based Learning
21:15 The Spark that Keeps us Learning
23:51 Susie's new book launch: Parents Learn To Play Too

Parents Learn To Play Too: A Parent's Guide to the Early Years is available on Amazon or on Susie's website at www.susiebeghin.com
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠⁠
License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA
...more
27min
August 15, 2024 S01 Ep 5: Incorporating Nature into Outdoor Play Spaces
In this episode of the ECE Classroom Podcast, host Susie
Beghin interviews Rusty Keeler, a natural playscape designer and advocate for nature play. They discuss the importance of nature play for children's development and how to incorporate nature into outdoor play spaces.
Rusty emphasizes the need for small steps, such as adding planter boxes or loose parts, to create a more natural environment. They also touch on the concept of
risky play and the benefits it offers. But before you acquire materials to transform your outdoor space, Rusty suggests the most important thing to do is to evaluate what you will allow - what you say "yes" to!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
01:50 The Importance of Nature Play
05:00 Incorporating Nature into Outdoor Play Spaces
12:05 Must-have Play Equipment to Improve Outdoor Spaces
16:03 What Loose Parts to Add to Outdoor Spaces
19:34 Addressing Concerns about Messy Play and Risky Play
28:55 Susie’s Reflection and Takeaways About Nature Play and Improving Outdoor Play Spaces
About Rusty Keeler
Rusty Keeler is a designer, author, and speaker with a unique sensitivity to the sights, sounds and experiences of childhood. For over 30 years Rusty has traveled the world designing natural outdoor play environments and speaking about the benefits and beauty of saying “yes” to children’s play. Creating a sense of place and playful connections to the natural world are at the heart of Rusty’s design work. Described as a cross between Mr Rogers and Jerry Garcia, Rusty is the author of multiple books on
play and playscapes including his new book Adventures in
Risky Play: What is Your Yes? (Exchange Press: 2020)
Rusty is a frequent keynote speaker and presenter at
conferences, communities, and colleges worldwide — but he also likes being home enjoying a creative life with his family in his backyard and the creeks and gorges of Ithaca, NY.
www.rustykeeler.com
Free OUTDOOR LOOSE PARTS Guide
https://rustykeeler.com/loosepartslistfd/
@rusty_keeler_designs

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠
License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA
...more
32min

FAQs about The ECE Classroom with Susie Beghin:

How many episodes does The ECE Classroom with Susie Beghin have?

The podcast currently has 15 episodes available.