In this powerful episode, Carla welcomes Dawn Montecalvo, CEO of the Guadalupe Center in Immokalee, Florida, to discuss what it really means to go all in when early learning is on the line. From shifting the educator mindset from “job” to “career” to reducing turnover through professional development and support, Dawn shares how her team is creating real, lasting change in a community with tremendous needs.

We explore how strategic partnerships, intention in language, and reinforcing early childhood as a nonnegotiable investment are transforming outcomes—one child, one educator, one classroom at a time.

If you believe early learning is more than a program—it’s a movement—you won’t want to miss this conversation.

🎧 Dive in now and get inspired to go all in for early learning where you are.

DAWN MONTECALVO

For more than two decades, Dawn Montecalvo has dedicated her career to expanding educational opportunities for underserved children in Southwest Florida. As President & CEO of Guadalupe Center since 2016, she has led the organization’s growth to serve over 2,000 students annually, expanding campuses, adding CCPS satellite locations, and strengthening philanthropic partnerships. Previously, she served as Executive Director of the Naples Children & Education Foundation and founded Montecalvo & Associates, helping nonprofits with fundraising and strategic development. A compassionate and visionary leader, Dawn unites donors, volunteers, and educators around a shared mission to create life-changing opportunities for generations of students.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

Guadalupe Centre- www.guadalupecenter.org 

Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/guadalupe_center 

Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@TheGuadalupeCenter 

All in for Early Learning- https://www.allinforearlylearning.com/ 

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The ECE Experience- Link

Website: www.carlatheece.com

Instagram:  @carlatheece

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla sits down with Rebecca Parlakian, child development and parenting specialist at ZERO TO THREE, to shine a spotlight on the incredible world of infants and toddlers.

Together they unpack:

• The key developmental milestones across social-emotional, cognitive, communication, and physical domains

• Why everyday moments (like laundry, sunlight, or stirring with a spoon) are powerful learning opportunities

• How infant programs can be more intentional in designing environments that truly support growth

• The role of educators and parents as “detectives” decoding cries, cues, and needs

• The advocacy work ZERO TO THREE is leading—bringing families and even policymakers into the conversation about babies
  

If you’ve ever wondered how to support our youngest learners- or needed a reminder of the magic in the everyday- this episode is for you.

REBECCA PARLAKIAN

Rebecca Parlakian is Senior Director of Programs at ZERO TO THREE, where she leads work on child development, parenting, and early education. With more than two decades of experience, she has co-authored five curricula, published widely on parenting and early learning, and is a regular contributor to NAEYC’s Young Children. A recognized voice in national media, Rebecca is dedicated to advancing the power of relationships in shaping children’s earliest years.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-parlakian/

ZERO TO THREE

LEARN Conference: https://www.zerotothree.org/learn-conference/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zero-to-three/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zerotothree

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZEROTOTHREE/

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more ECEs who are in the thick of it!. Thanks for tuning in to The Everything ECE.  See you next week!

CONNECT WITH CARLA

Email Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠

The ECE Experience- Link

Website: www.carlatheece.com

Instagram: @carlatheece

In this engaging conversation, Debbie shares her journey as an early childhood educator and how her experiences have shaped her understanding of the profession. She discusses the natural coaching abilities of educators, the importance of reflective inquiry, and the transformative power of vision boards and manifestation in both personal and professional contexts. Debbie emphasizes the significance of a positive mindset, the impact of a single word on organizational culture, and practical strategies for managing classroom chaos while fostering child development through play-based learning. The discussion culminates in a call to action for educators to embrace intentionality in their teaching practices and create engaging learning environments for children.

TAKEAWAYS

• Debbie has over 30 years of experience in early childhood education.

• Early childhood educators possess natural coaching skills.

• Reflective inquiry is a key skill for educators and coaches.

• Vision boards can serve as powerful tools for manifestation.

• A single word can transform organizational culture.

• Positive mindset influences the environment and outcomes.

• Classroom chaos can be managed with intentional strategies.

• Understanding child development is crucial for effective teaching.

• Intentionality in teaching enhances student engagement.

• Creating an engaging learning environment is essential for child development.

DEBBI SLUYS

Debbi Sluys is a Christian, mom of four, wife and grandma. Debbi is founder of Dare to Declare™, a coach, trainer, author and speaker who specializes in helping people expand their brain’s potential to see what is possible for their future with Vision boards.

As a former Child Care Director, Debbi has studied personal development for over 30 years and has facilitated and witnessed science at work by guiding thousands of clients to identify and declare their Vision both online and in-person at workshops and retreats. 

Her mission and life purpose is to support individuals to declare their truth and create the life of their dreams.

Debbi hosts The Dare to Declare Podcast, where giant manifestors come to share how they've turned their visions and goals into reality!

Website: https://debbisluys.com/ 

Instagram: @debbisluys

Facebook: Debbi Sluys

LinkedIn: Debbi Sluys

Conference: Link

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more ECEs who are in the thick of it!. Thanks for tuning in to The Everything ECE.  See you next week!

CONNECT WITH CARLA

Email Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠

The ECE Experience- Link

Website: elfoundations.com

Instagram: @elfoundations

The words we choose with children matter more than we realize. In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward explores The Language of Encouragement and how it shapes a child’s self-esteem, resilience, and inner voice.

Discover:

✔ The difference between praise and encouragement

✔ Why connection before correction preserves dignity

✔ How adding the word yet builds growth mindset

✔ Practical phrases you can start using in your classroom right away

Your language has lasting impact. Learn how to shift from empty praise to authentic encouragement that empowers children for life.

🎟️ Don’t miss Carla’s live event in Mississauga, ON — The ECE Experience on November 8th. Tickets: https://elfoundations.thrivecart.com/the-ece-experience-2025/ 

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

The ECE Experience- Link

The Third Teacher Book- Link

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more ECEs who are in the thick of it!. Thanks for tuning in to The Everything ECE.  See you next week!

CONNECT WITH CARLA

Email Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠

Website: elfoundations.com

Instagram: @elfoundations

What does it look like to truly humanize early learning? In this rich conversation with Kisa Marx. We unpack why adaptability is now a core competency for educators and families. We explore how belonging builds real resilience, why “good job” falls short, the power of the pause, and how to hold safety, advocacy, and kindness at the same time.

You’ll hear:

• Humanizing practice defined—and how adult-centred habits get in the way
  

• Belonging before resilience: sanctuary, safety, and why “toughness by suffering” is a myth
  

• Language shifts that matter: encouragement over praise, “the pause,” and listening fully
  

• Adapting after 2020: grieving what was, keeping what works, and teaching for the world we’re in
  

• Boundaries and advocacy: speaking up while staying safe in your context
  

Perfect for ECEs, leaders, and families rebuilding culture through play, nature, and authentic connection.

KISA MARX

Kisa is a child advocate, practitioner, and founder of The Play Lab Foundation a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide access to high-quality, self-affirming care for every child regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, ability or neurotype.

Website: https://playlaboakpark.org/

Instagram: @theplaylabfoundation

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more ECEs who are in the thick of it!. Thanks for tuning in to The Everything ECE.  See you next week!

CONNECT WITH CARLA

Email Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠

The ECE Experience- Link

Website: elfoundations.com

Instagram: @elfoundations

Your classroom is always teaching, even when you’re not speaking. In this episode, Carla Ward explores the concept of the “hidden curriculum” through the Reggio Emilia idea of the classroom as the third teacher. From lighting and plants to blocks, visual schedules, and representation, discover how the environment silently shapes children’s learning and belonging.

Carla also shares a personal story of transforming a windowless classroom with fairy lights and practical strategies you can use to align your hidden curriculum with your values as an educator.

🎟️ Don’t miss Carla’s live event in Mississauga, ON — The ECE Experience on November 8th. Tickets: https://elfoundations.thrivecart.com/the-ece-experience-2025/ 

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCAST

The ECE Experience- Link

The Third Teacher Book- Link

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more ECEs who are in the thick of it!. Thanks for tuning in to The Everything ECE.  See you next week!

CONNECT WITH CARLA

Email Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠

Website: elfoundations.com

Instagram: @elfoundations

Children aren’t the future- they’re people of today.
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward sits down with Marta Skrzypczak, educator and children’s rights advocate, to explore why children’s participation is a fundamental right, not a privilege.

We cover:
- What Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child means for educators
- The difference between autonomy and agency—and how to respect both
- Practical ways to include children in daily decision-making (from food to classroom routines)
- How participation builds resilience, confidence, and lifelong skills
- Why respecting participation rights reduces educator stress and strengthens classroom communities
If you’ve ever wondered how to balance guidance with giving children a voice, this episode will give you clarity and inspiration.

MARTA SKRZYPCZAK

Marta is an early childhood educator and a children's rights expert. Her mission is to support adults in creating possibilities for children to participate in decisions that concerns them and directly providing possibilities to exercise their agency. She has written scientific papers and has been a guest on some other podcasts. She is a digital creator and participation coach. She also supports participation structures in one of Berlin's districts.

Website: www.participation-coach.com

Instagram: @participation_coach

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more ECEs who are in the thick of it!. Thanks for tuning in to The Everything ECE.  See you next week!

CONNECT WITH CARLA

Email Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠

Website: elfoundations.com

Instagram: @elfoundations

Back-to-school means new faces, new energy, and new opportunities to set the tone. But are we over-focusing on the schedule and missing the real magic of routines?

In this episode, I dive into the difference between schedules and routines, why routines matter so deeply for children’s safety, belonging, and learning, and how transitions can be powerful moments for connection. We’ll also talk about using visual schedules to support independence and calm, and why educators need their own arrival and departure rituals to thrive.

If you’ve ever stressed about being “off schedule,” this one’s for you. Spoiler: the only people who can tell time in your classroom are the adults!

Show Notes: ⁠⁠www.elfoundations.com/2024

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Why does social emotional learning need to start with us as educators? In this thought-provoking conversation with Prerna Richards of Together We Grow, we explore how our own regulation, mindset, and choices impact everything from classroom dynamics to the way children learn and grow. This episode blends insight, real-life reflection, and practical ideas you can start using right away.Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/203

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Learn how to plan in early childhood education with calm, connection, and intention. In this episode, Carla Ward shares ECE planning tips for merging curriculum expectations with play-based learning, improving classroom flow, and making documentation purposeful.

Show Notes: ⁠www.elfoundations.com/202

Email Newsletter: ⁠Click Here⁠