The Everything ECE Podcast

What happens when a hurricane or wildfire interrupts a child's early education? For over 500,000 children enrolled in Head Start programs—40% of which are in federally declared disaster areas—the consequences are profound.

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, host Carla Ward speaks with Todd Grindall, Co-Director at SRI Education, to uncover the critical challenges that extreme weather poses to early childhood education. Inspired by the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael, Todd shares insights from his research into how disasters disrupt learning environments, particularly for young children and those with disabilities.

Work with Carla: https://www.elfoundations.com/professionaldevelopment

Carla Ward joins nine incredible podcasting educators who came together for a roundtable discussion to explore the vital themes of mentorship, self-care, and advocacy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of play in maintaining creativity and passion in teaching while offering practical self-care tips and leadership insights. The podcasters share their experiences and highlight the need for proactive mentorship to bridge the gap between educational preparation and real classroom challenges. The podcast advocates for valuing early childhood educators and encourages collaboration to elevate the profession.

Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/165

Work with Carla: www.elfoundations.com/professionaldevelopment

Dana Levin-Robinson, CEO and founder of Upfront, joins Carla Ward on The Everything ECE Podcast to discuss how she is transforming childcare access through innovative data integration. Inspired by her own struggles to find suitable childcare, Dana launched Upfront to tackle the supply-demand mismatch by breaking down data silos and enhancing collaboration with governments and nonprofits. By creating a comprehensive, frequently updated database, Upfront connects families with available childcare spots, streamlines data collection, and supports providers, all while aiming to boost community engagement and resource allocation. Tune in to hear how Dana's vision is reshaping the future of childcare.

Work with Carla: www.elfoundations.com

Join Carla Ward on The Everything ECE Podcast as she talks with Macall Gordon, a specialist in sleep training children, about the importance of naps in early childhood. Macall explains why naps are essential not only for physical growth but also for emotional regulation and behaviour. In this episode, discover:

Don’t miss this insightful conversation that shines a light on the science of sleep and child development. Listen now for practical tips and advice!

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Maddie Pelz, founder of Grow Into Math, joins Carla Ward on The Everything ECE Podcast to discuss the importance of play-based environments in alleviating math anxiety in children. She shares her research on innate math intuitions and the confusion often caused by formal education. Highlighting her experience, she emphasizes integrating math discussions into daily activities and the significance of foundational skills like cardinality and subitizing. Maddie encourages educators to observe and narrate children's play to enhance math understanding and offers practical tips for incorporating math talk into routines.

How to Work with Carla

How to work with Carla

Erica Saccoccio, a Rhode Island childcare owner, shares insights from her experience managing three centres and hosting the "Childcare Directors Chair" podcast. She emphasizes the importance of flow in life, effective communication, and a supportive work environment to enhance staff morale and retention. With a focus on personalized professional development, cross-training, and strong team bonding, Erica fosters a culture that prioritizes both employee well-being and high-quality childcare. Her revamped onboarding process and commitment to addressing staff concerns further contribute to a positive workplace atmosphere.

Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/160

How to Work with Carla

Carla Ward interviews Marlo Humiski from Learn, Develop, Succeed (LDS), a nonprofit in BC dedicated to supporting families with learning disabilities. The discussion highlights the Early Risers Program, which provides early intervention in a preschool-like setting, engaging families through community partnerships and workshops. With a focus on literacy, numeracy, and fine motor skills, the program includes professional support from specialists and features QT the Robot to aid emotional awareness. Marlo emphasizes the importance of early intervention and the ongoing resources available to families, showcasing LDS's commitment to fostering a supportive community for neurodivergent children.

Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/158