The Everything ECE Podcast

After 34 years in the field, one educator has seen a lot of trends come and go, including the shift away from using food like rice, beans and pasta in sensory play.

But with a growing understanding of sensory needs and regulation, is it time to reconsider? Or are there bigger questions about food, resources and respect that should still guide practice?

In this Dear Carla episode, Carla responds to “Frustrated Foodie” and digs into food in sensory play, the rabbit hole of deciding which resources are okay to use, and why the better question might be: Why this material, for these children, at this moment?

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In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward explores what happens when “no,” “stop,” “don’t,” and “put that back” become the soundtrack of the day. Rather than immediately looking at the child when something isn’t working, she challenges educators to get curious about the environment, the expectations within it, and the rules they may be enforcing without ever stopping to ask why.

Carla shares how changing her own classroom environment changed the way she showed up as an educator and explores the difference between boundaries that protect safety and rights and those that exist for adult convenience.

If you find yourself repeating the same direction over and over again, this episode might have you asking a different question: what if the 48th reminder isn’t the answer?

Listen in and discover what can happen when we let the environment do more of the work.

JOIN YES SPACES

www.carlatheece.com/yes-spaces-course 

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In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward is joined by Hayley Peacock, creator of Playoneering®️, for a conversation about play, curiosity and what the future of education could look like.

Together, Carla and Hayley explore what happens when play doesn't end with the early years and education is built from children's natural curiosity, creativity and capacity to learn.

They dig into playful rigour, the influence of Reggio-inspired practice, intrinsic motivation, and why relationship management might be a much better place to start than behaviour management.

The conversation also turns to AI and the reality that today's children are growing up in a world that none of us experienced ourselves. What does that mean for the way we educate them—and for the human skills we need to protect and nurture along the way?

From questioning long-standing school practices to rethinking what children actually need to thrive, this episode challenges us to imagine what education could become when play, curiosity and connection remain at the centre.

HAYLEY PEACOCK

Hayley Peacock is the creator of Playoneering®️ and founder of the West Sussex-based, Reggio-inspired settings Atelier 21 Future School and Little Barn Owls Forest & Farm School Nurseries. An internationally recognised educator and speaker, she developed Playoneering®️, an enquiry-led education approach that combines creativity, curiosity and playful rigour to create meaningful learning fit for children's futures. 

LINKS

Website: https://hayleypeacockeducation.co.uk/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-peacock-208b26264/ 

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Heather Jackson has spent years in early childhood education asking questions, following curiosity, researching practice, and deeply respecting the thinking of children.

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla sits down with Heather, founder of The Sunflower School and host of the Actions of Play podcast, to talk about the experiences that have shaped her work and the legacy she has built along the way.

They explore Heather’s journey through education, the ideas and people that have influenced her, and what it means to build a body of work that continues to evolve.

This isn’t a conversation about looking back because the work is finished. It’s about recognizing what has been built while continuing to ask: What comes next?

HEATHER JACKSON

Heather Jackson is a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) and the Executive Director of The Sunflower School, a Reggio-inspired early learning program in Orangeville, Ontario. With 40 years in child care, Heather remains deeply connected to the everyday work of being alongside children and educators—and still genuinely loves going to work each day.

Her work is grounded in curiosity, relationships, research, and a deep respect for children as thinkers and meaning-makers. Heather has continued to deepen her understanding of Reggio-inspired practice throughout her career, including travelling to Reggio Emilia, Italy, twice over the past ten years as part of international study tours.

Heather is also a mentor, researcher, and host of the Actions of Play podcast, where she shares her thinking and invites educators to remain curious, reflective, and intentional in their practice.

LINKS

Website: http://www.thesunflowerschool.ca/

Heather Instagram: @thesunflower_studio

School Instagram: @thesunflowerschool

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-jackson-17b0b455/ 

Book: Actions of Play

Community Podcast Referenced: Rethinking Early Childhood Education: Designing Curriculum Beyond Traditional Program Planning 

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In this episode, Carla sits down with Megan Wuerfel, founder of The ECE Exchange, to explore the many ways educators can use their experience beyond the classroom. They discuss how to recognize your unique ECE “superpower,” why classroom experience matters when stepping into coaching or professional learning, and the importance of documenting your journey long before you think you’ll need it.

Megan also shares how The ECE Exchange connects early childhood programs with experienced coaches, consultants, specialists, trainers, and speakers worldwide.

This conversation is an important reminder that leaving the classroom doesn’t have to mean leaving the field. Your knowledge still matters—and there may be more ways to use it than you realize.

MEGAN WUERFEL

Megan Wuerfel is the founder of The ECE Exchange, an innovative platform dedicated to connecting early childhood programs with specialized coaches, consultants, specialists, trainers, and speakers. With a Master's in Early Childhood Education and Curriculum & Instruction, she draws on her deep experience as a former Head Start teacher and current instructional coach. Outside of her mission to revolutionize ECE professional development, Megan is a busy mom of four living on the Big Island of Hawaii. 

LINKS

Website: theeceexchange.com,

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theeceexchange

LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/megan-wuerfel-98399538a

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Children begin communicating from the moment they are born. Long before they have spoken words, they are using facial expressions, movements, gestures, sounds and behaviour to tell us what they need, what they understand and how they are experiencing the world around them.

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla speaks with early language expert, educator and linguist Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed., about how educators can build stronger connections with children through language and communication.

Cara explains the difference between receptive and expressive language, how children interpret our facial expressions, body language and tone, and why the messages we communicate nonverbally matter just as much as the words we choose. Together, Carla and Cara explore serve-and-return interactions, auditory processing, the impact of technology on early communication and why sarcasm and rhetorical questions can be confusing for young children.

They also discuss how corrective language can unintentionally shape a child’s developing identity. Words intended to address a single moment can become messages children carry about who they are. Cara shares how educators can describe what is happening, recognize the need being communicated, hold necessary boundaries and invite children into the solution without relying on labels.

At the heart of this conversation is a reminder that communication is about much more than speaking and listening. It is how we build trust, strengthen relationships and create connected learning communities where children feel seen, understood and respected.

Cara Tyrrell is the creator of the Collaborative Discipline Method and Talking Triangle Framework, host of the podcast Transforming the Toddler Years and author of Talk to Them Early and Often.

CARA TYRRELL

Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed., is an early language expert teaching educators and families to transform how they communicate with children in the earliest years of life. With degrees in American Sign Language, Linguistics, and a Masters in education, she has spent over two decades studying how infants and toddlers acquire receptive and expressive language. Cara’s Collaborative Discipline Method and Talking Triangle Framework equip parents and educators with language-based tools that build strong brains and connected learning communities. She is the host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years and author of Talk to Them Early and Often. 

LINKS

Instagram:: , @caratalkstoddler 

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-tyrrell/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caratalkstoddler

Cara Tyrell Book: Talk to Them Early and Often: A Caregiver’s Guide to Intentional Language Development for Infants and Toddlers

Dr. Shimi Kang Book: The Tech Solution: Creating Healthy Habits for Kids Growing Up in a Digital World

Website: https://www.caratyrrell.com/speaker   

Podcast: https://www.caratyrrell.com/podcast 

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In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla is joined by Victoria Armstrong, owner of Side By Side Consulting Services, for a thoughtful conversation about rethinking art in early learning.

Victoria brings almost 20 years of experience as a classroom educator, pedagogical leader, college professor, coordinator and early learning consultant. She also spent a significant part of her career pioneering a children’s art initiative that brought local artists into early learning and licensed child care programs.

Together, Carla and Victoria explore what process-based art really means, the role educators play in children’s artistic experiences and how the materials we offer can either create space for original thinking or unintentionally limit it. They also discuss the value of introducing children to artistic techniques, why the finished product still matters and how educators can offer inspiration without deciding what children’s work should become.

This episode will encourage you to look at the materials on your art shelves and the experiences you build around them with a more critical and intentional lens.

VICTORIA ARMSTRONG

Victoria Armstrong has worked in early childhood education for almost 20 years. She began her ECE career studying and volunteering abroad in Hawaii, India and Japan. After earning her diploma and honours degree in Early Childhood Studies in Ontario, Victoria held a variety of roles, including classroom educator, pedagogical leader, college professor, HR and communications specialist, coordinator and early learning consultant.

A significant part of her career was spent pioneering and coordinating a children’s art initiative that integrated local artists into early learning and licensed child care programs. Today, Victoria is the owner of Side By Side Consulting Services, where she works with early years organizations to support and enhance their work with children and families.

LINKS

Website: www.sbsconsulting.ca 

Instagram: @sbsconsultingservices

Youtube: The Studio@SBS Consulting Services

Ann Pelo's Book: Language of Art: Inquiry-Based Studio Practices in Early Childhood Settings

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Working closely with other people is an unavoidable part of early childhood education—but navigating differences, feedback, and workplace tension does not always come naturally.

Leadership speaker and facilitator Jaime Mann joins Carla Ward for an honest conversation about the discussions people often label as “difficult.” Jaime offers a different way to think about these moments and explains how curiosity, self-awareness, and clear communication can help create healthier working relationships.

Together, Carla and Jaime explore defensiveness, tone and body language, generational differences, feedback, workplace civility, and what to do when the other person is not approaching the conversation with the same openness.

This episode is a practical and deeply human reminder that better communication is not about having the perfect words. It begins with understanding what you want for yourself, the other person, and the relationship.

JAIME MANN

Jaime Mann is a leadership speaker, facilitator, and founder of The Amaryllis Project. She helps leaders strengthen their self-leadership so they can communicate more effectively, build healthier workplace relationships, and create cultures where people can do their best work. Drawing from positive psychology, leadership research, and more than two decades of experience in business and construction, Jaime brings a practical, human approach to topics including engagement, imposter feelings, civility, accountability, and connection. She is currently completing a master’s degree in the Psychology of Leadership through Penn State. 

LINKS: 

Website: https://jaimemann.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theamaryllisproject/      

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamaryllisproject/?hl=en 

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The ECE Entrepreneur Experience

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In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla sits down with early childhood educator, keynote speaker, and coach Trevor Newton for a conversation that will challenge the way you think about play, relationships, and children's social development.

Together, they explore why conflict isn't something to prevent, but something to teach through. Trevor shares simple, practical strategies that help educators support children's independence, strengthen communication, and build the social skills that last far beyond the early years.

This episode is full of those "pause and write that down" moments, including one strategy Carla says she'll be using immediately.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why conflict is one of the greatest learning opportunities in play

• How to support children without rescuing them

• The role relationships play in children's long-term success

• One simple strategy that can transform the conversations you have with children tomorrow

  
  

Mr. Trevor T. Newton, M.A. ECSE

Trevor T. Newton is a passionate Title I ECSE Preschool Teacher, early childhood keynote speaker, and founder of Teach and Direct LLC, with over 15 years of experience empowering educators and strengthening leadership across educational settings. He has taught in diverse early childhood and elementary classrooms while mentoring educators into confident, effective teachers and leaders. Trevor specializes in practical, research-based strategies that support teacher leadership, Big Body Play and body-based behavior regulation, and renewed joy in the important work of early childhood education. Beyond the classroom and stage, he enjoys children’s literature, sharing laughter, and spending quality time with his wife and young son. 

LINKS

Website: www.TrevorTNewton.com   

Instagram: @TrevorTNewton.ECE

LinkedIn: Trevor T. Newton

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What if one of the most important responsibilities we have as educators isn't just teaching children, but continuing to learn ourselves?

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla explores why curiosity is more than a personality trait. It's a professional responsibility.

Drawing on more than 20 years in early childhood education, Carla reflects on what separates educators who continue to grow from those who become stuck in "the way we've always done it." She shares five ways educators can nurture their own curiosity, from learning alongside children and seeking perspectives that challenge their thinking to looking beyond early childhood for inspiration and remaining teachable throughout their careers.

Because if we want children to become lifelong learners, shouldn't they see us modelling that every day?

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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! shape their early years.

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The ECE Entrepreneur Experience

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Website: carlatheece.com

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