Did you think you were signing up to work just with children? Surprise! Families play a HUGE role in early childhood education, and building strong relationships with them makes a massive difference—not just for the children, but for you as an educator.

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, we explore:
✔️ Why family-educator relationships are so important
✔️ The impact on children’s success and development
✔️ How strong family connections make your job easier and more fulfilling
✔️ Actionable steps to build trust, collaboration, and better communication with families

When families trust and support you, everything becomes smoother—less stress, better teamwork, and a classroom full of children who feel safe and supported. Whether you’re struggling with family engagement or looking to deepen those connections, this episode has you covered!

Listen now and take the first step toward stronger educator-family partnerships!

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Math doesn’t have to be scary—it can be fun, engaging, and a natural part of everyday life! In this episode, Carla Ward chats with Dr. Sara Delano Moore, a math enthusiast, educator and the VP of Content & Research at ORIGO Education, about how to make math approachable for young learners. Discover why early math foundations are crucial for future success, how play and everyday activities can teach math concepts, and strategies to overcome math anxiety for both children and adults. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or simply curious, this conversation will change how you see math in the early years.

Work With Carla: www.elfoundations.com/professionaldevelopment

Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and candles—it’s about real, intentional practices that help you thrive, not just survive. In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward gets real about the impact of stress on your health and relationships, sharing personal stories and actionable strategies to make self-care a non-negotiable part of your life. From setting boundaries to celebrating small wins, this episode is packed with insights to help you prioritize your well-being. Don’t miss the free Self-Care Guide for Early Childhood Educators—download it at elfoundations.com/selfcareguide. Tune in now and take the first step toward better self-care!

Carla welcomes Hina Khan, a former psychotherapist turned peak performance mindset coach, to discuss the power of manifestation and personal growth. Hina shares her journey and insights on recognizing abundance, the importance of community, and the undervaluation of early childhood educators. They explore concepts like the financial thermostat and goal setting, emphasizing that women's wealth can uplift communities.

Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/172

Hina's Book: https://amzn.to/4fNMIjW

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

Carla is joined by Kerry Drake to discuss the vital role of mentorship in early childhood education, highlighting its impact on educators' growth. Kerry, a seasoned educator and founder of KD Talks, shares her positive experiences and emphasizes the need for structured placements and mentor preparation. The conversation covers the importance of building relationships, collective responsibility in mentorship, and the necessity of incentives to support mentors. 

Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/171

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

Choosing a word for the year can be a powerful way to set your intentions and stay grounded throughout 2025. In this reflective episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, host Carla Ward guides early childhood educators on a meaningful journey to discover their word for the year. Through moments of reflection, thoughtful prompts, and actionable tips, you’ll learn how to choose a word that inspires you both personally and professionally. Whether it’s balance, connection, or growth, this episode will help you embrace your 2025 word as your North Star. Tune in for inspiration, insight, and community as you step into the new year with purpose.

Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/170

Work with Carla: www.elfoundations.com/professionaldevelopment

How has the pandemic shaped the literacy and motor skills of today’s preschoolers? Join Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift as she explores the startling decline in kindergarten readiness and its ripple effects. Dr. Swift dives into how social-emotional development, phonological awareness, and play-based learning hold the keys to recovery. This episode offers strategies for educators and parents alike—but what’s the one surprising factor that could make all the difference? Tune in to uncover it.

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

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward shares five practical strategies to help children start their day on the right foot. Whether you’re in home child care or a center-based program, these tips will empower you to create a welcoming and supportive environment from the moment children arrive.

Tune in to discover how small, intentional actions can set the tone for a positive day.

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

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