The Everything ECE Podcast

In this heart-opening conversation, Carla Ward sits down with Cathy Belgrave, host of The Intentional ECE Podcast, to explore the powerful role of art in early learning—not just as an activity, but as a mindset. Together, they unpack what it means for educators to develop an art mindset, how to move beyond crafts and into intentional creativity, and why art is essential for connection, communication, and discovery.

From tackling admin and parent expectations to shifting your own thinking, this episode will leave you inspired to reimagine what’s possible through art.

🎨 Topics we cover:

• What an “art mindset” really means in early learning

• The evolution from product-based art to meaningful creative expression

• Why art is communication (and how to see it that way)

• Planning through concepts, wonderings, and play

• How art fosters relationships, development, and identity

• Using art to meet curriculum expectations—without worksheets

🖌️ Plus: Cathy shares how her own relationship with art has evolved, and practical ways educators and administrators can build a culture that values creative exploration.

🎧 Don’t miss this one—especially if you’ve ever said, “I’m not artsy.”
It’s time to shift the mindset and discover what’s possible.

Show Notes: elfoundations.com/197Email Newsletter: Click Here

Is your circle time built for compliance or connection? In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward invites educators to rethink traditional circle time practices and shift the focus from managing behaviour to building meaningful engagement. We explore why not every child needs to join the group to be involved, how rigid expectations like “criss-cross applesauce” can harm inclusion, and why proximity doesn’t always equal participation. Whether you’re struggling with group time or ready to refresh your routine, this conversation will help you transform circle time into a moment of authentic connection.

Show Notes: ⁠⁠elfoundations.com/195

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In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward sits down with Angela Odusanya - Registered Early Childhood Educator, Ontario Certified Teacher, and children’s book author - to explore how loose parts play transformed her classroom practice and perspective on children's creativity. Angela shares her personal "aha moment," the calming magic of loose parts, and how educators can start small without feeling overwhelmed.

We also dive into how her book Amelia’s Loose Part Art introduces loose parts art in a relatable and inspiring way - and why loose parts belong in the curriculum from early years through to Grade 8. Whether you’re hesitant about the mess or unsure how to link it to learning outcomes, Angela’s insights will inspire you to rethink how children build, imagine, and connect through open-ended materials.

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What if the behaviours we label as acting out were actually sensory cries for help?

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward pulls back the curtain on the sensory side of behaviour. From spinning in circles to hiding under tables and chewing hoodie strings-these aren't just disruptions; they're messages. Backed by research from Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, Dr. Mona Delahooke, and more, Carla explores how sensory processing impacts children's regulation and what educators might be missing when they only focus on surface-level behaviours.

You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of the 8 sensory systems, practical strategies to create a sensory-smart classroom, and ways to support both children and yourself with compassion and intention.

🎧 Tune in to learn:

• How sensory processing shows up in daily behaviour

• Why traditional discipline strategies might be missing the mark

• Easy changes you can make to your classroom to reduce overwhelm

• How to partner with families for deeper understanding and connection

Whether you're an early childhood educator, administrator, or parent, this episode will change the way you see "challenging" behaviour.

Show Notes: ⁠elfoundations.com/194

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How do we foster a love of literacy in young children without drilling flashcards or forcing reading before they’re ready? In this inspiring episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, literacy expert Melissa McCall of Moving Little Minds joins Carla to explore the power of play-based early literacy and how to build strong literacy foundations in early childhood education.

We discuss:
✅ Why toddlers don't need to read—but what they do need
✅ The science of reading and what preschool educators can do to support it
✅ How to bridge the home-school connection so families feel empowered, not overwhelmed
✅ Simple ways to bring literacy into play and outdoor learning
✅ Ideas for using environmental print and everyday moments to build literacy skills

Whether you're an ECE looking to deepen your literacy practice or a parent wanting to support your child, this episode is packed with actionable, research-based tips.

🎧 Tune in now and let’s move little minds—one joyful literacy moment at a time.

Show Notes: elfoundations.com/193

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In this episode, Carla Ward explores how reflective practice isn’t just a tool—it’s a transformative mindset that allows early childhood educators to grow, connect, and thrive. Through powerful stories and practical strategies, Carla shows how small daily reflections can lead to deeper connections with children, stronger professional relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose. Learn how a simple name-listing activity can change the way you show up in your classroom.

Reflection Guide: www.elfoundations.com/reflection

Show Notes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.elfoundations.com/192

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Katherine Hamilton from Ensemble Learning joins Carla to talk about successful classroom walkthroughs that build trust, support educators, and impact student outcomes. Learn how walkthroughs, when done with intention and focus, can transform school culture, close achievement gaps, and empower educators—without adding stress.
Perfect for ECE supervisors, program leaders, and educators ready to grow.
💡 Get inspired to start small and build a culture of feedback, connection, and continuous improvement.
Learn more about Katherine at Ensemble Learning.
👉 Show notes & links:

Masterclass: 6 Key Decisions to ECE Podcasting

Show Notes: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.elfoundations.com/191

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What if storytime didn’t end when you closed the book?
In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward invites you to reimagine how literacy lives in your early childhood classroom by taking stories beyond the book.

Discover why the most powerful literacy experiences happen after the last page is turned, and how you can weave books into play, conversation, and connection throughout your learning environment.

Carla shares 3 practical, classroom-tested strategies to help educators extend storytime into meaningful, child-led learning moments that touch every area of the curriculum.

✨ Plus, don’t miss the free on-demand training:
Beyond the Book: How to Bring Stories to Life in Your Classroom:Watch it now at elfoundations.com/beyondthebook

Show Notes: ⁠⁠⁠www.elfoundations.com/190

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Join Carla and Dr. Margaret Quinn as they explore how children under six make meaning through writing. This episode breaks down Margaret’s fascinating research on transcription, connection, and discourse—three essential components of early writing—and gives practical strategies for supporting young children’s literacy through intentional, play-based learning.

Show Notes: ⁠⁠www.elfoundations.com/189

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Discover how to view your childcare program through a sensory lens. In this episode, Carla Ward guides you through a sensorial audit—what it is, why it matters, and how to start making small changes that lead to big impacts on children’s regulation, focus, and well-being. Packed with actionable tips for every educatorSensorial Audit Checklist: www.elfoundations.com/sensorialaudit

Show Notes: ⁠www.elfoundations.com/188⁠

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