The Everything ECE Podcast

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla sits down with Danyah Miller, an international award-winning storyteller and author of Seven Secrets of Spontaneous Storytelling, to explore the power of storytelling beyond the book.Together, they discuss:What oral storytelling is and how it differs from readingWhy storytelling supports language, connection, and imaginationHow educators can build confidence in storytellingSimple ways to start using storytelling in the classroomThis episode is perfect for early childhood educators looking to deepen their practice, build stronger connections with children, and bring more creativity into their programs.🎧 Listen now and discover how storytelling can transform your classroom.Danyah MillerDanyah Miller is an international, award-winning storyteller, trainer, and author of ‘Seven Secrets of Spontaneous Storytelling’. She shares stories and story training in a range of settings from Royal Opera House Covent Garden to local libraries, RHS Wisley to schools across the country. Danyah was a workshop leader at The International School of Storytelling for over 10 years and is a trustee for The Society for Storytelling.As Artistic Director of DMS Productions she co-produces, co-writes and performs in solo theatrical storytelling shows, including award-winning I Believe in Unicorns by Michael Morpurgo, which has toured extensively, including 3 West End summer seasons, and most recently The Mystery of…. Show, which won Best Family Arts Activity in the 2025 Fantastic for Families Awards.In 2025 Danyah took part in BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Great Influencer Experiment’ series, creating a YouTube channel for those working in EYFS. Danyah supports people to become more curious, creative and connected. Her work is imagination-rich and often life changing. LINKSWebsite: https://danyahmillerstoryteller.co.uk/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@danyahmillerthestoryteller Instagram: http://instagram.com/DanyahMillerTheStoryteller Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danyah.miller1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danyah-miller-4b33101b/ Book: 🍁Seven Secrets of Spontaneous Storytelling US- Seven Secrets of Spontaneous StorytellingUK- Seven Secrets of Spontaneous StorytellingSummit: The Everything ECE SummitSUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf 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.CONNECT WITH CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠ Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

We often talk about curiosity in early childhood education. how we encourage it in children, how we observe it, and how we support it through play and learning.But what about educator curiosity?In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, we explore the shift from focusing solely on children’s curiosity to reconnecting with our own. Carla shares a personal story about following curiosity outside of early childhood education and how it transformed her perspective, practice, and professional growth.You’ll also walk away with simple, realistic ways to start leaning into your own curiosity as an educator, without adding more to your already full plate.If you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or just going through the motions, this episode will invite you to think differently.Because the best educators aren’t the ones who know the most… they’re the ones who never stop wondering.LINKSSummit: The Everything ECE SummitSponsor: Ratio Staffing- https://ratiostaffing.com/ SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf 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.CONNECT WITH CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

We spend so much time thinking about how to guide, teach, and support young children…But what if we paused - and asked what they’re teaching us?In this episode, Carla sits down with Dr. Hasan Merali to explore a powerful shift in perspective: toddlers aren’t just developing humans… they might be doing a lot of things better than we are.From risk-taking and confidence, to kindness, play, and even sleep - this conversation will challenge the way you see early childhood.Without giving too much away, this episode will have you reflecting on:Why toddlers take risks without hesitation (and what that means for us)The kind of confidence we slowly lose over timeWhat genuine kindness actually looks like in practiceHow play shows up in everything they doAnd one simple routine that might completely change your eveningsThis is one of those episodes that doesn’t just stay in the classroom - it follows you into your everyday life.Dr. Hasan MeraliHasan Merali, MD, MPH, is an associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University and a pediatric emergency medicine physician at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins University. He has published more than twenty-five peer-reviewed journal articles, and his work has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, CNN, NBC, and CBC. In 2024, he published his first book titled Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas: Secrets from the Science of Toddlers for a Happier, More Successful Way of Life. LINKSSummit: The Everything ECE SummitWebsite: https://hasanmerali.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HasanMeraliMD/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasan-merali X: https://twitter.com/Hasan_Merali Book: Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the PeasSUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf 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.CONNECT WITH CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠ Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

In early childhood education, it’s natural to want to step in right away to help children solve problems. But sometimes the most powerful thing an educator can do is pause.In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward explores the idea of the 10-second pause - a simple practice that encourages educators to pause briefly before intervening in children’s play, conflicts, and problem-solving moments.Inspired by the concept of “le pause” discussed in the book Bringing Up Bébé, this episode reflects on how our culture of instant gratification influences the way adults respond to children. Carla shares how giving children a moment to work through challenges can support independence, problem-solving skills, and confidence.The episode also explores how practicing the pause can benefit educators by creating space to shift from reacting to responding with empathy and intention.If you’re an early childhood educator looking to support children’s learning while also creating a calmer classroom environment, this episode offers practical insights and reflection for your daily practice.LinksSummit: The Everything ECE SummitSponsor: Ratio Staffing- https://ratiostaffing.com/ Bringing Up Bébé- Book LinkSUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf 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.CONNECT WITH CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward sits down with early childhood developmental educator Gretchen Camp to explore what might really be behind the rise in challenging behaviours among young children.They discuss the importance of foundational social-emotional skills, why play remains one of the most powerful learning tools, and how educators can support families in meaningful ways.Gretchen Camp, M.Ed., has over 25 years of experience working with young children and families and helps adults understand children’s actions through a developmental lens.Gretchen is also one of the speakers at The Everything ECE Summit happening April 10–12 — a free virtual summit featuring 30+ expert speakers sharing ideas and inspiration for early childhood educators.Grab your free ticket using the link in the show notes.Gretchen CampGretchen Camp, M.Ed., is an early childhood professional learning consultant with over 25 years of experience in classrooms and educator development. Her work focuses on making behavior science practical, bridging the gap between what we know about social-emotional development and how it’s applied in daily interactions between educators and families. She is the creator of the Park the Skill™ framework, a clear, skill-based approach that helps adults move beyond managing behavior to intentionally building the skills beneath it.LinksSummit: The Everything ECE SummitWebsite: http://gretchencamp.com SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf 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.CONNECT WITH CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠ Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward dives into an important conversation about screen use during mealtimes in early childhood programs.While screens may make mealtime feel calmer or more compliant, research shows they may interfere with children’s ability to self-regulate, recognize hunger and fullness cues, build social skills, and develop healthy eating habits.Carla shares:What research says about eating during TV viewingWhy self-regulation starts at the tableHow screen-linked eating patterns can shape long-term habitsWhy mealtime is one of our most powerful social learning opportunitiesAnd why compliance should never replace developmentThis episode is not about judgment. It’s about reflection. Because lunch and snack time aren’t just about calories. They are opportunities for connection, conversation, and growth.If we want children who can sit across from someone, engage in meaningful dialogue, and listen to their bodies, it starts now.Let’s protect the table.RESEARCH SHARED IN THIS EPISODEEffect of Television Viewing at Mealtime on Food Intake After a Glucose Preload in Boyshttps://www.nature.com/articles/pr2007158Does Eating during Television Viewing Affect Preschool Children’s Intake?https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2596580/Screen Time Vs Meal Time: How Screens Are Shaping Your Child's Eating Habitshttps://www.ndtv.com/health/screen-time-vs-meal-time-how-screens-are-shaping-your-childs-eating-habits-9564525Examination of the Life Habits of Preschool Children Based on Their Screen Use Patternshttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11276093/Television viewing and using screens while eating: associations with dietary intake in children and adolescentshttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8671257/Mealtime TV Use Is Associated with Higher Discretionary Food Intakes in Young Australian Children: A Two-Year Prospective Studyhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9268203/Technological Devices and Their Effect on Preschool Children’s Eating Habits in Communities of Mixed Socioeconomic Status in Istanbul; a Pilot Cross-Sectional Studyhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8614987/SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf 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.CONNECT WITH CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla sits down with children’s author and former teacher Christine Devane to explore how storytelling can support introverted learners, build self-advocacy skills, and help children process grief.Christine shares the inspiration behind her book Elephant Beach, a story about stepping outside your comfort zone while honouring personality differences in the classroom. Together, Carla and Christine unpack the balance between supporting extroverted children without silencing them and intentionally creating space for quieter voices.In this episode, you’ll learn:The difference between introversion and shyness in childrenHow to support quiet children without calling them outWhy partner selection in classrooms mattersPractical ways to encourage self-advocacyHow books help children internalize social-emotional skillsWhy storytelling is one of the most powerful SEL tools in early childhood educationIf you’re an educator looking for meaningful ways to support social development through stories, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped.Christine Devane Christine Devane was a second-grade teacher for thirteen years and enjoyed reading with her students. She currently lives in Massachusetts with her husband John; three children Joey, Nick, and Adeline; and their dog Sophie. Christine loves going to the beach, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and collecting lucky elephants.LinksWebsite: www.christine-devane.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/stined13SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf 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.CONNECT WITH CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

When we talk about letting children struggle, it often makes people uncomfortable. And for good reason. No one wants children to suffer.But struggle and suffering are not the same thing.In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward unpacks what productive struggle actually looks like in early childhood and why those everyday moments—wrestling with a shoe, rebuilding a block tower, trying again after something doesn’t work—matter more than we think.Drawing on classroom experience, research on grit and perseverance, and over two decades in early childhood education, Carla explores how confidence is built through experience, not rescue.This episode invites educators to pause, observe, and rethink when to step in—and when stepping back is the most supportive thing we can do.Because letting children struggle isn’t about withholding support. It’s about trusting the learning process.SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf 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.CONNECT WITH CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

How does your classroom environment shape children’s behaviour, independence, and learning?In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla sits down with Jennifer Fernandez, School Specialty’s Early Childhood Education Strategist for the U.S. and Canada, to explore why classroom environments matter far beyond aesthetics.Jennifer shares insights from her 30+ years in education as a teacher, professional learning specialist, and early childhood strategist, along with practical ideas educators can use to create spaces that support independence, regulation, curiosity, and emotional safety.You’ll hear about: • Why the environment is often called “the third teacher” • Common classroom setup mistakes and simple shifts to try • The power of blocks, books, and open-ended materials • How environments connect to behaviour, engagement, and belonging • Ways to design intentionally without spending your own moneyThis conversation offers grounded, realistic ideas to help educators rethink their spaces with purpose and confidence.JENNIFER FERNANDEZJennifer Fernandez is School Specialty’s Early Childhood Education Strategist for the U.S. and Canada. She brings more than 30 years of experience in education as a teacher & professional learning specialist. She holds a BA in Elementary Education & Spanish and MA in Bilingual/Bicultural Studies along with teaching certificates in Elementary, Early Childhood, & Bilingual/ESL.LINKSLinkedIn: https:/www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-fernandez-6a41a41a9/Website: https://www.schoolspecialty.ca/ SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf 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.CONNECT WITH CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

Praise is so normalized in early childhood education that we rarely stop to question it. It feels supportive, encouraging, and positive. But over time, it can quietly teach children to look outside themselves for approval.In this episode, Carla Ward explores the difference between praise and encouragement, the impact of extrinsic versus intrinsic motivation, and why common phrases like “good job” don’t actually support reflection or self-awareness. She also unpacks what’s really happening when children become frustrated after being asked to evaluate their own work instead of receiving immediate validation.This episode is an invitation to slow down, notice language patterns, and consider how small shifts can support confidence, autonomy, and a stronger sense of self.SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf 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.CONNECT WITH CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

How to Build a Community Classroom with Donna SkeaWhat makes children feel safe, connected, and ready to learn in early childhood programs? In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla sits down with Donna Skea (The Infinite Educator) to talk about building a community classroom where every child feels like they belong.You’ll hear practical, relationship-based strategies for early childhood educators, including why routine creates safety, how to shift from schedule-driven to child-centered days, and how classroom rules, lunchtime, and circle time can strengthen social-emotional development.If you’re looking for real strategies to reduce stress in the classroom and build stronger connection with children, this conversation will leave you inspired and supported.DONNA SKEADonna is a full-time faculty member in an Early childhood education department. She has spent the last 22 years teaching, supervising and supporting, students on their journey to becoming educators. Donna also runs a childcare consulting firm that provides workshops for the English School boards and childcare facilities in Quebec. She has given workshops for LEARN QUEBEC, QAPPD conference, Sir Wilfred Laurier school board as well as many daycare facilities throughout Montreal.LINKSThe 6 Key Decisions to ECE Podcasting Masterclass: https://carlatheece.com/ece-podcast-masterclass LinkedInInstagramFacebookFree Resource: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OkDwvpRn_l2sgbVRKmV3r9eAjpfcobiH/view SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf 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.CONNECT WITH CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

Families aren’t our opposition; they’re our partners. In this episode, Carla Ward explores three actionable ways educators can turn everyday communication into true collaboration with families.From proactive communication loops to intentional language and making partnership visible, you’ll walk away with practical strategies you can implement right away with no extra workload required.✨ Ready-to-use ideas for stronger family connections💬 Learn language shifts that build trust🌿 Create environments that reflect partnership🎧 Listen now and start building the bridges that make your days lighter, calmer, and more connected.LINKSLearn the 6 Key Decisions to ECE Podcasting:https://carlatheece.com/ece-podcast-masterclass ---SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf 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.CONNECT WITH CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

Wellbeing consultant Monica Rollins, founder of Rooted Wellness Collective, joins Carla to explore what it really takes to move beyond burnout in Early Childhood Education. Together, they unpack the systemic roots of educator exhaustion and how to create H.E.A.R.T.-centered programs where teachers feel supported and children flourish.Monica shares her personal journey through burnout, the lessons she’s learned about leadership and wellbeing, and practical ways educators and administrators can reconnect with purpose, presence, and joy.Listen in for a conversation filled with honesty, hope, and real strategies to help you nurture both yourself and your team.MONICA ROLLINSMonica Rollins is a wellbeing consultant dedicated to transforming the early childhood profession, where she has spent nearly two decades as a teacher, leader, and strategist. After walking through her own season of burnout and loss in 2024, she realized that exhaustion in ECE isn’t just an individual struggle—it’s a systemic story the profession has carried for far too long. Now, she is on a mission to help schools rewrite their burnout stories and build H.E.A.R.T.-centered communities where teachers thrive, teams feel supported, and children flourish.LINKSThe ECE Wellbeing Playbook:  https://www.rootedwellnesscollective.org/playbook LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-kaye-rollins/SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf 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.CONNECT WITH CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

What does abundance really mean, and how can you call more of it into your life this year? In this inspiring episode, Carla explores how educators and entrepreneurs can shift from scarcity to abundance: in mindset, time, love, creativity, and yes, even money.You’ll learn practical ways to develop an abundance mindset, reframe scarcity thinking, and create space for joy, opportunity, and alignment in both your classroom and your business.✨ It’s time to stop hoping for abundance and start declaring it.Listen if you want to:Let go of scarcity thinking in your ECE career or businessLearn how mindset shapes what you attractCreate more time, peace, and joy in 2026Feel inspired to believe you are enoughSUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf 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 CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

In this episode, Carla sits down with Paul Buckley, former preschool teacher and founder of Ratio Staffing, to explore what’s really happening behind staffing challenges in early childhood education.Paul shares how burnout, outdated systems, and unnecessary barriers are affecting educators and programs and how a more human-centred, child-centred approach can change everything.This conversation is filled with insight, compassion, and practical ideas for supervisors, directors, and educators who want to strengthen retention, improve support systems, and create healthier environments for staff and children.PAUL BUCKLEYPaul Buckley is the Founder and Managing Owner of Ratio Staffing, a groundbreaking platform reshaping how preschools connect with substitute teachers, enrichment educators, and speech pathologists. A former preschool teacher with nearly 20 years of hands-on experience, Paul’s mission is deeply personal: to help children thrive by supporting the educators who shape their early years.LINKSWebsite: https://ratiostaffing.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ratiostaffing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ratiostaffing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ratio-staffing/ SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf 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 CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

In this episode, Carla explores what meaningful progress truly looks like in early childhood education: the subtle, powerful shifts that happen long before skills show up on the surface. From greeting a child at the door to acknowledging feelings with empathy, she breaks down how these small moments strengthen neural pathways, support emotional regulation, and build genuine belonging. You’ll learn how to notice your impact, stay grounded in the long game of child development, and end your day feeling more connected to your work. Perfect for early childhood educators, RECEs, preschool teachers, and anyone who needs a reminder that their work truly matters.SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf 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 CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

AI isn’t here to replace educators; it’s here to support us. In this episode, Carla sits down with Thomas Thompson, co-founder and CEO of Eduaide.Ai, to explore how AI can help teachers and early childhood educators work smarter, not harder.From lesson planning and accommodations to game-based learning and productivity, Thomas breaks down how AI tools can save time, reduce burnout, and help educators focus on what truly matters: building connections and supporting children’s learning.Whether you’re tech-curious or tech-cautious, this conversation will reframe how you think about AI in education.Thomas  ThompsonThomas is a​ co-founder​ and the CEO of Eduaide.Ai, where he studies how people learn and how teachers make instructional decisions. His work draws on cognitive science, instructional design, and the history and philosophy of education to develop tools that translate research into practical applications.​ A former classroom teacher and non-profit director, his focus has remained the same​ across roles: building practical systems that support effective teaching and reflect the complexities of how people think, learn, and develop over time.LINKS  Website: www.eduaide.ai/SubStack: learningstack.substack.com/SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf 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 CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

Transitions get a bad reputation: rushed, chaotic, stressful. But they don’t have to be. In this episode, Carla explores a powerful mindset shift: transitions aren’t the thing before the next thing. They are learning.Carla breaks down how slowing down, pausing before stepping in, and leading with empathy can transform the way children experience transitions. She talks about why a bit of struggle is healthy, how to support children before they become dysregulated, how subtle language shifts build independence, and where flexibility (and the occasional “yes”) can make all the difference.If transitions feel difficult in your day, this episode will help you see them with fresh eyes — and bring a lot more calm, connection, and understanding into your classroom.SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf 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 CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

Think websites are just for business owners? Think again.In this episode, Carla chats with Chelsea Denny, founder of Early Childhood Creative, about why every educator (from classroom teachers to program owners) can benefit from having a professional online presence.You’ll learn: ✨ How your website can work for you 24/7 💡 Why automation saves you hours every week 🌐 The difference between owning your website and relying on social media 💰 How a great site can help you fill spaces, attract the right families, or land new opportunitiesChelsea also shares practical, approachable steps to get started, even if tech feels overwhelming, and how your website can truly become your best employee.LINKS  Website: earlychildhoodcreative.comFree five page Squarespace website templateLinkedIn: @chelsea-dennySUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf 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 CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

Conflict doesn’t have to be scary or negative. In this short and powerful episode, Carla explores how reframing conflict can transform classroom challenges into opportunities for connection and growth.From cloakroom chaos to tidy-up time, she shares practical language shifts that help educators move from correcting and directing to connecting. Learn how your tone, words, and mindset can turn moments of tension into teachable moments that strengthen relationships with children.SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf 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 CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece