The Inspiring Early Childhood Educator

In this special episode of Inspire to Educate, we celebrate Early Childhood Education Appreciation Day by honoring the incredible work of early childhood educators everywhere. Whether you're a director, coordinator, or nurturing children right on the floor, this episode is a message of gratitude, appreciation, and motivation just for you. Host Marcia Nicole, a dedicated educator with over 20 years in the early childhood sector, shares her personal experiences, reflections, and heartfelt thanks to all educators making a difference in the lives of young children every day. From the challenges to the triumphs, this episode is a reminder of just how vital your role is, not only in shaping the futures of the children you teach but in fostering inclusive, welcoming spaces for families and communities. Tune in for an uplifting message filled with inspiration, connection, and recognition of your dedication to early learning. You are seen, you are appreciated, and most of all, you are making a difference. This episode is short, sweet, and designed to remind you why your work in early childhood education matters so much. Stay Connected: Join our Facebook facebook.com/share/UQ7P8V4vTJTvrmiz/ to connect with other fabulous educators. Follow our Instagram: instagram.com/ispyrtoeducate/ Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join Our Newsletter

In this uplifting episode of the Inspiring ECE Podcast, join your host Marcia Nicole for an enlightening discussion with the remarkable Carla Ward. Carla, a dedicated early childhood educator, shares her inspiring journey, from transforming classrooms to empowering fellow educators. We delve into Carla’s passion for designing engaging educational spaces and how she turned challenges into opportunities. Her story is a testament to the power of creativity and resilience in the ECE sector. We also explore the importance of self-documentation and how every educator has a unique story worth sharing. Carla's insights will motivate you to start documenting your own journey and share your expertise with the world. Tune in to hear Carla’s incredible journey, her victories and challenges, and how she continues to inspire and uplift the early childhood education community. Connect with Carla Ward: Website: https://elfoundations.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elfoundations LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carla-ward/

In today's episode, we dive deep into the world of early childhood education, challenging the common misconceptions that ECEs are merely babysitters. We'll explore the multifaceted role of ECE professionals and highlight the critical importance of their work as educators. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer understanding of the invaluable contributions you make as an early childhood educator and feel empowered to embrace your role with confidence and pride. Join us as we celebrate the true essence of ECEs and connect with me on Instagram for more insights and inspiration. Stay Connected: Join our Facebook Inspire to Educate Collective to connect with other fabulous educators. Follow our Instagram: instagram.com/ispyrtoeducate/ Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join Our Newsletter Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a comment to let us know what you think!

Join Marcia Nicole as she continues our Wellness Month series with an episode focused on "Physical Health and Nutrition for Educators." Discover practical tips on staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and incorporating regular exercise into your busy schedule. Get inspired to take care of your body and join our 14-day nutrition and exercise challenge starting on June 17! Episode Highlights: Introduction: Welcome to Wellness Month and overview of the 14-day challenge. Personal Story: Marcia’s journey towards better physical health and its impact on her life. Hydration: The importance of staying hydrated and tips for drinking more water. Balanced Diet: How to maintain a balanced diet with practical tips and mindful eating. Regular Exercise: Ideas for incorporating regular physical activity into your routine. Mindful Eating: Strategies for mindful eating and making conscious food choices. Recap: Key points on hydration, balanced diet, exercise, and mindful eating. 14-Day Challenge Promotion: Details on the upcoming challenge and how to participate. Call to Action: Share your wellness tips and stories, and connect with us on social media. Conclusion: Encouragement to prioritize physical health and nutrition, and a reminder to download the wellness checklist. Join Our Community: Newsletter: https://link.captivationhub.com/widget/form/vbsb9ORlVHHibQ8d0xy8 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ispyrtoeducate/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcia-nicole-ispyr-to-educate-18390a222/ Website: ispyrtoeducate.com Resources: Physical Health and Wellness for Teachers Thriving as a Teacher: The Power of Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle Habits

In this engaging episode of the Inspiring ECE Podcast, host Marcia Nicole explores the vital role of advocacy in early childhood education. We delve into what it means to be an advocate, from cheering for educators, children, and families to taking practical actions that drive change. This episode is packed with insights and tips to help you become an effective advocate. Join AECEO:  Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario Follow our Instagram:  Instagram (@ispyrtoeducate) Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join Our Newsletter Remember to subscribe, rate, and review to support our journey in empowering early childhood educators!

Are you transitioning from ECE to classroom teaching or curious about what it entails? In this heartfelt episode, I share the detailed story of my first day stepping up as a classroom teacher, from the initial jitters to the profound lessons learned along the way. The mental and practical shift from child-led to curriculum-driven teaching. Strategies for managing a classroom while maintaining a child-centered approach. The importance of resilience and adaptability in embracing new educational roles. Thanks for listening! To keep this vibrant discussion going and to help build our fabulous community of educators, connect with us on Instagram @ispyrtoeducate or send us an email at info@ispyrtoeducate.com! I’d love to see your stories and hear your insights. Also, feel free to drop us an email. Your experiences, challenges, and triumphs can inspire and uplift others, strengthening this phenomenal network of dedicated educators.   Until next time—keep inspiring!  

In this episode, I take you back to my own first day as an Early Childhood Educator, sharing stories that will resonate with anyone who’s ever stepped foot in a classroom with a heart full of dreams and a mind full of questions. The real-world transition from theory to practice on the first day in an ECE setting. The importance of building meaningful connections with children and colleagues from day one. Strategies for embracing the unknown and turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Thanks for tuning in! Let’s keep the conversation going. Connect with me and our wonderful community of educators on Instagram @ispyrtoeducate. Share your own first-day stories and insights, and let’s continue to support and inspire each other on this incredible educational journey. Until next time—keep inspiring!

Are you exploring career opportunities in Early Childhood Education? In this episode, I'm excited to share a comprehensive list of career paths that you might not have considered yet with your ECE diploma. From classroom teaching to roles in policy-making, the world of ECE is vibrant and diverse. A list of career paths available for ECE professionals in Canada. Insightful discussions on how these roles impact the growth and development of children. Tips on how you can navigate your career journey in the ECE landscape. Thanks for listening! Want to keep the conversation going? Connect with me and our enthusiastic community of educators. You can also find me sharing daily inspirations and behind-the-scenes peeks into the world of ECE on Instagram. Let's inspire and uplift each other as we forge ahead in this incredible field. Until next time keep inspiring!   Instagram: @‌ispyrtoeducate Website: ispyrtoeducate.com Resource link: Career Options Resource List

Get ready for an inspiring episode of the Inspiring ECE Podcast! I’m thrilled to introduce you to Ana Valle Rivera—an ECE powerhouse who’s making waves in our field. Ana is the founder of Early Years Thriving, a dynamic speaker, a workshop facilitator, a consultant, a children’s book author, and a supermom of three! Ana’s journey began in 2007, and she hasn’t looked back since. She’s now completing her Master of Professional Education at the University of Western Ontario, and she’s all about lifting up our ECE community. Ana shares how her experiences, from presenting impactful workshops on educator wellness to creating meaningful connections with other educators, fuel her passion for early childhood education. But that’s not all! Ana’s business is all about cheering others on, and she’s here to tell us how supporting her fellow educators helps her stay inspired and overcome self-doubt. This episode is packed with energy, insight, and heart—everything you need to feel motivated and uplifted! Connect with Ana Valle Rivera: Website: earlyyearsthriving.com/ Instagram: @‌earlyyearsthriving Don’t miss out—tune in to catch all the amazingness that Ana brings to the table

Feeling the pressure for your classroom to look like a Pinterest board? You’re not alone. In this week’s episode, Marcia Nicole gets real about the first weeks of school, the myths we need to bust, and the truth about classroom setup on a budget. From dealing with outside perceptions to resisting comparison, you’ll be reminded that your classroom is already amazing—because you are in it. Learn how to set boundaries with your budget, involve your students in co-creating their space, and find joy in building classrooms that are functional, welcoming, and full of heart. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about purpose. Tune in, take a breath, and remember: you are doing an incredible job. Let’s Stay Connected: Follow our Instagram: @‌ispyrtoeducate Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join Our Newsletter Email: info@ispyrtoeducate.com

In this real-talk solo episode, host Marcia Nicole opens up about why she had to step away from the podcast and what it really means to pause when life gets overwhelming. From burnout to family obligations to the guilt that comes with stepping back, Marcia shares honestly about her own messy, beautiful, and unpredictable “life-ing” season. She also reveals the hard truths her community shared with her truths that stung but ultimately inspired growth and the strategies she’s using to rebuild with more clarity and strength. What you’ll take away from this episode: Why pausing isn’t failure, it’s being human How to embrace rest and let go of guilt The importance of leaning on community during tough seasons Three ways to reframe the pause so you come back stronger ✨ Whether you’re an educator, entrepreneur, or parent juggling it all, this episode is your permission slip to hit pause, reset, and remember: you are not alone. Let’s Stay Connected: Follow our Instagram: @‌ispyrtoeducate Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join Our Newsletter Email: info@ispyrtoeducate.com

In this episode of the Inspiring ECE Podcast, your host, Marcia Nicole, takes you on a journey into the wondrous world of nurturing meaningful relationships with the young minds in our care. Discover the magic behind crafting bonds that not only inspire but also shape a child's future. From the simplicity of saying "hello" to understanding emotional check-ins, Marcia shares tips and insights that will empower educators to create a world of positive connections within their classrooms. Explore the art of being an inspiring role model and building a community that bridges the gap between home and school life. Tune in for expert advice and the joy of celebrating every success with your fellow educators. Don't miss this episode filled with wisdom, warmth, and the promise of building an extraordinary educational community.

It’s the final week of Motivational May, and this episode is a heart-full celebration of the journey we've walked together. This week, Marcia Nicole reflects on the magic of community how finding your people (or building your own village) can breathe life back into your purpose. She shares personal stories from the month, moments that reignited her own motivation, and the incredible messages and support that reminded her why this work matters so deeply. We revisit the themes of the month celebrating invisible victories, the power of presence, and reconnecting with the person behind the profession. And in case you missed last week’s intended message? She weaves it right in: a gentle, joyful reminder that being perfectly imperfect is powerful, too. This episode is more than a wrap-up. It’s a love letter to every educator out there doing the work seen or unseen. Let’s Stay Connected: Follow our Instagram: instagram.com/ispyrtoeducate/ Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join Our Newsletter Email: info@ispyrtoeducate.com

This week on The Inspiring ECE Podcast, we’re taking a breath literally and figuratively to focus on someone often left behind: you. In this soul-filling episode, Marcia Nicole invites educators to pause and reconnect with the parts of themselves beyond the classroom. Who are you outside of lesson planning, snack prep, and endless documentation? What makes you feel alive, creative, curious? You’ll explore what it means to reclaim space, rediscover old passions, and bring that spark back into your practice not as another task on your to-do list, but as a way to fill your cup from the inside out. This is your permission to be more than your title and to take up space unapologetically. Because when you thrive, your classroom does too. In this episode: Why finding yourself outside of the classroom matters How to make space for joy (without guilt!) Simple ways to bring your passions into your teaching A powerful reminder: You are enough Let’s Stay Connected: Follow our Instagram: instagram.com/ispyrtoeducate/ Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join Our Newsletter Email: info@ispyrtoeducate.com

This week is the second week of motivational May on The Inspiring ECE Podcast, we’re diving into one of the most heartfelt truths about early childhood education: your presence is powerful. Even on the days when you're not at 100%, even when you feel unseen or unheard your presence matters. In this episode, Marcia Nicole reminds us that showing up with authenticity, care, and heart no matter how imperfect is an act of strength, love, and purpose. She invites you to reflect on what grounds you, what keeps you going, and how the quiet impact you make every day is creating real change in your classroom, your centre, and your community. This is your weekly dose of motivation and a powerful reminder that even in your hardest moments, you are deeply needed. Let’s Stay Connected: Follow our Instagram: instagram.com/ispyrtoeducate/ Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join Our Newsletter Email: info@ispyrtoeducate.com

Welcome to Motivational May on The Inspiring ECE Podcast a month-long series created to uplift, recharge, and re-energize early childhood educators just like you. May can be a whirlwind full of evaluations, transitions, celebrations, and big to-do lists that leave you running on empty. But this year, we’re shifting the energy. This is your invitation to pause, reflect, and refill your cup because you matter, and the work you do is nothing short of extraordinary. Each week, Marcia Nicole brings you a joyful, real, and motivational pep talk to help you feel seen, supported, and inspired because you deserve it. In this kickoff episode, Marcia dives into the unseen and uncelebrated moments the invisible victories that often go unnoticed in your day-to-day work. From wiping spills and calming tears, to observing growth and helping children through emotional challenges, these small wins are the heartbeat of early childhood education. She reminds us that these tiny but powerful moments help build resiliency, confidence, and joy not just in the children you support, but in you as an educator. You won’t find trophies or applause for every one of them, but they are just as important maybe even more. So today, take a deep breath. Celebrate the wins that no one sees. And remember you’re making magic in the everyday moments, and your impact is massive. Stay Connected: Follow our Instagram: instagram.com/ispyrtoeducate/ Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join Our Newsletter Email: info@ispyrtoeducate.com

Join me, Marcia Nicole, on this heartfelt episode of Ispyr to Educate as we dive deep into the real impact of mentorship from a veteran educator’s perspective. In today’s conversation, I share my journey of mentoring over the years the ups, the challenges, and the transformative moments that remind us why taking on a student is not just another responsibility, but a legacy-building act. We explore how mentoring enriches our practice, reawakens our passion, and ultimately builds a stronger future for early childhood education. If you’re a seasoned educator grappling with the question, “Do I have the energy to mentor right now?” or wondering how to find balance in an ever-demanding profession, this episode is for you. Let’s reframe mentorship together as the essential, intentional practice that elevates us all. Stay Connected: Follow our Instagram: instagram.com/ispyrtoeducate/ Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join Our Newsletter Email: info@ispyrtoeducate.com

Episode Description: STEAM in early childhood education—what does it really look like? How can we move past the idea that STEAM is just about science experiments and tech gadgets and instead see it as a natural part of how children learn and explore the world? In this episode of The Inspiring ECE Podcast, I sit down with Paula Walsh, an early childhood educator, lecturer, STEAM researcher, and author of Full STEAM Ahead. Paula is passionate about making STEAM practical, playful, and accessible for all educators—because let’s be real, we don’t need to be scientists or engineers to bring rich learning experiences to young children! We’re talking about: The real difference between STEM and STEAM and why the Arts are a game-changer How STEAM fits naturally into play-based and inquiry-driven learning Simple, everyday ways to introduce STEAM—no expensive resources required Why “unplugged technology” is just as important as screen-based learning How educators can build confidence in STEAM (even if it feels intimidating) Paula’s book Full STEAM Ahead and how it helps educators bring STEAM into their classrooms with ease This episode is all about breaking down barriers and empowering educators to embrace STEAM in a way that feels fun, engaging, and meaningful.   How to connect with Paula Walshe Paula's most recent book, entitled "Full STEAM Ahead" is a guide to implementing STEAM in the early years and is also available now from Boru Press here. You can contact Paula or learn more about her work here. LinkedIn: Paula Walshe Twitter: @‌walshe_paula Instagram: @‌paulawalshe77 You can also email her: paula.walshe@setu.ie   Guest bio: Paula Walshe is a published author, Assistant Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at South East Technological University in Carlow, Ireland and a PhD candidate at Dundalk Institute of Technology. Her PhD research focuses on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and maths) in early childhood education and care (ECEC).

In this empowering episode of The Inspiring ECE Podcast, your host Marcia Nicole welcomes a true trailblazer in the field of Early Childhood Education—Anisha Angella. As an entrepreneur, author, Registered Early Childhood Educator, and dynamic leadership coach, Anisha is on a mission to inspire educators to think beyond the classroom and embrace leadership roles with passion and purpose. This episode is a heartfelt conversation filled with practical insights, contagious energy, and powerful lessons from Anisha’s own journey from classroom teacher to influential leader and coach. Whether you're just starting out or looking to make impactful changes in your ECE career, this episode is packed with golden nuggets to keep you motivated and focused on your personal and professional growth.   What You’ll Learn/Show Notes: The pivotal moments and mentors that shaped Anisha's journey from educator to entrepreneur Practical tips for new entrepreneurs looking to branch out beyond the classroom How to find the right mentor and build a supportive professional community Realistic strategies to manage burnout while keeping your passion alive The evolving landscape of leadership in ECE, including addressing mental health, diversity, and educator empowerment Tune in, take notes, and get ready to be inspired! Anisha’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the ECE community. Social links: The ECC's Links:   Website: www.anishatheecc.com Instagram: Instagram (@theecc.community) Facebook: The Early Childhood Coach | Mississauga ON Twitter: Anisha.theecc (@AnishaAngella) on X Youtube: The Early Childhood Coach Channel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anishaangella/ TikTok: Anisha | Early Childhood Coach on TikTok The ECE Hub (Facebook Group): The ECC Hub | Facebook The ECC Academy (Podia): ECC Academy Book A Workshop or Speaking Engagement with The ECC: Get in touch with The Early Childhood Coach

In this heartfelt episode of the Inspiring ECE Podcast, we delve into the profound reasons why choosing and remaining in the field of Early Childhood Education (ECE) is not just a career choice but a transformative journey. Amidst discussions of burnout and staffing shortages, it's crucial to reconnect with the passion and purpose that drew us to this vocation. Key Takeaways: Navigating Negative Narratives: Learn strategies to shift your perspective from challenges to the impactful moments that define your teaching journey. Building a Supportive Community: Discover the importance of surrounding yourself with positive, passionate educators who uplift and inspire. Personal Growth Through ECE: Understand how your role as an educator not only shapes young minds but also fosters your own personal and professional development. Be on the lookout for our Special Offering: To support your well-being, we're excited to offer a FREE Wellness and Self-Care Course tailored for educators. This resource provides practical tips and strategies to nurture your mental and emotional health, ensuring you can continue to inspire and educate with enthusiasm. Join Our Community: By subscribing to our mailing list, you'll receive updates on future podcast episodes, special guest interviews, and exclusive content designed to empower and motivate. It's also a platform for you to share your thoughts, suggest topics, and become an active participant in our growing community. Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join Our Newsletter Call to Action: Reflect on the positive moments in your teaching journey and share them with a colleague or within our community. Let's collectively shift the narrative towards the rewarding and joyful aspects of ECE. Stay Connected: Follow our Instagram: instagram.com/ispyrtoeducate/ Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Email: info@ispyrtoeducate.com