Leading the Early Years for the Future Podcast

What if the most effective form of advocacy isn’t about convincing others, but about modelling intention and sharing curiosity in the everyday moments of our practice?How might our own playful engagement as adults rekindle both our resilience and our capacity to truly lead in the early years?📘 Episode SummaryIn this heartfelt and energising episode of Leading the Early Years for the Future, Amie Fabry is joined by play advocate, educator, and a podcast host Heather Bernt-Santy. With over three decades of experience in early childhood education, Heather shares her deep commitment to advocating for the power of play — not only for children, but also for the adults who care for them. From navigating resistance in co-teaching relationships to tailoring advocacy for different audiences, Heather offers practical insights and emotional honesty about the challenges and joys of championing developmentally appropriate practice. The conversation is a rich exploration of hope, relational leadership, and why sometimes the most powerful advocacy starts with small glimmers of change👤 About Heather Bernt-SantyHeather Bernt-Santy is a professor of Early Childhood Education, long-time early years educator, and the host of the widely respected podcast That Early Childhood Nerd. With more than 35 years of experience working with young children and their families, Heather is a passionate play advocate, a writer, and a sought-after speaker on developmentally appropriate practice and schema play. Her first book, which centres on advocating for play through the lens of schema theory, is due for release later this year. Known for her honest, warm, and deeply hopeful approach to teaching and advocacy, Heather continues to inspire educators globally to reclaim the joy and integrity of play-based learning.Connect & ResourcesLinkedInInstagramFacebookThat Early Childhood NerdThat Early Childhood Nerd PodcastStay Connected with Dr Amie Fabry:LinkedInSubscribe to Leading the Early Years for the Future for more insightful conversations!🎧 Tune in now and discover how to lead with purpose, creativity, and collaboration!Hire this host via hello@thelearningfuture.com

What if burnout isn’t personal failure—but a signal that the system needs to evolve?How might our schools and workplaces transform if we centred emotional awareness and regulation in professional practice?🎙️ Episode SummaryIn this powerful and deeply human conversation, host Amie Fabry is joined by Carry Hansell, educator and lead health practitioner at Atriba Collective. Carry shares her personal journey from classroom burnout to becoming a passionate advocate for educator wellbeing. Together, they explore how our emotional, mental, and physical states directly impact the way we lead, teach, and connect with others.From the myth of “leaving it at the door” to the transformative power of self-awareness and nervous system regulation, this episode invites listeners to consider a more grounded, heart-centred way of working. Carry offers practical insights on how we can reclaim agency in our lives, lead with authenticity, and shift from burnout to balance—both personally and professionally.Whether you’re an educator, leader, parent, or advocate for change, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to reimagine wellbeing at the centre of educational practice.About Carry HansellCarrie is an educator turned holistic wellbeing specialist and mindset coach. After experiencing burnout during her time as a primary and early childhood teacher, she immersed herself in personal development, hypnotherapy, and nervous-system regulation. She now leads the Wellness for Educators program through Atriba Collective, delivering practical strategies to support emotional resilience, authentic leadership, and educator wellbeing.Connect & Resources:LinkedInLinktrAtriba Holistic HealthStay Connected with Dr Amie Fabry:LinkedInSubscribe to Leading the Early Years for the Future for more insightful conversations!🎧 Tune in now and discover how to lead with purpose, creativity, and collaboration!Hire this host via hello@thelearningfuture.com

What if leadership in early childhood wasn’t about having the answers, but about cultivating the courage to ask better questions—of children, educators, and ourselves? In a sector where change can feel slow, how might your voice, your email, or your conversation be the catalyst for systemic transformation? 🎙️ Episode Summary In this inspiring episode of Leading the Early Years for the Future, host Amie Fabry sits down with Ciara Conran, a passionate educational leader and advocate for the early childhood sector. Together, they explore Ciara’s journey from educator to curriculum leader across five services, delving into her commitment to play-based and inquiry-led learning. Ciara shares how her lived experience as a mother of three and a lifelong learner shapes her leadership, and how her courageous advocacy is helping influence change at both the service and systemic levels. With warmth and conviction, Ciara unpacks the power of voice, the importance of listening, and the urgency of acting on behalf of children, educators, and the future of early learning. About Ciara Conran Ciara Conran is a dynamic early childhood education leader who brings over a decade of experience to her role as a curriculum and pedagogy leader across five early learning centres. Originally from Ireland, Ciara studied Education and Training at Dublin City University before immigrating to Australia in 2014, just as the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) was gaining traction nationally. Her practice is grounded in a belief in the autonomy and capability of young children, and she champions play- and inquiry-based learning. Ciara is also a relentless advocate for sector reform—speaking at national forums, engaging directly with government ministers, and working alongside policymakers to address issues such as workforce qualifications and immigration pathways for educators. Known for her deep sense of justice, tireless energy, and commitment to elevating others, Ciara is driven by one clear purpose: ensuring all children have access to empowered educators and meaningful early learning experiences. She continues to study, mentor, and lead with an unwavering belief in the collective capacity of the sector to drive real change.

In this rich and heartfelt conversation, host Dr Amie Fabry speaks with Adam Christie, early childhood educator, leader, consultant, and co-author of Redefining Planning and Assessment. Together, they explore the layered journey of leadership in early childhood education, emphasising the intertwining of personal and professional identities. Adam reflects on the pivotal role of values-led leadership, the importance of pedagogical companionship, and how educators can create brave, vulnerable spaces that lead to deeper professional reflection. He encourages leaders to “play the long game”—to slow down, listen to context, and co-construct meaningful change with children, families, and colleagues. The conversation touches on the need for clear visions, systemic advocacy, and rethinking outdated structures that may no longer serve. Adam also offers insight into finding hope and joy in everyday moments with children, framing this as a powerful form of advocacy and professional sustenance in challenging times. About Adam Christie Adam is a passionate early childhood teacher with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Arts from Flinders University, South Australia. He holds a Diploma in strategic leadership and is currently studying a master’s in educational leadership at the University of South Australia. Adam has 17 years experience in early childhood education and care working across non-government and government services as an educator, teacher and leader. He has extensive experience as a systems leader in Government organisations, coordinating networked approaches to leading learning. Adam is now an early childhood consultant working alongside leaders and teams with a focus on leadership, pedagogy and practice. Areas of research interest include early childhood ethics, systems leadership, pedagogical documentation and practitioner inquiry.

In this heartfelt and deeply reflective episode of Leading the Early Years for the Future, host Dr Amie Fabry is joined by Sam Jockel, CEO of ParentTV and co-creator of the documentary Seen. Sam opens up about her personal and professional journey—from building one of Australia’s most trusted parenting platforms to confronting the uncomfortable truths of modern parenting.Together, they unpack the emotional labour of parenting, the disconnect between intention and presence, and how our cultural obsession with productivity often comes at the cost of connection. Sam shares her hard-won insights on family leadership, self-awareness, and the power of slowing down to truly see our children.

What does true inclusion look like when viewed through the eyes of families, educators, and allied health professionals—together?Are we unintentionally maintaining silos in early childhood support by clinging to language, systems, or assumptions that exclude?📋 Episode Summary (Show Notes)In this rich and reflective episode of Leading the Early Years, host Amie Fabry speaks with Blake Stewart—lecturer, new author, and Director of Engagement at Reimagine Australia. Blake brings a powerful blend of lived practice, sector-wide advocacy, and systemic insight into the inclusion of children with disabilities, developmental differences, and neurodivergence.Together, they explore:The evolving meaning of inclusion and the concept of “inclusion confusion”The critical role of language as a gateway to inclusionBlake’s passion for co-design, where educators, families, and allied professionals collaborate equitablyHis journey from early childhood teacher to advocate, lecturer, and policy contributorNavigating the challenges of advocacy, emotional resilience, and reflectionThe importance of personal renewal, “white space,” and slowing down to lead with intentAbout Blake Stewart:Blake Stewart is a dedicated teacher, lecturer, author, and advocate with over 12 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Intervention. Holding a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth – 5 years) and a Graduate Diploma in Health Studies (Occupational Therapy), Blake is passionate about embedding inclusive, evidence-based practices into early childhood settings. Blake has led national initiatives focused on early childhood inclusion, and sector-wide capability building, ensuring children with disabilities, developmental differences, and neurodivergence can realise their potential.Stay Connected with Blake Stewart:LinkedInAMBA Press: The Inclusive Early Childhood EducatorEarly Childhood Australia: The Inclusive Early Childhood EducatorStay Connected with Dr Amie Fabry:LinkedInSubscribe to Leading the Early Years for the Future for more insightful conversations!🎧 Tune in now and discover how to lead with purpose, creativity, and collaboration!Hire this host via hello@thelearningfuture.com

In this episode of Leading the Early Years, host Dr Amie Fabry is joined by Dr Fiona Boylan, senior lecturer and researcher at Edith Cowan University and author of Fostering Children’s Growth Mindset in the Early Years. Fiona brings her 25 years of experience as an early childhood educator into a compelling conversation about mindset theory, advocacy, and the power of embedding growth mindset practices into daily early years pedagogy.Together, they explore Fiona’s research journey—from classroom observations to her PhD—and the development of nine key design principles to help early childhood educators foster resilience, persistence, and self-efficacy in young children. Fiona also shares personal insights into navigating leadership, public speaking fears, and the importance of advocacy in education.This inspiring episode offers practical strategies, heartfelt stories, and a powerful reminder that children are capable of deep metacognitive thinking from a very young age—and that educators have a vital role to play in nurturing that.

In this episode of Reclaiming Nature, Movement and Wellbeing in Childhood, host Amie Fabry speaks with Cath Fitzhardinge an occupational therapist, nature space consultant, and passionate nature play advocate. Together, they explore the essential role of outdoor environments in child development, the importance of sensory-rich play, and how advocacy can shape school and community design. Cath shares her personal journey, research insights into restorative play, and practical ways educators and parents can foster meaningful nature connections in everyday settings.About Cath:I grew up in Shark Bay & Leeman, two small fishing towns along the West Australian coast. My dad was the school principal who encouraged all types of experiential learning and tree climbing! My mum always encouraged us to take time to go for a bush walk, and notice the little things…My children are primary school age and I have worked with their school community to enrich their play and learning spaces with exciting and inviting low-cost play elements. This has led me on a path to share my knowledge and experience with others.Being outside is a huge part of my life, allowing my children to spend time in nature and experience the joy that it brings has brought my childhood memories flooding back.The recent loss of my parents within twelve months of each other gave me pause to realise my passion and how I can share the legacy of my parents and our story for future generations to come…Connect with Cath Fitzhardinge:LinkedInInstagramFacebookCath Fitzhardinge WebsiteVerge Garden reelAnecdotal Research - Can assist schools looking at creating nature play spacesTool for Observing Play Outdoors - Loebach, J. & Cox, A. (2020)Stay Connected with Dr Amie Fabry:LinkedInSubscribe to Leading the Early Years for the Future for more insightful conversations!🎧 Tune in now and discover how to lead with purpose, creativity, and collaboration!Hire this host via hello@thelearningfuture.com

If we continue prioritising early academic instruction over child-led play, are we unintentionally creating the very literacy crisis we’re trying to solve?What would shift in our education systems if we treated early childhood educators as the experts in child development that they are—rather than expecting them to conform to top-down academic mandates?In this energising episode of Leading the Early Years for the Future, host Dr Amie Fabry is joined by Stacy Benge—early childhood educator, speaker, and author of The Whole Child Alphabet. With over 30 years of experience, Stacy challenges the “earlier is better” narrative in literacy and shines a light on the crucial, often-overlooked developmental foundations that support reading and writing. Together, they unpack why true literacy starts long before phonics—through physical development, visual perception, and rich, child-led play. Stacy shares practical strategies, powerful metaphors, and tools educators can use to advocate for developmentally responsive practices in their classrooms and communities.If you’re an early childhood educator, leader, or advocate, this conversation will remind you of the power of play—and your role in protecting it.Stacy Benge is an early childhood speaker who approaches learning in the early years with practicality and common sense. Standing firm on the truth that children learn best through simple, authentic experiences, Stacy advocates for child-led play to build solid foundations for child development. In addition to a Master of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies, Stacy spent 10 years in the early childhood classroom teaching children ages birth to five. As she has for the past 20 years, Stacy shares her passion for child development with fellow early learning professionals with enlightening and informative presentations.Stacy is the author of The Whole Child Alphabet: How Children Actually Develop Literacy published by Exchange Press. She is available for keynote presentations. Located in Texas, she presents virtually, locally, nationally, and internationally.Connect with Stacy Benge: Stacy Benge Website5 Mistakes Early Childhood Professionals Make When Teaching Literacy (and How to Fix Them) - Free GuideFacebookInstagramLinkedInBook - The Whole Child Alphabet: How Young Children Actually Develop Literacy Kindle version - The Whole Child Alphabet: How Young Children Actually Develop Literacy Stay Connected with Dr Amie Fabry:LinkedInSubscribe to Leading the Early Years for the Future for more insightful conversations!🎧 Tune in now and discover how to lead with purpose, creativity, and collaboration!Hire this host via hello@thelearningfuture.com

In this episode, join Dr Amie Fabry as she chats with Georgie Dent — CEO of The Parenthood, bestselling author, and fearless advocate for families, children, and gender equality. Georgie shares her powerful personal journey into advocacy, the bold mission to make Australia the best place to raise a child, and why real change takes persistence and heart. From major wins in early childhood reform to practical advice for staying hopeful and driving impact, this conversation is packed with inspiration for anyone passionate about building a better future for families and educators.Join The Parenthood:- Membership is free.- Open to parents, carers, grandparents, educators — anyone passionate about improving early childhood and family outcomes.Stay Connected:Follow Amie Fabry on LinkedInSubscribe to Leading the Early Years for the Future for more insightful conversations!🎧 Tune in now and discover how to lead with purpose, creativity, and collaboration!Hire this host via hello@thelearningfuture.com

How can we shift from traditional top-down leadership in education to a more distributed leadership model that fosters agency and collaboration among educators?If play is essential for learning and creativity, why do we largely remove it from the education system after early childhood? How can we reintroduce and sustain play throughout all levels of schooling?In this episode, host Amie Fabry is joined by the inspiring Becky Carlzon—educator, author, and founder of Learning Pioneers and Press Play. Becky shares her journey from classroom teaching to building international learning communities that foster curiosity, inquiry, and collaboration. She dives into the importance of distributed leadership, intentional time management, and creating educational environments that prioritize well-being, play, and lifelong learning. Whether you're an educator, leader, or change-maker, this conversation will leave you with fresh insights on how to drive meaningful transformation in education.Becky Carlzon is an educator, author, and community builder. She co-authored Powering Up Children and founded two international learning communities: Press Play and Learning Pioneers. These communities focus on fostering inquiry-based learning, play-based education, and collaborative professional development for educators worldwide. Becky is passionate about lifelong learning, prioritizing well-being, and promoting a distributed leadership model within education. Her work revolves around creating sustainable, engaging, and high-impact learning environments that empower educators and students alike.Connect with Becky Carlzon:LinkedIn: Becky CarlzonLearning Pioneers Community: learningpioneers.comPress Play Community: pressplaylearning.comStay Connected:Follow Amie Fabry on LinkedInSubscribe to Leading the Early Years for the Future for more insightful conversations!🎧 Tune in now and discover how to lead with purpose, creativity, and collaboration!Hire this host via hello@thelearningfuture.com

How do we, as educators and leaders, create space for collective grief while still moving forward with purpose?How can we redefine the idea of ‘school’ and ‘community’ beyond physical spaces?Amy Chiu is a dedicated early childhood educator, consultant, and advocate specializing in play-based, nature-based, and community-centered learning. Based in Los Angeles County, California, she has spent her career fostering environments where young children, families, and educators can thrive. Her leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that education extends beyond the classroom, emphasizing the importance of strong relationships, emotional well-being, and community support.In this powerful conversation, Amy shares her experience navigating one of the most challenging moments of her career—the aftermath of the LA County wildfires, which devastated her school and displaced many of the families she serves. She speaks candidly about the trauma, grief, and resilience that followed, detailing how she and her team worked tirelessly to reunite families, secure temporary learning spaces, and provide emotional support for both children and staff. Her reflections highlight the importance of community solidarity, compassionate leadership, and the healing power of human connection during times of crisis.Despite the immense challenges, Amy remains hopeful and committed to rebuilding—not just in a physical sense, but in strengthening the bonds that hold her community together. She shares how the children’s resilience, the unwavering support from families, and the kindness of strangers have reinforced her belief that education is about people, not buildings. Her story is a testament to the power of collective action, emotional honesty, and the enduring spirit of early childhood education.Connect with Amy ChiuLinkedIn: Amy Chiu MSEDWebsite: Amy Chiu WebsiteHire this host via hello@thelearningfuture.com

What if we prioritized educator well-being as much as we do children’s development?How do our own personal experiences shape the way we lead and support others?In this insightful episode, Dr Amie Fabry welcomes the inspiring Emma Rattenbury, a dedicated early childhood educator, play therapist in training, and an advocate for neurodiverse-affirming learning environments. Emma shares her journey in early childhood education, her leadership philosophy, and the importance of fostering confidence and autonomy in educators. She also discusses the critical role of relationships, self-awareness, and creating a supportive culture for both children and teachers.Emma Rattenbury is an experienced early childhood educator, play therapist in training, and advocate for neurodiversity-affirming education. With 20 years in the sector, she has worked across teaching, curriculum leadership, and educator mentorship, focusing on inclusion, play-based learning, and professional confidence. Passionate about supporting educators, Emma emphasizes critical reflection, risk-taking, and relationship-based leadership to create thriving learning environments. As an AuDHD mum, she champions neurodiverse-affirming practices and is currently completing a Master’s in Play Therapy. A social media educator influencer with over 35,000 followers, Emma uses her platform to advocate for educator well-being, inclusion, and sector-wide change.Connect with Emma RattenburyInstagram: emma_in_earlychildhoodLinkedIn: Emma RattenburyFacebook: Emma in Early ChildhoodHire this host via hello@thelearningfuture.com

How might our own childhood experiences and limiting beliefs influence our interactions with children in educational settings? In what ways can we address and transform these influences to become more effective educators?Considering the challenges of burnout and the pursuit of perfectionism in education, what strategies can educators implement to protect their energy and maintain emotional well-being while fostering a supportive learning environment?In this episode, Dr. Amie Fabry engages in a compelling conversation with Emma Gentle, an Emotional Intelligence Coach, Education Consultant, and former Assistant Principal. Emma shares her journey from classroom teaching to coaching, emphasizing the transformative power of emotional intelligence in both personal and professional realms. She discusses the significance of self-awareness, co-regulation, and understanding one’s own upbringing in shaping interactions with children. Emma also delves into the challenges educators face, such as burnout and perfectionism, and offers insights into overcoming limiting beliefs and the importance of continuous self-reflection. The discussion highlights the profound impact that emotionally intelligent educators can have on future generations.Emma Gentle is an Emotional Intelligence Coach, Education Consultant, and former Assistant Principal with over 14 years of experience in the education sector. Beginning her career as a primary school teacher, Emma quickly advanced to leadership roles, including Assistant Principal, where she honed her skills in mentoring and coaching educators. Her passion for personal and professional development led her to become certified in various disciplines, including Emotional Intelligence assessments and Dare to Lead training. Emma’s work focuses on empowering educators and parents to develop self-awareness, regulate emotions, and create supportive environments for children. She is also a mother, bringing a personal perspective to her professional endeavors.Where to Find Emma Gentle • Facebook: Emma Gentle Coaching • Instagram: @em_gentle • LinkedIn: Emma Gentle • ClassCover Learn Course: Emotional Intelligence for Educators

What implicit messages might we be sending to children when we focus primarily on compliance rather than their emotional well-being?How can educators and caregivers balance guiding children’s behavior while also honoring their emotional needs and autonomy?Dr. Amie Fabry engages in a compelling conversation with Danica See, an education consultant and mentor celebrated for her expertise in early childhood education, guiding children’s emotional development, and fostering holistic approaches to learning and behavior. With over 16 years of experience, Danica shares insights on the guidance based approaches to behaviour management, honoring children as whole beings, and her dedication to reshaping narratives around children’s emotional and behavioral development. Danica See is a highly experienced educator and consultant with a diverse background in early childhood education. Her career spans various roles, including assisting in early learning centers, classroom teaching children aged 3 to 7, supervising practicum placements for preservice teachers, lecturing and tutoring at the university level. Through her extensive career, Danica observed a significant gap in quality support and training for addressing children’s behavior and emotional needs, particularly in navigating their big feelings.As the founder of Little Bloom Consultancy, she has turned to dedicate transforming how early childhood educators approach behavior and emotional development, emphasizing children’s rights and contemporary behavior guidance. Rooted in neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and neuro-affirming practices, Danica advocates for equitable treatment of children and better support for educators in managing behavior and addressing children’s big feelings.Connect with Danica See• Website• LinkedIn• InstagramHire this host via hello@thelearningfuture.com

How can integrating play into early childhood education enhance children’s conceptual understanding and cognitive development?In what ways can educators support abstract, organized, relational, representational, and metaphorical thinking in young learners? In this episode, Dr. Amie Fabry engages in a compelling conversation with Lili-Ann Kriegler, a distinguished education consultant and author renowned for her expertise in early childhood education, educational leadership, and cognitive development. With over 30 years of experience, Lili-Ann shares her insights on the transformative power of play, the significance of early attachment and language development, and the evolving role of educators in fostering critical thinking skills in young learners.Lili-Ann Kriegler is a Melbourne-based education consultant and author with over three decades of experience spanning all educational levels, from early childhood to adult education. Her primary specializations include early childhood education (birth to nine years), educational leadership, and optimizing human cognition. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honors), a Higher Diploma in Education, and a Master’s in Education.Throughout her career, Lili-Ann has been a fervent advocate for the transformative power of education, emphasizing that learning is constructed through dialogue and social interaction. Her consultancy, Kriegler Education, focuses on customized professional learning design for preschool and junior primary leaders, educators, and curriculum coordinators.As an author, Lili-Ann has penned several influential works, including “Edu-Chameleon: 7 Dynamic Learning Zones to Enhance Children’s Concept-Based Understanding” and “Roots and Wings: A Parents’ Guide to Learning and Communicating with Children to Forge a Family with Mettle.” Her latest publication, “The Power of Play,” delves into the dynamic ways educators can engage with students to foster deeper understanding and cognitive development.Resources mentioned:• Kriegler Education• Edu-Chameleon: 7 Dynamic Learning Zones to Enhance Children’s Concept-Based Understanding• Roots and Wings: A Parents’ Guide to Learning and Communicating with Children to Forge a Family with Mettle• The Power of PlayConnect with Lili-Ann Kriegler• Website• LinkedIn• Amazon Author PageHire this host via hello@thelearningfuture.com

Are we unconsciously perpetuating cycles from our own upbringing that limit our ability to connect with and nurture the children in our lives?How can reimagining our relationship with emotions and mistakes transform not only our families but also our communities and future leaders?In this transformative episode of Leading the Early Years for the Future, host Amie Fabry sits down with Lael Stone, a speaker, educator, and author with a profound mission: to reshape how we connect with ourselves and our children. From her groundbreaking work founding the Woodline Primary School to her advocacy for emotional awareness in parenting, Lael shares her journey of courage, creativity, and commitment to change.Lael Stone is an educator, TEDx speaker, author, mother, and parenting counsellor who has worked with families for over 20 years. Her experience spans roles as a birth educator, post-natal trauma counsellor, and parenting educator, consulting with thousands of families from newborns to teenagers. She dedicated over five years in secondary schools, focusing on teens’ sexuality, well-being, and relationships, aiming to empower parents to build stronger connections with their children.As the creator of Woodline Primary School, an innovative institution centered on emotional well-being and connection, Lael has significantly contributed to education. She co-hosted The Aware Parenting Podcast and is a sought-after public speaker, sharing her passion for fostering wellness in adults through connection and communication. Additionally, she serves on advisory boards and consults with organizations on emotional awareness and trauma-informed practices. In collaboration with The Resilience Project, she delivers presentations across Australia on raising resilient children.Lael’s first book, Raising Resilient and Compassionate Children, debuted on multiple best-seller lists. Her work has expanded into the corporate sector, addressing the impacts of imprints and trauma on relationships and personal potential. Her second book, focusing on healing past experiences to thrive in the future, is scheduled for release in May 2025.For more information about her work, visit: • laelstone.com.au • Facebook: @laelstone • Instagram: @laelstone • Woodline Primary School: woodlineprimary.com.au • About Birth: aboutbirth.com.auAdditional resources: • The Aware Parenting Podcast – over 2 million downloads • TEDx Talk: “How to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Children” – over 3 million viewsThis episode isn’t just for educators or parents—it’s a call to action for anyone seeking to lead with empathy, embrace challenges, and build a more connected world.

In this episode of “Leading the Early Years for the Future,” host Amie Fabry engages in a dynamic conversation with Jo Hanson, an early childhood teacher and Deputy Principal at Comet Bay Primary School in Perth. Jo shares her inspiring journey from an education assistant to a leadership role, emphasizing the transformative power of play-based learning and authentic connections in early childhood education.Jo discusses the significance of the early years, highlighting the rapid brain development that occurs between ages two and four, and underscores the importance of providing quality, rich experiences during this critical period. She advocates for fostering children’s natural curiosity and supporting their sense of belonging and engagement within the community.A key focus of the conversation is Jo’s leadership in implementing play-based learning at Comet Bay Primary School. She reflects on the challenges and successes of guiding educators to embrace this approach, noting the importance of psychological safety, authentic relationships, and a shared vision. Jo shares anecdotes illustrating the positive impact of play-based learning on both students and teachers, including increased joy, engagement, and a love for learning.Find Jo on Insta ( https://www.instagram.com/inspiringlittleleaders/ ) and LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-hanson-088a14190/?originalSubdomain=au ).Throughout the episode, Jo offers valuable insights into effective leadership in early childhood education, emphasizing authenticity, reflection, and the power of networking. She encourages aspiring leaders to seek support, be open to making mistakes, and remain committed to their core values and vision.This episode is a must-listen for educators and leaders passionate about early childhood education and looking to inspire meaningful change within their practice.

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Amie Fabry sits down with Sarah Louise Gandolfo, a Melbourne-based early childhood teacher, consultant, and “forever learner.” With over 20 years of experience in the early years sector, Sarah Louise shares her journey from a chance start in early childhood education to becoming a passionate advocate for leadership, inclusion, and the profound importance of the early years.Listen in as Sarah Louise discusses her work at Melbourne Polytechnic, her consultancy’s mission to support educators, and the lessons she has learned about authentic leadership. From childhood crochet skills to transformative coaching moments, Sarah Louise reminds us of the power of connection, kindness, and slowing down to focus on what truly matters in education.The Early Years Matter: Early childhood experiences shape not only academic success but also the future well-being and identity of individuals. Leadership is Diverse: Leadership comes in many forms and isn’t confined to those at the top. Embracing authenticity and individual strengths is key. Connect with Sarah Louise Gandolfo: Facebook: Sarah Louise Consultancy (https://www.facebook.com/SL.ECEC/)LinkedIn: Sarah Louise Gandolfo (https://au.linkedin.com/in/sarah-louise-gandolfo)Subscribe and Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review to help others discover these important conversations about leadership and the future of education. Check us out at www.thelearningfuture.com and even book a session for your team!

Dr Kathy Hirsh-Pasek is a distinguished American developmental psychologist renowned for her extensive research in early childhood development, language acquisition, and the role of play in learning. She holds the position of Stanley and Debra Lefkowitz Professor of Psychology at Temple University, where she directs the Infant Language Laboratory. Additionally, she serves as a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution. Throughout her career, Dr Hirsh-Pasek has authored 17 books and over 250 publications, contributing significantly to the fields of language development and playful learning. Her notable works include “Einstein Never Used Flashcards,” which received the Books for a Better Life Award in 2003, and “Becoming Brilliant: What Science Tells Us About Raising Successful Children,” which appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list in education.  Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, such as the American Psychological Association’s Bronfenbrenner Award for Lifetime Contribution to Developmental Psychology in the Service of Science and Society, and the Association for Psychological Science’s James McKeen Cattell Fellow Award. Beyond her academic achievements, Dr Hirsh-Pasek co-founded the Learning Science Exchange Fellowship, uniting scientists, journalists, policymakers, and entertainers to disseminate learning science to educators. She also initiated Playful Learning Landscapes, a project that redesigns public spaces with scientifically informed designs to enhance educational and social opportunities. In 2021, she was elected to the National Academy of Education, underscoring her impact on educational research and policy. Her recent work includes the book “Making Schools Work: Bringing the Science of Learning to Joyful Classroom Practice,” co-authored with educators and scientists to promote engaging and effective teaching methods. Dr Hirsh-Pasek frequently shares her expertise through media outlets like NPR and The New York Times, and contributes to the Brookings Institution’s blog, bridging the gap between scientific research and public understanding.