The Everything ECE Podcast

Stress shows up in our work, but it doesn’t have to take over.In this episode, Carla Ward sits down with Cameile Henry, award-winning author and CEO of Strengthen Hands Educational Resources Inc., to explore how reflection, awareness, and kindness help educators navigate stress before it leads to burnout.This conversation reminds us that calm is a skill, kindness is a practice, and both are essential in early childhood education.CAMEILE HENRYCameile Henry is an award-winning author of 12 empowering children’s books and the CEO and Co-Founder of Strengthen Hands Educational Resources Inc. With over 25 years of experience as a Registered Early Childhood Educator and 17 years as a Professor at Sheridan College, she is deeply committed to fostering resilience, affirmation, and self-compassion in children and families. Through books, workshops, and handmade crochet characters, she creates meaningful learning experiences that support children, parents, and educators alike. Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2024, continues to inspire communities across Canada and the United States.Website: strengthenhands.comInstagram: @strengthenhandsYouTube: @StrengthenHandsEDULINKS The ECE Experience- LinkStrengthen Hands Book- 🍁AmazonStrengthen Hands Book- 🇺🇸 AmazonBOOKS MENTIONED IN THE EPISODEEat Mangos Naked⁠Learn to Play: The Four Pillars Learning System⁠ by Susie BeghinThe Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne BrysonBruce Perry BooksRaising a Secure ChildSUBSCRIBE & 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 CARLAEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

There are four little words that we, as educators, use far more often than we realize — and they might be quietly holding children back.These words aren’t harsh or negative. In fact, they sound completely ordinary. But the truth is, they shape how we see children, how we interpret their behaviour, and how we respond in the moment.In this episode, Carla dives deep into the power of language —how simple words can limit our perspective, close off possibilities, and unintentionally define a child’s potential. You’ll leave this conversation reflecting on your own practice, rethinking how you describe behaviour, and ready to see children in a whole new light.🎙️ Listen now to uncover the four words that change everything.LINKS The ECE Experience- 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!CONNECT WITH CARLAEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

In this powerful episode, Carla welcomes Dawn Montecalvo, CEO of the Guadalupe Center in Immokalee, Florida, to discuss what it really means to go all in when early learning is on the line. From shifting the educator mindset from “job” to “career” to reducing turnover through professional development and support, Dawn shares how her team is creating real, lasting change in a community with tremendous needs.We explore how strategic partnerships, intention in language, and reinforcing early childhood as a nonnegotiable investment are transforming outcomes—one child, one educator, one classroom at a time.If you believe early learning is more than a program—it’s a movement—you won’t want to miss this conversation.🎧 Dive in now and get inspired to go all in for early learning where you are.DAWN MONTECALVOFor more than two decades, Dawn Montecalvo has dedicated her career to expanding educational opportunities for underserved children in Southwest Florida. As President & CEO of Guadalupe Center since 2016, she has led the organization’s growth to serve over 2,000 students annually, expanding campuses, adding CCPS satellite locations, and strengthening philanthropic partnerships. Previously, she served as Executive Director of the Naples Children & Education Foundation and founded Montecalvo & Associates, helping nonprofits with fundraising and strategic development. A compassionate and visionary leader, Dawn unites donors, volunteers, and educators around a shared mission to create life-changing opportunities for generations of students.LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCASTGuadalupe Centre- www.guadalupecenter.org Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/guadalupe_center Youtube- https://www.youtube.com/@TheGuadalupeCenter All in for Early Learning- https://www.allinforearlylearning.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 CARLAEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠The ECE Experience- LinkWebsite: www.carlatheece.comInstagram:  @carlatheece

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla sits down with Rebecca Parlakian, child development and parenting specialist at ZERO TO THREE, to shine a spotlight on the incredible world of infants and toddlers.Together they unpack:The key developmental milestones across social-emotional, cognitive, communication, and physical domainsWhy everyday moments (like laundry, sunlight, or stirring with a spoon) are powerful learning opportunitiesHow infant programs can be more intentional in designing environments that truly support growthThe role of educators and parents as “detectives” decoding cries, cues, and needsThe advocacy work ZERO TO THREE is leading—bringing families and even policymakers into the conversation about babiesIf you’ve ever wondered how to support our youngest learners- or needed a reminder of the magic in the everyday- this episode is for you.REBECCA PARLAKIANRebecca Parlakian is Senior Director of Programs at ZERO TO THREE, where she leads work on child development, parenting, and early education. With more than two decades of experience, she has co-authored five curricula, published widely on parenting and early learning, and is a regular contributor to NAEYC’s Young Children. A recognized voice in national media, Rebecca is dedicated to advancing the power of relationships in shaping children’s earliest years.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-parlakian/ZERO TO THREELEARN Conference: https://www.zerotothree.org/learn-conference/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zero-to-three/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zerotothree Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZEROTOTHREE/ 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 CARLAEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠The ECE Experience- LinkWebsite: www.carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

In this engaging conversation, Debbie shares her journey as an early childhood educator and how her experiences have shaped her understanding of the profession. She discusses the natural coaching abilities of educators, the importance of reflective inquiry, and the transformative power of vision boards and manifestation in both personal and professional contexts. Debbie emphasizes the significance of a positive mindset, the impact of a single word on organizational culture, and practical strategies for managing classroom chaos while fostering child development through play-based learning. The discussion culminates in a call to action for educators to embrace intentionality in their teaching practices and create engaging learning environments for children.TAKEAWAYSDebbie has over 30 years of experience in early childhood education.Early childhood educators possess natural coaching skills.Reflective inquiry is a key skill for educators and coaches.Vision boards can serve as powerful tools for manifestation.A single word can transform organizational culture.Positive mindset influences the environment and outcomes.Classroom chaos can be managed with intentional strategies.Understanding child development is crucial for effective teaching.Intentionality in teaching enhances student engagement.Creating an engaging learning environment is essential for child development.DEBBI SLUYSDebbi Sluys is a Christian, mom of four, wife and grandma. Debbi is founder of Dare to Declare™, a coach, trainer, author and speaker who specializes in helping people expand their brain’s potential to see what is possible for their future with Vision boards.As a former Child Care Director, Debbi has studied personal development for over 30 years and has facilitated and witnessed science at work by guiding thousands of clients to identify and declare their Vision both online and in-person at workshops and retreats. Her mission and life purpose is to support individuals to declare their truth and create the life of their dreams.Debbi hosts The Dare to Declare Podcast, where giant manifestors come to share how they've turned their visions and goals into reality!Website: https://debbisluys.com/ Instagram: @debbisluysFacebook: Debbi SluysLinkedIn: Debbi SluysConference: 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!CONNECT WITH CARLAEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠The ECE Experience- LinkWebsite: elfoundations.comInstagram: @elfoundations

The words we choose with children matter more than we realize. In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward explores The Language of Encouragement and how it shapes a child’s self-esteem, resilience, and inner voice.Discover:✔ The difference between praise and encouragement✔ Why connection before correction preserves dignity✔ How adding the word yet builds growth mindset✔ Practical phrases you can start using in your classroom right awayYour language has lasting impact. Learn how to shift from empty praise to authentic encouragement that empowers children for life.🎟️ Don’t miss Carla’s live event in Mississauga, ON — The ECE Experience on November 8th. Tickets: https://elfoundations.thrivecart.com/the-ece-experience-2025/ LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCASTThe ECE Experience- LinkThe Third Teacher 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!CONNECT WITH CARLAEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: elfoundations.comInstagram: @elfoundations

What does it look like to truly humanize early learning? In this rich conversation with Kisa Marx. We unpack why adaptability is now a core competency for educators and families. We explore how belonging builds real resilience, why “good job” falls short, the power of the pause, and how to hold safety, advocacy, and kindness at the same time.You’ll hear:Humanizing practice defined—and how adult-centred habits get in the wayBelonging before resilience: sanctuary, safety, and why “toughness by suffering” is a mythLanguage shifts that matter: encouragement over praise, “the pause,” and listening fullyAdapting after 2020: grieving what was, keeping what works, and teaching for the world we’re inBoundaries and advocacy: speaking up while staying safe in your contextPerfect for ECEs, leaders, and families rebuilding culture through play, nature, and authentic connection.KISA MARXKisa is a child advocate, practitioner, and founder of The Play Lab Foundation a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide access to high-quality, self-affirming care for every child regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, ability or neurotype.Website: https://playlaboakpark.org/Instagram: @theplaylabfoundationSUBSCRIBE & 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 CARLAEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠The ECE Experience- LinkWebsite: elfoundations.comInstagram: @elfoundations

Your classroom is always teaching, even when you’re not speaking. In this episode, Carla Ward explores the concept of the “hidden curriculum” through the Reggio Emilia idea of the classroom as the third teacher. From lighting and plants to blocks, visual schedules, and representation, discover how the environment silently shapes children’s learning and belonging.Carla also shares a personal story of transforming a windowless classroom with fairy lights and practical strategies you can use to align your hidden curriculum with your values as an educator.🎟️ Don’t miss Carla’s live event in Mississauga, ON — The ECE Experience on November 8th. Tickets: https://elfoundations.thrivecart.com/the-ece-experience-2025/ LINKS MENTIONED IN THE PODCASTThe ECE Experience- LinkThe Third Teacher 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!CONNECT WITH CARLAEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: elfoundations.comInstagram: @elfoundations

Children aren’t the future- they’re people of today.In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward sits down with Marta Skrzypczak, educator and children’s rights advocate, to explore why children’s participation is a fundamental right, not a privilege.We cover:- What Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child means for educators- The difference between autonomy and agency—and how to respect both- Practical ways to include children in daily decision-making (from food to classroom routines)- How participation builds resilience, confidence, and lifelong skills- Why respecting participation rights reduces educator stress and strengthens classroom communitiesIf you’ve ever wondered how to balance guidance with giving children a voice, this episode will give you clarity and inspiration.MARTA SKRZYPCZAKMarta is an early childhood educator and a children's rights expert. Her mission is to support adults in creating possibilities for children to participate in decisions that concerns them and directly providing possibilities to exercise their agency. She has written scientific papers and has been a guest on some other podcasts. She is a digital creator and participation coach. She also supports participation structures in one of Berlin's districts.Website: www.participation-coach.comInstagram: @participation_coachSUBSCRIBE & 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 CARLAEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: elfoundations.comInstagram: @elfoundations

Back-to-school means new faces, new energy, and new opportunities to set the tone. But are we over-focusing on the schedule and missing the real magic of routines?In this episode, I dive into the difference between schedules and routines, why routines matter so deeply for children’s safety, belonging, and learning, and how transitions can be powerful moments for connection. We’ll also talk about using visual schedules to support independence and calm, and why educators need their own arrival and departure rituals to thrive.If you’ve ever stressed about being “off schedule,” this one’s for you. Spoiler: the only people who can tell time in your classroom are the adults!Show Notes: ⁠⁠www.elfoundations.com/2024Email Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠

Why does social emotional learning need to start with us as educators? In this thought-provoking conversation with Prerna Richards of Together We Grow, we explore how our own regulation, mindset, and choices impact everything from classroom dynamics to the way children learn and grow. This episode blends insight, real-life reflection, and practical ideas you can start using right away.Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/203Email Newsletter: Click Here

Learn how to plan in early childhood education with calm, connection, and intention. In this episode, Carla Ward shares ECE planning tips for merging curriculum expectations with play-based learning, improving classroom flow, and making documentation purposeful.Show Notes: ⁠www.elfoundations.com/202Email Newsletter: ⁠Click Here⁠

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla sits down with Meeghan Carter, a bilingual educator with over 25 years of experience, to explore how early exposure to a second language can boost empathy, cultural awareness, and cognitive development. Meeghan shares her journey building Spanish language programs for young children and offers simple, accessible ways for educators to bring foreign language into their classroom, even if they only speak English themselves.Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/201Email Newsletter: Click Here

It’s the 200th episode of The Everything ECE Podcast! To celebrate, I’m bringing you a roundup of powerful insights from 10 incredible expert guests whose voices continue to shape and elevate the early learning profession.From equity and neurodiversity to art, literacy, and documentation, this episode is filled with the kind of reflections that remind us why we do this work—and how we can keep doing it better.Whether you’re a new educator or a seasoned leader, these quotes will leave you thinking, “Yes. This is exactly what I needed to hear.”Featured guests: Emily Clark, Dr. Jasmine Moses, Cathy Belgrave, Beck Goodman, Ron Grady, Laura Shea, Angelica Celinska, Laura Hansen, Robyn Papworth, and Monica Maddison.Bonus: We’ve got a fresh new podcast cover! Take a peek when you hit play.Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/200Join the ECE Latte Lounge FREE for the month of August: www.elfoundations.com/200latte⁠⁠⁠Email Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠Click Here

Have you ever wondered if we’re identifying literacy challenges early enough in young children? In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward is joined by Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift to talk about the importance of early detection, the key signs to look for, and practical strategies educators can use to support children who are struggling with reading.Whether you're in a preschool classroom or supporting early learners at home, this conversation will give you the tools and confidence to make a difference.Show Notes: elfoundations.com/199⁠Email Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla explores the power and potential of intergenerational teams in early childhood education. With multiple generations working side by side in many ECE programs, there is an opportunity to create stronger, more dynamic teams when we learn to lean into our differences with curiosity and respect. Carla shares real stories, practical tools, and reflection prompts that will help you embrace diverse perspectives and build bridges between experience and innovation. Whether you're new to the profession or a seasoned educator, this episode will leave you feeling inspired, valued, and ready to co-create meaningful change with your team.Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/198Email Newsletter: ⁠Click Here

In this heart-opening conversation, Carla Ward sits down with Cathy Belgrave, host of The Intentional ECE Podcast, to explore the powerful role of art in early learning—not just as an activity, but as a mindset. Together, they unpack what it means for educators to develop an art mindset, how to move beyond crafts and into intentional creativity, and why art is essential for connection, communication, and discovery.From tackling admin and parent expectations to shifting your own thinking, this episode will leave you inspired to reimagine what’s possible through art.🎨 Topics we cover:What an “art mindset” really means in early learningThe evolution from product-based art to meaningful creative expressionWhy art is communication (and how to see it that way)Planning through concepts, wonderings, and playHow art fosters relationships, development, and identityUsing art to meet curriculum expectations—without worksheets🖌️ Plus: Cathy shares how her own relationship with art has evolved, and practical ways educators and administrators can build a culture that values creative exploration.🎧 Don’t miss this one—especially if you’ve ever said, “I’m not artsy.”It’s time to shift the mindset and discover what’s possible.Show Notes: elfoundations.com/197Email Newsletter: Click Here

Is your circle time built for compliance or connection? In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward invites educators to rethink traditional circle time practices and shift the focus from managing behaviour to building meaningful engagement. We explore why not every child needs to join the group to be involved, how rigid expectations like “criss-cross applesauce” can harm inclusion, and why proximity doesn’t always equal participation. Whether you’re struggling with group time or ready to refresh your routine, this conversation will help you transform circle time into a moment of authentic connection.Show Notes: ⁠⁠elfoundations.com/195Sign Up for our Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Click Here

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward sits down with Angela Odusanya - Registered Early Childhood Educator, Ontario Certified Teacher, and children’s book author - to explore how loose parts play transformed her classroom practice and perspective on children's creativity. Angela shares her personal "aha moment," the calming magic of loose parts, and how educators can start small without feeling overwhelmed.We also dive into how her book Amelia’s Loose Part Art introduces loose parts art in a relatable and inspiring way - and why loose parts belong in the curriculum from early years through to Grade 8. Whether you’re hesitant about the mess or unsure how to link it to learning outcomes, Angela’s insights will inspire you to rethink how children build, imagine, and connect through open-ended materials.Show Notes: elfoundations.com/195Sign Up for our Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Click Here

What if the behaviours we label as acting out were actually sensory cries for help?In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward pulls back the curtain on the sensory side of behaviour. From spinning in circles to hiding under tables and chewing hoodie strings-these aren't just disruptions; they're messages. Backed by research from Dr. Lucy Jane Miller, Dr. Mona Delahooke, and more, Carla explores how sensory processing impacts children's regulation and what educators might be missing when they only focus on surface-level behaviours.You'll walk away with a deeper understanding of the 8 sensory systems, practical strategies to create a sensory-smart classroom, and ways to support both children and yourself with compassion and intention.🎧 Tune in to learn:How sensory processing shows up in daily behaviourWhy traditional discipline strategies might be missing the markEasy changes you can make to your classroom to reduce overwhelmHow to partner with families for deeper understanding and connectionWhether you're an early childhood educator, administrator, or parent, this episode will change the way you see "challenging" behaviour.Show Notes: ⁠elfoundations.com/194Sign Up for our Newsletter:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Click Here