Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast

On this episode, host Simone Brand has an essential conversation with early childhood consultant Tracey Yeomans. With over 35 years of experience, Tracey unpacks the concept of intentional supervision, moving beyond simply "watching" children. This episode explores key strategies for creating a safe and engaging environment in ECEC settings including: 1. Supervision as engagement -  How...

Welcome to Learn Play Thrive's mindfulness stories for preschoolers! Settle into a gentle movement and mindfulness episode crafted for young listeners. Little Dreamers offers a simple yet effective tool for promoting relaxation, body awareness, gratitude practices, and imaginative thinking in young children. In this month's episode, we invite young listeners to embark on a peaceful journ...

Welcome to the Learn Play Thrive Little Library! In this episode, we dive into the award-winning Australian picture book, Spiro, authored and illustrated by Anna McGregor, and published by Scribble. This heartwarming tale of a determined little spider is the perfect tool for teaching young children about perseverance and resilience. In this episode, we explore: - How Spiro’s story connects to EYLF...

This week, we're taking you to the heart of our Early Learning Matters Week celebration! Join us as we share a special episode recorded live at the Central Coast Early Childhood Educator Network group breakfast. We were absolutely buzzing from the incredible energy in the room as we gathered with a fantastic group of educators, sector leaders, and local members of parliament to celebrate the...

Join us for a special episode with the dynamic founding partners of Semann & Slattery, Colin Slattery and Anthony Semann. With over 25 years of experience, this powerful duo brings a unique blend of evidence-based research and a deep commitment to equity and social justice. They unpack what it means to be a 360-degree leader in the ECEC sector, discussing how to: Balance long-term vision with...

This special episode is recorded live at the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange (REAIE) 2025 conference in Adelaide. The conference theme, ‘Landscapes of Collaboration: New possibilities for education in complex times’,  set the stage for a discussion on an educational philosophy rooted in hope and optimism. This approach views children as ‘citizen culture-makers’ and is built on the cor...

Join us for an incredibly insightful conversation with Professor Lisa Kervin AM, Director of the Early Start Institute at the University of Wollongong (UOW), whose work highlights how positive digital literacy experiences in early childhood empowers children to thrive as informed, global citizens. We dive deep into essential topics, including: - Why educators must equip children for their best dig...

Welcome to Learn Play Thrive's mindfulness stories for preschoolers! Settle into a gentle movement and mindfulness episode crafted for young listeners. Little Dreamers offers a simple yet effective tool for promoting relaxation, body awareness, gratitude practices, and imaginative thinking in young children. In this episode, we invite young listeners to embark on a gentle journey with two fri...

Join us for an inspirational episode as we delve into the heart of the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange (REAIE) Exhibition, the ‘Mosaic of Marks, Words and Material’! We were incredibly fortunate to catch up with Kirsty Liljegren, an Early Learning Consultant and Educator with 30 years of extensive professional experience in the Early Years Education sector, at the recent REAIE confere...

Join us for an insightful episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast, featuring educators Karin House and Emma Seyer! With decades of combined experience across all age groups, Karin and Emma bring practical wisdom and personal insights into understanding why separation anxiety often heightens during room transitions in ECEC settings. They share invaluable practical strategies for your classroom to...

Join us as we chat with Jen Gibbons, a clinical counsellor with 14 years of experience and a passion for working with trauma, attachment, and complex mental health. In this insightful episode, Jen defines separation anxiety in young children, exploring its origins in Bowlby's attachment theory and the nuances between typical developmental phases and Separation Anxiety Disorder. She provides e...

Join us for an illuminating episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast as we welcome Clare Comedoy, a passionate pedagogical leader for excellence in early education!  In this episode, Clare tackles meaningful, authentic documentation, exploring how educators can avoid ‘paparazzi behaviours’ and move beyond simply providing ‘proof of care.’ She shares crucial insights on "no face photography,&q...

Join us for an electrifying episode of the Learn Play Thrive podcast as we welcome the incredible Dr. Red Ruby Scarlet! With over 30 years in early childhood, Red is an activist, teacher-researcher, consultant, artist, and academic. She's devoted to creative, imaginative, and inclusive practices that champion dignity and integrity in early childhood. In this chat, Red brings ECEC pedagogy to...

Join us on the latest episode of Learn Play Thrive as we welcome Eliza Peacock from Milk & Munch, a certified speech pathologist with over 12 years of paediatric experience. Eliza is passionate about helping families overcome feeding challenges, from breast and bottle issues to complex swallowing difficulties and tube feeding, as well as navigating hesitancy around new foods. In this insightfu...

In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, we welcome Jenny Nechvatal. Jenny is a passionate advocate from Innovative Disability Solutions with over 30 years' experience in the sector and lived experience parenting two children with disabilities. Author of ‘Embracing Disability in Early Childhood’, Jenny brings a wealth of knowledge to this crucial conversation.  We delve into the realities for fa...

Welcome to Learn Play Thrive's Little Library! In this episode, our Early Education Content Producer, Linda Harrison, dives into the award-winning picture book, ‘Bev and Kev’ by Katrina Germein and illustrated by our special guest, Mandy Foot.   This heartwarming story introduces us to an unlikely duo—a tall giraffe and a small oxpecker bird—and beautifully explores themes of self-acceptance,...

In this episode of Learn, Play, Thrive, I sit down with Anthony Semann, co-director of Semann & Slattery, to explore how the concept of “slow pedagogy” is revolutionising the way we plan and engage in early childhood education. Together, we unpack the philosophy and origins of the slow movement - starting with slow food in Italy - and explore its deep relevance to early childhood. We reflect o...

In this chat Simone shares her passion for working in the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) industry, what its been like building two long day care centres from the ground up, and all that comes with being an Approved Provider. Simone candidly reveals invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of being an Approved Provider, offering a raw and honest look at the dedication require...

In this conversation from an exhibitor at the Semann & Slattery Inspire Conference 2025, we sat down with Deidre Donnelly and Tamika Hicks from the United Workers Union's Big Steps Campaign. In this episode, we delve into the heart of their advocacy and discuss how, together as union members, educators are the driving force behind the Big Steps Campaign to secure professional pay, respect...

This special episode features Samantha Page, the dynamic CEO of Early Childhood Australia (ECA). As the driving force behind advocacy for children under eight, their families, and the professionals who support them, Samantha brings over two decades of experience in the non-government sector, fueled by a deep commitment to social equality. She leads ECA in tirelessly collaborating with governments,...

Welcome to Learn Play Thrive's mindfulness journey stories for preschoolers! Settle into a peaceful moment with Clouds, a gentle movement and mindfulness episode crafted for young listeners. Little Dreamers offers a simple yet effective tool for promoting relaxation, body awareness, and imaginative thinking in young children. In this episode, we invite you and your little ones to embark on a...

Today on the podcast, we're joined by two influential figures in early childhood education: Laura Stone from the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), and Jenae Tien Jenkins, an award-winning producer, author, and social entrepreneur. Laura spearheads ABC Kids Early Education, focusing on curriculum-aligned resources. Jenae, through Expand Your Library, champions allyship and challenges...

Tune in with Amelia Scarf from Rhymey, an expert in early childhood music! Discover how simple musical experiences can transform your classroom into a calm and focused space, boosting children's learning and emotional well-being. Amelia shares her science-backed approach to brain-priming, musical experiences that are easy for any educator to implement. Unlock the power of music to: - Build ch...

Welcome to this episode where we're joined by Kate Hodgekiss, owner and director of Engaging Curriculum Solutions, to explore the vital role of understanding trauma in early childhood education. Kate brings her expertise to discuss why this knowledge is so crucial for educators working with young children. We delve into the fundamental understanding of trauma as a brain injury and examine how...

This episode of Learn Play Thrive features Jessica Staines, a leading early childhood educator, advocate, and professional speaker renowned for her work as founder of the Koori Curriculum. Jessica offers invaluable insights into developing culturally responsive, pedagogical practices through the effective integration of Aboriginal perspectives. This discussion provides educators with actionable st...