The Everything ECE Podcast

What if the music we grow up around shapes more than just our memories? In this reflective solo episode, Carla Ward explores the powerful role music plays in childhood development, emotional regulation, identity formation, and the environments we create for children. From Linda Ronstadt and Carole King to Cher, Madonna, and the Spice Girls, Carla reflects on the soundtrack of her own childhood and...

This week on The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla sits down with Laurent Li, an educator working both on the frontline with children and in post-secondary education, preparing future ECEs entering the field. Together, they have an honest and reflective conversation about the growing gap between graduating and actually being classroom-ready, authentic inclusion culture, mentorship, onboarding, advocac...

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward shares one of the most impactful reflective strategies she adopted in her career as an early childhood educator: using the 5 Ws and the H to better understand behaviour, play, emotions, environments, and classroom dynamics. Instead of immediately reacting to challenging moments, Carla explores how slowing down and asking reflective question...

Working with Wood in ECE with Pete Moorhouse Woodworking in early childhood can feel like a big leap – for educators and for programs. In this episode, I sit down with early years creative consultant, researcher, and author Pete Moorhouse to explore what woodworking can actually look like in practice – and why it matters. With over 25 years of experience, Pete shares how hands-on experiences with...

Scissors. Such a simple tool… until it’s not. In this episode, we’re digging into the hesitation so many educators feel when it comes to offering scissors during free play. Is it about safety? Trust? Or something deeper? Because when scissors aren’t part of the environment, we might be holding children back in ways we don’t always see - from fine motor development to creativity and confidence. Thi...

What if the change we keep waiting for… is actually us? In this powerful and honest conversation, I’m joined again by the incredible Kisa Marx to talk about her new book We Are Who We’re Waiting For and the deeper truths behind it. Together, we explore what’s really holding education back, why neutrality might be our biggest barrier, and how systems can be working exactly as designed… even when th...

Feeling alone in your role as an early childhood educator… even when you’re surrounded by others? In this short episode of The Everything ECE Podcast , Carla Ward reflects on a powerful takeaway from The Everything ECE Summit: so many educators are craving connection with people who truly get it . If you’ve ever felt unsupported, unseen, or like no one fully understands the work you do, this episo...

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast , Carla sits down with Danyah Miller, an international award-winning storyteller and author of Seven Secrets of Spontaneous Storytelling , to explore the power of storytelling beyond the book. Together, they discuss: What oral storytelling is and how it differs from reading Why storytelling supports language, connection, and imagination How educators c...

We often talk about curiosity in early childhood education. how we encourage it in children, how we observe it, and how we support it through play and learning. But what about educator curiosity? In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast , we explore the shift from focusing solely on children’s curiosity to reconnecting with our own. Carla shares a personal story about following curiosity outs...

We spend so much time thinking about how to guide, teach, and support young children… But what if we paused - and asked what they’re teaching us? In this episode, Carla sits down with Dr. Hasan Merali to explore a powerful shift in perspective: toddlers aren’t just developing humans… they might be doing a lot of things better than we are. From risk-taking and confidence, to kindness, play, and eve...

In early childhood education, it’s natural to want to step in right away to help children solve problems. But sometimes the most powerful thing an educator can do is pause. In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast , Carla Ward explores the idea of the 10-second pause - a simple practice that encourages educators to pause briefly before intervening in children’s play, conflicts, and problem-so...

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward sits down with early childhood developmental educator Gretchen Camp to explore what might really be behind the rise in challenging behaviours among young children. They discuss the importance of foundational social-emotional skills, why play remains one of the most powerful learning tools, and how educators can support families in meaningfu...

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast , Carla Ward dives into an important conversation about screen use during mealtimes in early childhood programs. While screens may make mealtime feel calmer or more compliant, research shows they may interfere with children’s ability to self-regulate, recognize hunger and fullness cues, build social skills, and develop healthy eating habits. Carla shar...

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla sits down with children’s author and former teacher Christine Devane to explore how storytelling can support introverted learners, build self-advocacy skills, and help children process grief. Christine shares the inspiration behind her book Elephant Beach, a story about stepping outside your comfort zone while honouring personality differences i...

When we talk about letting children struggle, it often makes people uncomfortable. And for good reason. No one wants children to suffer. But struggle and suffering are not the same thing. In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast , Carla Ward unpacks what productive struggle actually looks like in early childhood and why those everyday moments—wrestling with a shoe, rebuilding a block tower, t...

How does your classroom environment shape children’s behaviour, independence, and learning? In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla sits down with Jennifer Fernandez, School Specialty’s Early Childhood Education Strategist for the U.S. and Canada, to explore why classroom environments matter far beyond aesthetics. Jennifer shares insights from her 30+ years in education as a teacher,...

Praise is so normalized in early childhood education that we rarely stop to question it. It feels supportive, encouraging, and positive. But over time, it can quietly teach children to look outside themselves for approval. In this episode, Carla Ward explores the difference between praise and encouragement, the impact of extrinsic versus intrinsic motivation, and why common phrases like “good job”...

How to Build a Community Classroom with Donna Skea What makes children feel safe, connected, and ready to learn in early childhood programs? In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast , Carla sits down with Donna Skea (The Infinite Educator) to talk about building a community classroom where every child feels like they belong. You’ll hear practical, relationship-based strategies for early child...

Families aren’t our opposition; they’re our partners. In this episode, Carla Ward explores three actionable ways educators can turn everyday communication into true collaboration with families. From proactive communication loops to intentional language and making partnership visible, you’ll walk away with practical strategies you can implement right away with no extra workload required. ✨ Ready-t...

Wellbeing consultant Monica Rollins , founder of Rooted Wellness Collective , joins Carla to explore what it really takes to move beyond burnout in Early Childhood Education. Together, they unpack the systemic roots of educator exhaustion and how to create H.E.A.R.T.-centered programs where teachers feel supported and children flourish. Monica shares her personal journey through burnout, the lesso...

What does abundance really mean, and how can you call more of it into your life this year? In this inspiring episode, Carla explores how educators and entrepreneurs can shift from scarcity to abundance: in mindset, time, love, creativity, and yes, even money. You’ll learn practical ways to develop an abundance mindset, reframe scarcity thinking, and create space for joy, opportunity, and alignment...

In this episode, Carla sits down with Paul Buckley, former preschool teacher and founder of Ratio Staffing, to explore what’s really happening behind staffing challenges in early childhood education. Paul shares how burnout, outdated systems, and unnecessary barriers are affecting educators and programs and how a more human-centred, child-centred approach can change everything. This conversation i...

In this episode, Carla explores what meaningful progress truly looks like in early childhood education: the subtle, powerful shifts that happen long before skills show up on the surface. From greeting a child at the door to acknowledging feelings with empathy, she breaks down how these small moments strengthen neural pathways, support emotional regulation, and build genuine belonging. You’ll learn...

AI isn’t here to replace educators; it’s here to support us. In this episode, Carla sits down with Thomas Thompson, co-founder and CEO of Eduaide. Ai, to explore how AI can help teachers and early childhood educators work smarter, not harder. From lesson planning and accommodations to game-based learning and productivity, Thomas breaks down how AI tools can save time, reduce burnout, and help educ...

Transitions get a bad reputation: rushed, chaotic, stressful. But they don’t have to be. In this episode, Carla explores a powerful mindset shift: transitions aren’t the thing before the next thing. They are learning. Carla breaks down how slowing down, pausing before stepping in, and leading with empathy can transform the way children experience transitions. She talks about why a bit of struggle...