The Everything ECE Podcast

In this episode, Carla Ward explores how reflective practice isn’t just a tool—it’s a transformative mindset that allows early childhood educators to grow, connect, and thrive. Through powerful stories and practical strategies, Carla shows how small daily reflections can lead to deeper connections with children, stronger professional relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose. Learn how a simpl...

Katherine Hamilton from Ensemble Learning joins Carla to talk about successful classroom walkthroughs that build trust, support educators, and impact student outcomes. Learn how walkthroughs, when done with intention and focus, can transform school culture, close achievement gaps, and empower educators—without adding stress. Perfect for ECE supervisors, program leaders, and educators ready to grow...

What if storytime didn’t end when you closed the book? In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast , Carla Ward invites you to reimagine how literacy lives in your early childhood classroom by taking stories beyond the book . Discover why the most powerful literacy experiences happen after the last page is turned, and how you can weave books into play, conversation, and connection throughout you...

Join Carla and Dr. Margaret Quinn as they explore how children under six make meaning through writing. This episode breaks down Margaret’s fascinating research on transcription, connection, and discourse—three essential components of early writing—and gives practical strategies for supporting young children’s literacy through intentional, play-based learning. Show Notes: ⁠⁠www.elfoundations.com/18...

Discover how to view your childcare program through a sensory lens. In this episode, Carla Ward guides you through a sensorial audit—what it is, why it matters, and how to start making small changes that lead to big impacts on children’s regulation, focus, and well-being. Packed with actionable tips for every educatorSensorial Audit Checklist: www.elfoundations.com/sensorialaudit Show Notes: ⁠www....

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Everything ECE Podcast , Carla Ward is joined by the one and only Sally Haughey, founder of Fairy Dust Teaching (now Wunderled) and a beloved leader in the world of play-based early childhood education. Together, they dive deep into what it really means to build a culture of belonging in early childhood classrooms. Sally shares her personal story, the...

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast , host Carla Ward answers real questions submitted by early childhood educators. From burnout and leadership struggles to career pivots and unforgettable placement moments, Carla shares personal stories and honest reflections from her 20 years in the profession. You'll hear: What made her cry at work (and it wasn’t the child) How leadership can mak...

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast , host Carla Ward is joined by early childhood education expert Amy Reyes-Hauff to explore the powerful connection between outdoor learning and self-regulation in young children. With over 25 years of experience—from Head Start Director to Montessori Kindergarten Teacher to her current role at the Wyoming Department of Education—Amy brings a wealth of...

In the final episode of her classroom environment series, Carla Ward dives into the concept of YES Spaces—learning environments intentionally designed to say yes to children’s curiosity, autonomy, and play. Drawing from experience and research, Carla explores how YES Spaces support independence, reduce behavioral challenges, and foster deeper engagement. This episode offers a mindset shift and pra...

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast , Carla Ward explores the surprising power of plants in early learning environments. From purifying air to boosting focus and promoting empathy, plants bring more than beauty—they bring connection. Carla shares research-backed insights, practical tips, and how educators can start their own “plant movement” without spending a dime. Whether in a centre,...

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast , Carla Ward explores a part of early learning environments that’s often overlooked—but deeply impactful. Lighting can influence everything from energy levels to emotional regulation for both children and educators. Whether you’re in a child care centre, home child care, or school-age program, this conversation will leave you rethinking the light in yo...

Colour is more than just decoration—it influences mood, focus, and the overall energy of a learning environment. In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast , Carla Ward explores the psychology of colour in early childhood settings, sharing research-backed insights on how different hues impact both children and educators. She offers creative, budget-friendly ways to introduce colour into child c...

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast , Carla sits down with Ishaa Vinod Chopra, an early childhood educator and performing artist, to explore how movement and dance can support mental health for Early Childhood Educators. They discuss the importance of emotional regulation for both educators and children, breaking the stigma around mental well-being, and how integrating dance into learnin...

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast , Carla Ward explores the difference between consequences and punishment in early childhood education. She discusses why harsh discipline methods, including shame and unrelated punishments, are not effective in guiding children's behavior. Instead, Carla dives into natural and logical consequences that support learning, emotional regulation, and positi...

This week on The Everything ECE Podcast , Carla Ward welcomes Emily Clark, a passionate PhD student in early childhood education with international teaching experience. Emily is dedicated to making educational research more accessible and emphasizes the importance of understanding each child’s unique needs. She challenges traditional standardized measures and instead advocates for quality interact...

After returning from a much-needed getaway to Mexico, Carla Ward explores why boundaries and breaks are essential for Early Childhood Educators. In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast , she dives into the science behind why stepping away leads to better focus, patience, and overall well-being. Listeners will learn: ✔️ How breaks improve brain function and emotional regulation ✔️ Why setting...

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward is joined by Sherri Phillips, a registered early childhood educator and postpartum doula, to explore the critical role of supporting families in the postpartum period. Sherri shares valuable insights into the emotional, physical, and practical support doulas provide, and why tummy time is more than just a developmental milestone. Whether yo...

Did you think you were signing up to work just with children? Surprise! Families play a HUGE role in early childhood education, and building strong relationships with them makes a massive difference —not just for the children, but for you as an educator. In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast , we explore: ✔️ Why family-educator relationships are so important ✔️ The impact on children’s suc...

Math doesn’t have to be scary—it can be fun, engaging, and a natural part of everyday life! In this episode, Carla Ward chats with Dr. Sara Delano Moore, a math enthusiast, educator and the VP of Content & Research at ORIGO Education, about how to make math approachable for young learners. Discover why early math foundations are crucial for future success, how play and everyday activities can...

Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and candles—it’s about real, intentional practices that help you thrive, not just survive. In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla Ward gets real about the impact of stress on your health and relationships, sharing personal stories and actionable strategies to make self-care a non-negotiable part of your life. From setting boundaries to celebrating sm...

Carla welcomes Hina Khan, a former psychotherapist turned peak performance mindset coach, to discuss the power of manifestation and personal growth. Hina shares her journey and insights on recognizing abundance, the importance of community, and the undervaluation of early childhood educators. They explore concepts like the financial thermostat and goal setting, emphasizing that women's wealth can...

Carla is joined by Kerry Drake to discuss the vital role of mentorship in early childhood education, highlighting its impact on educators' growth. Kerry, a seasoned educator and founder of KD Talks, shares her positive experiences and emphasizes the need for structured placements and mentor preparation. The conversation covers the importance of building relationships, collective responsibility in...

Choosing a word for the year can be a powerful way to set your intentions and stay grounded throughout 2025. In this reflective episode of The Everything ECE Podcast , host Carla Ward guides early childhood educators on a meaningful journey to discover their word for the year. Through moments of reflection, thoughtful prompts, and actionable tips, you’ll learn how to choose a word that inspires yo...

How has the pandemic shaped the literacy and motor skills of today’s preschoolers? Join Dr. Cheryl Lundy Swift as she explores the startling decline in kindergarten readiness and its ripple effects. Dr. Swift dives into how social-emotional development, phonological awareness, and play-based learning hold the keys to recovery. This episode offers strategies for educators and parents alike—but what...

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast , Carla Ward shares five practical strategies to help children start their day on the right foot. Whether you’re in home child care or a center-based program, these tips will empower you to create a welcoming and supportive environment from the moment children arrive. Tune in to discover how small, intentional actions can set the tone for a positive da...