The Educator's Table

Vicki Salazar
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  • Education for Kids

What happens when parents and early childhood educators actually understand where the other is coming from? The Educator’s Table Podcast brings both sides of the childcare relationship to the same table. Hosted by Emily, an early childhood educator, and Vicki, a parent and childcare centre owner, we talk about the everyday moments that can make childcare feel complicated...from biting, hitting and sharing to drop-offs, behaviour, communication, expectations, and everything in between. We unpack what children might really be communicating through their behaviour, help parents understand what’s happening behind the scenes at daycare, and give educators a better understanding of the parent perspective too. It’s practical, conversational, sometimes a little controversial, and usually comes with a few laughs. No lectures. No perfect parenting. No pretending educators have all the answers. Just honest conversations that help parents and educators understand children... and each other...a little better. Pull up a chair. You belong here.

  1. 2 days ago

    Beyond Words: Understanding Autism & Communication in Early Childhood w/ Lauren from Baseline Speech

    What if a child has been communicating with us all along, and we just haven't recognized what they're trying to say? In this episode of The Educator's Table, Vicki and Emily welcome back Lauren from Baseline Speech for an eye-opening conversation about autism, language development, sensory regulation, and meaningful connection in early childhood settings. Together, we explore how autistic children communicate beyond spoken words, including the fascinating world of gestalt language processing, where repeated phrases, familiar songs, and even lines from favourite television shows can carry meaning we might not immediately recognize. Lauren shares practical strategies educators can bring into their classrooms, from modeling meaningful language and incorporating music and movement to understanding sensory needs and building connections through play. We also challenge the idea that inclusive practices need to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes, small changes in how we speak, play, observe, and respond can make a meaningful difference for every child in the room. Whether you're an early childhood educator, childcare provider, or parent, this conversation will encourage you to look beyond spoken words, rethink what communication can look like, and recognize the incredible potential in every child. Pull up a chair. You belong here. You can find Lauren from Baseline Speech here: Instagram: @baselinespeech Website: Baseline Speech

  2. 2 Oct

    From Babbling to Chatterbox: Understanding Early Language with Lauren from Baseline Speech

    When should your baby say their first word? Does screen time cause speech delays? Do boys really talk later than girls? Does baby sign delay speech? And should we actually be telling toddlers, “Say please!” before giving them what they want? This week, we’re joined by Lauren from Baseline Speech to bust some of the biggest myths around early speech and language development — and talk about what communication actually looks like before kids are having full conversations. We get into speech and language milestones from ages one to three, why gestures and signs absolutely count as communication, raising multilingual children, what to do when you can’t understand what a child is saying, and why “wait and see” isn’t always the best advice when you’re concerned about development. Plus, we talk about how parents and educators can support language naturally through everyday interactions- without constantly correcting, quizzing, or asking kids to perform. And somehow we also end up discussing baby talk, fruit by the toe, weatza-weatza, gobble bum, and why Canadian children eventually need to learn to say please. Pull up a chair; this one is packed with practical tips for both parents and educators. As either a parent, daycare or educator, you can find our SLP Queen Lauren on instagram @baselinespeech or head over to her website baselinespeech.ca for more information on SLP services.

  3. 18 Sept

    What Happens When Everything Is “No”? | Yes Spaces with Carla Ward

    We’re back for Season 2 — and we’re starting with a big question: what happens when everything around a child is “no”? In this episode, we’re joined by Carla Ward to talk about Yes Spaces — environments intentionally designed so children can explore, play, make mistakes, and actually be kids without constantly hearing “no,” “stop,” and “don’t touch that.” And Vicki has a story. After spending a month in Mexico with her one-year-old and four-year-old in a home that (very understandably!) was NOT designed for small children, she got an unexpected firsthand look at what it feels like to live in a “no space.” Her kids stopped playing. Behaviour changed. Everyone became dysregulated. And Vicki found herself being corrected in a language she didn’t fully understand, without knowing what she was supposed to do instead. Sound familiar? That experience sparked a much bigger conversation about what children may feel when they enter our homes, classrooms, and childcare spaces without understanding the expectations placed on them. Together, we talk about why the environment matters, what behaviour might actually be communicating, why children need opportunities to take reasonable risks and make mistakes, and how we can stop simply redirecting behaviour and start asking, “What is this child actually needing right now?” Because creating a Yes Space doesn’t mean children get to do whatever they want. It means creating more opportunities where the answer can be yes. Pull up a chair — Season 2 starts here. 💛 Love what Carla has to say? Hear more from her! Follow her on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlatheece/ Subscribe to her podcast: https://tr.ee/BoLfvxXcLS carlatheece.com

  4. 1 Sept

    The Childcare & Early Learning Expo Special: Mikayla Hume from Tabled by Biofueled Life

    The conversation delves into the mental load of meal planning, the importance of early dinner, strategies for mealtime efficiency, outdoor dining, and variety, and the solutions to the mental load of feeding children. The discussion highlights the impact of meal planning on relationships, quality time, and personal experiences of life. Featuring Mikayla Hume's talk about her work with Tabled by Biofueled Life and what she has researched about the mental load of mealtimes for families. Hear strategies right from an expert on how to curb that meal fatigue we all know you're feeling. You can find Mikayla on instagram @fueledbymikayla and @tabled_ Go follow her and ask her questions, she's got the answers! (and a toolkit coming soon!) Takeaways Early dinner can free up time for quality evening activities.Variety and outdoor dining can enhance mealtime experiences. Chapters 00:00 The Mental Load of Meal Planning03:13 The Importance of Early Dinner06:03 Strategies for Mealtime Efficiency13:33 Outdoor Dining and Variety19:03 Solving the Mental Load of Feeding Children

  5. 8 Aug

    Digging Deeper: Play, Behaviour & the Why Behind It with Radhika

    The conversation covers the role of play in healthy brain development and emotional growth, as well as the use of play-based strategies in therapy and education. It also explores the challenges and benefits of sand therapy for children, the importance of understanding the why behind a child's behavior, and the difference between punishment and teaching skills. Additionally, it delves into the significance of play in therapy, the resistance of parents to therapy, and the need for parents to develop play skills. The conversation covers strategies for educators to balance the needs of multiple children, differences between home and daycare environments, and effective use of visuals and play in managing challenging behaviors. It also emphasizes the importance of self-care for educators. Takeaways Play is a crucial component of healthy brain development and emotional growth.Understanding the why behind a child's behavior is essential for effective therapy and education. Balancing the needs of multiple childrenDifferences between home and daycare environmentsEffective use of visuals and play in managing challenging behaviorsImportance of self-care for educators You can find Radhika on instagram @enrichbehaviour or you can reach out to her by email at enrichbehaviour@gmail.com Radhika is such a wonderful resource for families and daycares, so we encourage you to follow her and reach out to her for information on how she can help your child & family!

  6. 24 Jul

    The Boy on the Island Desk & Navigating School with ADD with Jarred

    The conversation covers a range of topics, from a thrilling adventure in BC to the impact of early education and challenges faced in elementary and high school. It delves into the importance of early intervention, observations, and documentation in education, and concludes with a discussion on the future of education. Takeaways Early intervention is crucialObservations and documentation are key to understanding children's needs Chapters 00:00 BC Adventure05:20 Early Education Experience06:02 Challenges in Elementary School11:26 Struggles in High School14:08 Impact of Education on Adult Life18:15 Importance of Early Intervention24:03 Observations and Documentation33:24 The Future of Education

  7. 10 Jul

    Rural Dayhome life with Ms Jess

    In Vicki's first solo interview, she talks with the owner of Gumdrop Daycare with Ms. Jess. The conversation covers Jess' transition from city to rural daycare, her Montessori and Forest School approach, outdoor activities and sensory play, challenges of rural childcare, and innovative outdoor spaces. Key takeaways include the structured freelance approach, emphasis on outdoor play, and community engagement. You can find Jess' on instagram @gumdropdaycare She has such cool ideas and inspiring posts, you're going to want to follow along! Takeaways Structured FreelanceOutdoor PlayCommunity Engagement Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Childcare Background01:01 Transition to Rural Daycare03:03 Montessori and Forest School Approach04:06 Outdoor Activities and Sensory Play13:39 Challenges of Rural Childcare23:02 Innovative Outdoor Spaces

  8. 29 Jun

    Why Are Kids Different At Home vs Daycare?

    Vicki and Emily catch up on recent events, share stories about their lives, and play a game of 'this or that.' They then discuss the differences in children's behavior at home and at daycare, exploring the various factors that contribute to these differences. The conversation explores the differences in behavior and adaptation of children in different environments, such as daycare and home. It delves into the challenges faced by parents and educators in understanding and managing these differences, as well as the importance of effective communication and collaboration between parents and educators. Takeaways Children's behavior varies between home and daycare environmentsFactors such as activities, relationships, and expectations influence children's behavior Behavioral differences in children across different environments are common and do not indicate wrongdoing by parents or educators.Effective communication and collaboration between parents and educators are crucial in understanding and managing children's behavior and adaptation in different environments. Chapters 00:00 Children's Behavior at Home vs. Daycare29:16 Eating Habits at Daycare vs. Home34:16 Conditioning Children's Palate39:25 Parental Doubts and Self-Blame45:13 Parent-Educator Communication51:43 Boundaries and Strategies at Daycare

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About

What happens when parents and early childhood educators actually understand where the other is coming from? The Educator’s Table Podcast brings both sides of the childcare relationship to the same table. Hosted by Emily, an early childhood educator, and Vicki, a parent and childcare centre owner, we talk about the everyday moments that can make childcare feel complicated...from biting, hitting and sharing to drop-offs, behaviour, communication, expectations, and everything in between. We unpack what children might really be communicating through their behaviour, help parents understand what’s happening behind the scenes at daycare, and give educators a better understanding of the parent perspective too. It’s practical, conversational, sometimes a little controversial, and usually comes with a few laughs. No lectures. No perfect parenting. No pretending educators have all the answers. Just honest conversations that help parents and educators understand children... and each other...a little better. Pull up a chair. You belong here.

Information

  • Creator
    Vicki Salazar
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Vicki Salazar