The Everything ECE Podcast

Carla Ward
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The Everything ECE Podcast is for early childhood educators, preschool teachers, and childcare professionals who want to grow intentionally and take meaningful action. Host Carla Ward shares real-life insights, expert interviews, and practical strategies to support your work in childcare centres, preschools, and kindergartens. From play-based learning to leadership, each episode helps you stay inspired, confident, and connected to your purpose.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    #239: Working with Wood in ECE with Pete Moorhouse

    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 real tools support children’s creativity, problem solving, focus, and confidence in ways that go far beyond what we often see in traditional classroom materials. We dive into: Why woodworking is making a global comeback in early years How to safely introduce tools to young children The difference between risk and danger The role of the educator in open-ended, hands-on learning Why children need more opportunities to work with their hands This conversation is both practical and thought-provoking – especially if you’ve ever felt unsure about introducing something new into your classroom. PETE MOORHOUSE Pete Moorhouse is an early years creative consultant, researcher, author and artist educator based in the UK.  He is an associate trainer for Early Education delivering training nationally and overseas and is also a Froebel Tutor for the Froebel Trust. His work in school is centred around nurturing children's creativity inspired by Froebelian principles and the approach in Reggio Emilia. Pete is a leading authority on woodwork in Early Years education and has written several books and journal articles, including ‘Learning Through Woodwork’ (Routledge) as well as books on outdoor learning. He is currently working his latest book – ‘Creativity in Practice: Nurturing creative and critical thinking in early childhood education’. He was awarded an honorary research fellowship from the University of Bristol and is currently researching creative progression in early education. Pete was also awarded a Churchill Fellowship to undertake international research into best woodworking practices in education. Pete won the national award (2019) from the Creative Learning Guild for his work promoting creativity in education and is Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. LINKS Pete’s Website: https://irresistible-learning.co.uk/ Woodworking Course: https://irresistible-learning.co.uk/woodwork-cpd-online-course/  Woodworking Book:  https://amzn.to/4d1vx0t (CANADA)  https://store.northhouse.org/products/learning-through-woodwork-20acc (UK) https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Through-Woodwork-Introducing-Creative/dp/1138071102 (US) Books with positive roles of girls & women with tools: https://irresistible-learning.co.uk/resource/girl-power-tools-booklist/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IrresistibleLearningEYs  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-moorhouse-72b36214/  SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If 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! shape their early years. CONNECT WITH CARLA The ECE Latte Lounge Email Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠  Website: carlatheece.com Instagram: @carlatheece

    51 min

  2. 1 MAY

    #238: Embracing Scissors and Letting Go of Fear

    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. This episode isn’t about forcing one way of doing things. It’s about asking better questions, shifting our language, and rethinking how we support children in building real skills. If you’ve ever said “be careful” (we all have), this one’s for you. SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If 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! shape their early years. CONNECT WITH CARLA The ECE Latte Lounge Email Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠ Website: carlatheece.com Instagram: @carlatheece

    9 min

  3. 24 APR

    237: If Not You, Then Who? Taking Action in Education with Kisa Marx

    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 they’re not serving children. We also get into: The hidden impact of perfectionism in education Why “getting it right” might be doing more harm than good How the system shapes “worker bees” instead of thinkers The power of small steps and shifting your mindset What it really means to advocate for children (even when it feels uncomfortable) This episode is a mix of real talk, reflection, and a reminder that meaningful change doesn’t come from waiting… it comes from us. If you’ve ever felt like something in education is off but couldn’t quite name it, this conversation will meet you right where you are. KISA MARX Kisa Marx is an author, anti-racist curriculum developer, and founder of The Play Lab Foundation, a nonprofit offering play- and nature-based childcare to families who face barriers to access in Oak Park, Illinois. With over 20 years in the field, Kisa is anchored in the belief that childhood is sacred, nature is restorative, and play is revolutionary. Her newest book just came out, called We Are Who We're Waiting For. When not advocating for equitable early learning or supporting her “crew” of young learners, she spends time with her partner of 26 years, tending to their garden of adult children, pets, and plants. Kisa has also included a pre-workshop reflection for you to do prior to starting her session today that you can find just below the video. SO go ahead and fill that out and then come back to join Kisa in her session. 
  LINKS Grab Kisa’s book here: RedLeaf (US)  or Login Website: https://theplaylabnfpoakpark.org/ Substack: https://kisamarx.substack.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iam_still_learning/  and https://www.instagram.com/theplaylabfoundation/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmarxoftheplaylab/  SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If 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! shape their early years. CONNECT WITH CARLA The ECE Latte Lounge Email Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠  Website: carlatheece.com Instagram: @carlatheece

    29 min

  4. 17 APR

    #236: 5 Ways to Find Your People in ECE

    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 episode is your reminder that you are not alone, and that finding your people in ECE is possible. Carla shares 5 simple, real-life ways to build meaningful connections beyond your workplace, from online communities to social media conversations to in-person events. This is a quick listen with a big message: you deserve support in this profession. In this episode: Why so many educators are feeling alone (even in busy environments) The importance of finding like-minded educators 5 practical ways to build your ECE community A reminder that connection doesn’t just happen, sometimes you have to start it SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If 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! shape their early years. CONNECT WITH CARLA The ECE Latte Lounge Email Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠ Website: carlatheece.com Instagram: @carlatheece

    6 min

  5. 3 APR

    #235: Oral Storytelling in ECE with Danyah Miller

    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 can build confidence in storytelling Simple ways to start using storytelling in the classroom This episode is perfect for early childhood educators looking to deepen their practice, build stronger connections with children, and bring more creativity into their programs. 🎧 Listen now and discover how storytelling can transform your classroom. Danyah Miller Danyah Miller is an international, award-winning storyteller, trainer, and author of ‘Seven Secrets of Spontaneous Storytelling’.  She shares stories and story training in a range of settings from Royal Opera House Covent Garden to local libraries, RHS Wisley to schools across the country. Danyah was a workshop leader at The International School of Storytelling for over 10 years and is a trustee for The Society for Storytelling. As Artistic Director of DMS Productions she co-produces, co-writes and performs in solo theatrical storytelling shows, including award-winning I Believe in Unicorns by Michael Morpurgo, which has toured extensively, including 3 West End summer seasons, and most recently The Mystery of…. Show, which won Best Family Arts Activity in the 2025 Fantastic for Families Awards. In 2025 Danyah took part in BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Great Influencer Experiment’ series, creating a YouTube channel for those working in EYFS.  Danyah supports people to become more curious, creative and connected. Her work is imagination-rich and often life changing.  LINKS Website: https://danyahmillerstoryteller.co.uk/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@danyahmillerthestoryteller  Instagram: http://instagram.com/DanyahMillerTheStoryteller  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danyah.miller1  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danyah-miller-4b33101b/  Book:  🍁Seven Secrets of Spontaneous Storytelling  US- Seven Secrets of Spontaneous Storytelling UK- Seven Secrets of Spontaneous Storytelling Summit: The Everything ECE Summit SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If 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! shape their early years. CONNECT WITH CARLA The ECE Latte Lounge Email Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠  Website: carlatheece.com Instagram: @carlatheece

    31 min

  6. 27 MAR

    #234: From ‘Why Them?’ to ‘What About Me?’: Reclaiming Curiosity as an Educator

    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 outside of early childhood education and how it transformed her perspective, practice, and professional growth. You’ll also walk away with simple, realistic ways to start leaning into your own curiosity as an educator, without adding more to your already full plate. If you’ve ever felt stuck, uninspired, or just going through the motions, this episode will invite you to think differently. Because the best educators aren’t the ones who know the most… they’re the ones who never stop wondering. LINKS Summit: The Everything ECE Summit Sponsor: Ratio Staffing- https://ratiostaffing.com/  SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If 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! shape their early years. CONNECT WITH CARLA The ECE Latte Lounge Email Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠ Website: carlatheece.com Instagram: @carlatheece

    7 min

  7. 20 MAR

    #233: What Toddlers Know We’ve Forgotten with Dr. Hasan Merali

    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 even sleep - this conversation will challenge the way you see early childhood. Without giving too much away, this episode will have you reflecting on: Why toddlers take risks without hesitation (and what that means for us) The kind of confidence we slowly lose over time What genuine kindness actually looks like in practice How play shows up in everything they do And one simple routine that might completely change your evenings This is one of those episodes that doesn’t just stay in the classroom - it follows you into your everyday life. Dr. Hasan Merali Hasan Merali, MD, MPH, is an associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University and a pediatric emergency medicine physician at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins University. He has published more than twenty-five peer-reviewed journal articles, and his work has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, CNN, NBC, and CBC. In 2024, he published his first book titled Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas: Secrets from the Science of Toddlers for a Happier, More Successful Way of Life.  LINKS Summit: The Everything ECE Summit Website: https://hasanmerali.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HasanMeraliMD/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasan-merali  X: https://twitter.com/Hasan_Merali  Book: Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If 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! shape their early years. CONNECT WITH CARLA The ECE Latte Lounge Email Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠  Website: carlatheece.com Instagram: @carlatheece

    20 min

  8. 13 MAR

    #232: The 10-Second Pause: A Powerful Strategy in the Classroom

    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-solving moments. Inspired by the concept of “le pause” discussed in the book Bringing Up Bébé, this episode reflects on how our culture of instant gratification influences the way adults respond to children. Carla shares how giving children a moment to work through challenges can support independence, problem-solving skills, and confidence. The episode also explores how practicing the pause can benefit educators by creating space to shift from reacting to responding with empathy and intention. If you’re an early childhood educator looking to support children’s learning while also creating a calmer classroom environment, this episode offers practical insights and reflection for your daily practice. Links Summit: The Everything ECE Summit Sponsor: Ratio Staffing- https://ratiostaffing.com/  Bringing Up Bébé- Book Link SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If 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! shape their early years. CONNECT WITH CARLA The ECE Latte Lounge Email Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠ Website: carlatheece.com Instagram: @carlatheece

    12 min
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The Everything ECE Podcast is for early childhood educators, preschool teachers, and childcare professionals who want to grow intentionally and take meaningful action. Host Carla Ward shares real-life insights, expert interviews, and practical strategies to support your work in childcare centres, preschools, and kindergartens. From play-based learning to leadership, each episode helps you stay inspired, confident, and connected to your purpose.

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