The Educator's Table

Vicki Salazar
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Pull up a chair and join the conversation. Hosted by Early Childhood Educators Emily Massey and Vicki Salazar, The Educator’s Table Podcast is a space for real, honest conversations about life in early learning. Through relaxed, natural discussions with educators, directors, and other voices in the industry, we explore the stories, experiences, challenges, and moments that shape the work we do every day. It’s the kind of conversation you’d have after work with people who truly get it: thoughtful, relatable, inspiring, and sometimes (hopefully) funny. From burnout and leadership to play-based learning, classroom moments, and the realities behind the scenes, our goal is to create a space where educators feel connected and understood. There's a seat for you at our table. You belong here.

Episodes

  1. Aug 8

    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!

  2. Jul 24

    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

  3. Jul 10

    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

  4. Jun 29

    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

  5. Jun 19

    A New Era: Bridging the Gap between Parents and Daycare Educators

    The conversation covers a range of topics, including a weekly recap, a visit to the grandparents' house, attending the Today Illuminating Hope Cocktail Party, the impact of the Today Center and community outreach, evolving the Educators Table, challenges with parent-educator relationships, engaging parents in daycare activities, encouraging parent appreciation for educators, building relationships with parents, insight into children's personal lives, planning based on home experiences, children's behavior at home vs. daycare, bridging the gap between home and daycare, understanding parental anxiety at drop-off, and the importance of parent-educator collaboration. Takeaways Importance of building strong parent-educator relationshipsUnderstanding the impact of home experiences on daycare planning and engagement Chapters 00:00 Weekly Recap and Grandparents' House Visit05:15 Impact of Today Center and Community Outreach10:29 Challenges with Parent-Educator Relationships16:31 Building Relationships with Parents22:23 Planning Based on Home Experiences28:58 Bridging the Gap Between Home and Daycare34:26 Importance of Parent-Educator Collaboration If you or someone you know is struggling with a domestic abuse situation, you are not alone. Contact The Today Centre for help. Or if you're in a position to help support organizations that help people escape family violence situations, contact The Today Centre https://www.thetodaycentre.ca Follow us, The Educator's Table on TikTok & Instagram: @the.educators.table https://www.instagram.com/the.educators.table/ https://www.tiktok.com/@the.educators.table

  6. Jun 5

    Live from The Educator's Table: Educator Characters & Dayhome Life with Kayla Snidal

    What happens when a room full of educators get together?  Pull up a chair as we recap our very first Educator's Table Launch Party before sharing a special live podcast segment recorded right at the event. In this episode, we dive into the fun world of educator characters; those unique personalities we all bring to our work with children. Then we're joined by special guest Kayla Snidal, owner of Capable Learners Dayhome, to explore her educator character, the realities of dayhome life, and the experiences that have shaped her journey in early learning and childcare. Whether you're a dayhome educator, childcare professional, or simply love talking shop with fellow educators, this episode is full of laughs, reflection, and community. Follow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.educators.table?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.educators.table?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Follow Capable Learners- Kayla's Dayhome: https://www.instagram.com/capablelearnersdayhome?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Wildflower Moon - Bracelets & Wristlet Vendor: https://www.instagram.com/wildflowermoonx?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

  7. May 29

    Messy Play, Meaningful Learning with Jessica Conger

    The conversation delves into the impact of childhood experiences on education, highlighting the significance of play-based learning and messy play. It explores the role of childhood memories in shaping the approach to education and emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for children to be messy and explore freely. The conversation delves into the importance of child-led activities and messy play in early childhood education, emphasizing the value of connection over correction. It explores the educational philosophy, challenges, and experiences in early childhood education, highlighting the significance of experience in the field and the magic of childhood. The advice for educators emphasizes the prioritization of connection with children. Takeaways Play-based learningChildhood memories impact education Child-led activitiesImportance of messy playConnection over correction Chapters 00:00 Childhood Memories and Play-Based Learning20:31 Impact of Childhood Experiences on Education25:51 Child-Led Activities and Messy Play35:46 The Value of Experience in Education51:13 The Magic of Childhood and Advice for Educators

  8. May 22

    She Said What?: The Gossip Culture in Childcare

    The conversation covers a spa experience, including a sauna and salt room, as well as a sound bath. It then delves into the challenges of addressing workplace gossip and the importance of professionalism in the workplace. The conversation delves into the impact of workplace dynamics, addressing assumptions and misunderstandings, and creating a positive workplace culture. It explores the emotional intensity of the work, the challenges of team communication, and the impact of gossip on workplace relationships. The speakers emphasize the importance of reflection, kindness, and positive feedback in shaping a healthy workplace culture. Links: Bliss Mobile Sauna: https://blissmobilesauna.ca/ Emily's AI documentation app: https://www.makemana.com/ Takeaways Gossip in the workplaceChallenges of addressing workplace gossip Positive workplace cultureImpact of gossip on workplace relationships Chapters 00:00 Addressing Workplace Gossip18:24 The Impact of Workplace Dynamics30:21 Addressing Assumptions and Misunderstandings41:05 Creating a Positive Workplace Culture

  9. May 15 ·  Bonus

    Happy Early Childhood Appreciation Day!

    The conversation highlights the significance of ECE Appreciation Day and the profound impact of Early Childhood Educators on children's lives. Whether you listen to this on ECE day, or need a pick me up any other day of the year, we're grateful you're here! Childcare wouldn't be what it is without you! Follow us on TikTok & Instagram, we can't wait to engage with you! https://www.tiktok.com/@the.educators.table https://www.instagram.com/the.educators.table/ Don't forget to subscribe!

  10. May 15

    I Have to go Potty: Building Community, Room Lead, and Potty Training with Hannah Chenier

    The conversation covers a range of topics including the impact of community and culture in daycare centers, the role of educators, the importance of the parent-educator relationship, transition and leadership in daycare centers, and challenges and solutions in potty training at daycare centers. The conversation explores the approach to potty training as a positive and empowering experience for children, emphasizing the importance of respecting children's autonomy and individual needs. It delves into the transition from diapers to underwear, the support for non-verbal children in potty training, and the role of potty buddies in the potty training process. Links: The Educator's Table Website: https://educators-table.com Official Launch Party: https://educators-table.com/events Utopia Cafe & Play: https://utopiacafeplay.ca Social Media: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.educators.table https://www.instagram.com/the.educators.table/ Takeaways Community and CultureTransition and LeadershipPotty TrainingParent-Educator Relationship Potty training as a positive and empowering experienceRespecting children's autonomy and individual needs Chapters 00:00 Challenges and Solutions in Potty Training at Daycare Centers01:08:00 Transitioning from Diapers to Underwear01:13:30 Supporting Non-Verbal Children in Potty Training

  11. May 8

    Bite Club: Real Talk about Biting, Toddlers, and Building Community with Hannah Chenier

    The conversation begins with challenges faced in early childhood education, specifically addressing the biting epidemic in our toddler room, and the strategies used to address it. The conversation delves into the understanding of biting behaviour, the shift in focus from shame to empowerment, the importance of engagement and transitions, and the empowerment of children through coping strategies and positive reinforcement. It also highlights the impact of educators, the reflection on community building, and the significance of relationship building and consistency in supporting children's needs. Links: The Educator's Table Website: https://educators-table.com Official Launch Party: https://educators-table.com/events Utopia Cafe & Play: https://utopiacafeplay.ca Takeaways Community buildingChallenges in early childhood education Understanding the developmental appropriateness of bitingBuilding a positive community through play and engagement Chapters 00:00 Community Building and Engagement20:28 Understanding Biting Behaviour26:34 Positive Reinforcement34:50 Impact of Educators41:25 Reflection and Community

  12. Apr 30

    This Is Where It Starts

    This has been a long time coming. We've been wanting to launch our podcast baby out into the world for months now, and it always felt like there was a reason not to. We never felt ready, there's always something else we should do first, etc etc. But enough is enough- we want you to start getting to know us. We want you to start listening, connect, and then get excited for all there is to come! The Educator's Table is an initiative that is so near and dear to our hearts, because it is meant to be exactly what we needed 3 years ago when we were on the cusp of growth. We hope you feel validated and inspired to join us for the ride. This is our first episode, an intro to who we are and what we're all about. This is made for you by real educators experiencing the same things you do. We hope it moves you to subscribe, share with your educator friends, and honestly just gives you that reassurance that you're not alone. Enjoy!

  • 12 Episodes

About

Pull up a chair and join the conversation. Hosted by Early Childhood Educators Emily Massey and Vicki Salazar, The Educator’s Table Podcast is a space for real, honest conversations about life in early learning. Through relaxed, natural discussions with educators, directors, and other voices in the industry, we explore the stories, experiences, challenges, and moments that shape the work we do every day. It’s the kind of conversation you’d have after work with people who truly get it: thoughtful, relatable, inspiring, and sometimes (hopefully) funny. From burnout and leadership to play-based learning, classroom moments, and the realities behind the scenes, our goal is to create a space where educators feel connected and understood. There's a seat for you at our table. You belong here.

Information

  • Creator
    Vicki Salazar
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Vicki Salazar