The Everything ECE Podcast

Carla Ward
  • 4.3 (14)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. 1D AGO

    #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

  2. MAR 27

    #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

  3. MAR 20

    #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

  4. MAR 13

    #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

  5. MAR 6

    #231: What Children’s Behaviour Is Really Telling Us with Gretchen Camp

    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 meaningful ways. Gretchen Camp, M.Ed., has over 25 years of experience working with young children and families and helps adults understand children’s actions through a developmental lens. Gretchen is also one of the speakers at The Everything ECE Summit happening April 10–12 — a free virtual summit featuring 30+ expert speakers sharing ideas and inspiration for early childhood educators. Grab your free ticket using the link in the show notes. Gretchen Camp Gretchen Camp, M.Ed., is an early childhood professional learning consultant with over 25 years of experience in classrooms and educator development. Her work focuses on making behavior science practical, bridging the gap between what we know about social-emotional development and how it’s applied in daily interactions between educators and families. She is the creator of the Park the Skill™ framework, a clear, skill-based approach that helps adults move beyond managing behavior to intentionally building the skills beneath it. Links Summit: The Everything ECE Summit Website: http://gretchencamp.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

    30 min

  6. FEB 27

    #230: 5 Reasons Food and Screen Time Don’t Mix (And Why We Need to Protect the Table)

    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 shares: What research says about eating during TV viewing Why self-regulation starts at the table How screen-linked eating patterns can shape long-term habits Why mealtime is one of our most powerful social learning opportunities And why compliance should never replace development This episode is not about judgment. It’s about reflection. Because lunch and snack time aren’t just about calories. They are opportunities for connection, conversation, and growth. If we want children who can sit across from someone, engage in meaningful dialogue, and listen to their bodies, it starts now. Let’s protect the table. RESEARCH SHARED IN THIS EPISODE Effect of Television Viewing at Mealtime on Food Intake After a Glucose Preload in Boys https://www.nature.com/articles/pr2007158 Does Eating during Television Viewing Affect Preschool Children’s Intake? https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2596580/ Screen Time Vs Meal Time: How Screens Are Shaping Your Child's Eating Habits https://www.ndtv.com/health/screen-time-vs-meal-time-how-screens-are-shaping-your-childs-eating-habits-9564525 Examination of the Life Habits of Preschool Children Based on Their Screen Use Patterns https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11276093/ Television viewing and using screens while eating: associations with dietary intake in children and adolescents https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8671257/ Mealtime TV Use Is Associated with Higher Discretionary Food Intakes in Young Australian Children: A Two-Year Prospective Study https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9268203/ Technological Devices and Their Effect on Preschool Children’s Eating Habits in Communities of Mixed Socioeconomic Status in Istanbul; a Pilot Cross-Sectional Study https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8614987/ 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

    11 min

  7. FEB 20

    #229: Introverts, Extroverts & Big Feelings: The Power of Story in the Classroom with Christine Devane

    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 in the classroom. Together, Carla and Christine unpack the balance between supporting extroverted children without silencing them and intentionally creating space for quieter voices. In this episode, you’ll learn: The difference between introversion and shyness in children How to support quiet children without calling them out Why partner selection in classrooms matters Practical ways to encourage self-advocacy How books help children internalize social-emotional skills Why storytelling is one of the most powerful SEL tools in early childhood education If you’re an educator looking for meaningful ways to support social development through stories, this episode will leave you inspired and equipped. Christine Devane  Christine Devane was a second-grade teacher for thirteen years and enjoyed reading with her students. She currently lives in Massachusetts with her husband John; three children Joey, Nick, and Adeline; and their dog Sophie. Christine loves going to the beach, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and collecting lucky elephants.Links Website: www.christine-devane.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/stined13 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

    22 min

  8. FEB 13

    #228: Why It’s Ok to Let Children Struggle (And Why That Is Not the Same as Suffering)

    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, trying again after something doesn’t work—matter more than we think. Drawing on classroom experience, research on grit and perseverance, and over two decades in early childhood education, Carla explores how confidence is built through experience, not rescue. This episode invites educators to pause, observe, and rethink when to step in—and when stepping back is the most supportive thing we can do. Because letting children struggle isn’t about withholding support. It’s about trusting the learning process. 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
See All (244)

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

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.

Information

You Might Also Like