Tiny Talks on Early Learning

Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services

Welcome to "Tiny Talks on Early Learning," a podcast committed to exploring the world of early childhood education. I am your host, Jessica Stinson. Join me, along with my colleagues and special guests, as we break down the complexities of child's play and lift up the professionals who teach our youngest learners. Whether you're seeking parenting wisdom, professional growth, or simply a deeper understanding of the early learning landscape, "Tiny Talks on Early Learning" promises engaging discussions that resonate with both the heart and the mind. Click the "follow" button and join us on a journey to empower the next generation through knowledge, empathy, and thoughtful guidance. Together, we're shaping the dialogue and embracing the power of learning.

  1. DEC 7

    Listen to the Room: Tiny Talks LIVE with Alabama's Early Childhood Voices

    Recorded live at the 2025 Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Conference in Birmingham, AL, this special edition of Tiny Talks on Early Learning brings you straight into the heart of Alabama's early learning community. Across three days, over 4,000 early learning professionals stopped by Tiny Talks "Chat & Chill" booth to pull three question cards and share real, unscripted reflections from their daily work with young children. In this episode, you'll hear short conversations stitched together into a powerful chorus of voices—from first-year teachers and seasoned directors to mental health consultants and statewide support organizations. They talk candidly about burnout and well-being, big feelings and behavior, the power of play and connection, family partnerships, quality improvement, and the legacy they hope to leave with the children and families they serve. It's a love letter to Alabama's early learning workforce and a reminder that the true strength of this field is—and always will be—its people.   Key Takeaways for Listeners: *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "5e7f4e57-00fa-4406-8add-558620741a44" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Well-being and burnout are real—and require intentional care. Educators name the emotional load of the work and the risk of burnout, while sharing personal strategies like early-morning routines, movement, and boundaries that help them keep showing up with energy and love for children. Connection comes before curriculum. Over and over, guests emphasize that strong relationships and daily rituals—greetings, check-ins, "I love you" rituals, Baby Doll Circle Time, playful eye contact and touch—are the foundation for learning, behavior, and emotional safety. Play, creativity, and technology make learning irresistible. From Legos on a desert island to Alexa-led dance parties, pretend McDonald's in dramatic play, and tools like Frog Street, teachers are constantly turning tight schedules and transitions into playful, engaging learning moments. Families are partners, not an afterthought. Teachers and leaders talk about orientation, room parents, photos and messages through apps, gardening projects, and flexible support ("bring your child to me and go to work") as ways to build trust, share joy, and stand alongside families. This work is about legacy, resilience, and roots. Whether it's a former student returning as a teacher, a center reaching 4-star quality, or a career shift from healthcare to the classroom, each story points to the long-term impact of early childhood work—and the resilient, ever-evolving professionals who keep Alabama's youngest learners at the center.

    28 min

  2. DEC 1

    The Appreciation Advantage: What Every Leader Needs to Know

    Running a child care center or early learning program is no small task—leaders juggle tight budgets, high staff turnover, and the emotional demands of supporting children and families every single day. In the middle of all that, how do you keep your team motivated and help them feel truly valued? A quick "thank you" isn't always enough. In this episode of Tiny Talks on Early Learning, Dr. Paul White—co-author of "The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace"—joins us to unpack how appreciation, when expressed in the right way, can be a powerful tool for leadership. We explore why some recognition efforts fall flat, what makes appreciation authentic, and how leaders can create cultures where staff feel energized and connected to their purpose. Whether you're leading a child care center or managing a corporate program, this conversation will give you practical strategies to reduce burnout, build resilience, and transform your workplace culture one meaningful gesture at a time.   Key Takeaways for Listeners: Appreciation and recognition are not the same—staff need both, but appreciation speaks to their value as people, not just their performance. Everyone receives appreciation differently; learning your team's "language" builds trust and boosts morale. Authentic, consistent appreciation reduces turnover, improves workplace culture, and supports staff resilience. Even small, intentional acts of appreciation can make a significant impact—no big budget required. Valued staff are more engaged and better equipped to provide high-quality care for children and families.

    31 min

  3. NOV 12

    The Gift of Risk: Building Confidence Through Outdoor Play

    As part of our Outdoor Learning Environments mini-series, we're digging into one of the most misunderstood aspects of outdoor play: RISK. What if the very things that make adults uneasy—mud, climbing, running fast, roughhousing—are exactly what children need to grow strong, confident, and capable? In this episode, we're joined by internationally recognized playground designer, author, and child advocate Rusty Keeler, who has spent decades helping educators and communities create beautiful, messy, nature-rich spaces that invite children to test their limits and trust themselves. Together, we explore how risky play builds resilience, encourages independence, and supports whole-child development—when we as adults are willing to say "yes" a little more often. This conversation challenges old mindsets and offers fresh, inspiring ideas for creating outdoor spaces that spark joy, courage, and curiosity.   Key Takeaways for Listeners: Risks are not hazards—when children climb, balance, run, or roughhouse, they're building strength, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence in safe, developmentally appropriate ways. Natural environments invite healthy risk—logs, rocks, mud, and loose parts offer more opportunities for growth and exploration than traditional playground equipment alone. Adult fear often holds kids back—overprotection can limit a child's ability to learn independence and resilience; learning to trust children is key. Risky play supports whole-child development—from physical health to emotional regulation, social skills, and creativity, the benefits go far beyond the playground. Small changes make a big difference—educators and parents don't need expensive equipment; saying "yes" more often and allowing space for exploration is the first step toward raising confident, capable children.

    30 min

  4. NOV 3

    Wiggles Welcome! Using Movement to Build Reading Brains

    What if the key to early reading success isn't sitting still—but getting moving? In this lively episode, we're joined by educator, literacy advocate, and creator of the ABC See, Hear, Do method, Stefanie Hohl. Drawing on years of classroom and parenting experience, Stefanie shares how movement, multisensory learning, and playful interaction can ignite a child's brain for reading. From why traditional methods may leave some children behind, to how simple, fun activities can help children master letter sounds, this conversation offers powerful insights for both parents and educators. Whether you're working with a wiggly preschooler or a curious kindergartner, Stefanie shows us why movement matters—and how to turn early literacy into a full-body, joy-filled experience.   Key Takeaways for Listeners: Movement enhances learning – Physical activity helps young children focus, retain information, and build the neural connections needed for reading success. Wiggly kids aren't misbehaving—they're learning differently – Many children need multisensory, active experiences to thrive, especially when it comes to early literacy. You don't need fancy tools to teach reading – With simple actions, sounds, and repetition, parents and educators can make learning to read fun and effective anywhere. The ABC See, Hear, Do method blends play and phonics – Stefanie's approach uses animal actions, visuals, and sound repetition to make letter learning stick. Confidence grows when kids feel engaged – When children move, play, and succeed in learning, they become more confident and excited readers.   For free resources on this topic, including storytime ideas and book recommendations, visit Stefanie Hohl's website.

    24 min

  5. OCT 13

    Green Doesn't Mean Pricey: Designing Outdoor Spaces on a Budget

    *This episode is Part 2 in the "Outside the Lines: Rethinking Outdoor Learning" podcast mini-series. Who says quality outdoor learning environments have to break the bank? In this episode, we explore how the principles of "reduce, reuse, recycle" can help programs create meaningful outdoor play and learning spaces using reclaimed materials, community donations, and creativity. From repurposed climbing structures to DIY art and music zones, we'll share real ideas that save money and spark imagination. Key Takeaways: High-quality outdoor learning doesn't require a high-dollar budget. Engaging and meaningful spaces can be created with creativity, intention, and resourcefulness—not expensive equipment. The principles of "reduce, reuse, recycle" are powerful design tools. Repurposed materials like tires, pallets, kitchen tools, and fabric scraps can become imaginative play elements, learning areas, and more. Community support is a valuable resource. Families, local businesses, and community members are often willing to donate materials or volunteer—especially when they understand the impact on children's learning. Safety and licensing can still be prioritized with reused materials. With thoughtful planning and proper preparation, repurposed items can meet safety standards and offer rich play experiences. Small changes make a big difference. Even one new DIY area or improvement can reinvigorate how children engage with the outdoor space—and inspire educators to keep going.   Click HERE to discover FREE resources on this topic on our website - www.tinytalksearlylearning.com.

    31 min

  6. SEP 29

    Inclusion of Children with Special Needs in Early Childhood Environments

    Inclusion in early learning isn't just a practice—it's a mindset that shapes how every child is welcomed, supported, and celebrated. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Abigail Baxter and parent advocate, Anna Knight, to explore what true inclusion looks like in child care and early education settings. Together, they share practical strategies, candid experiences, and heartfelt reflections on how educators and families can work side by side to create classrooms where children with special needs thrive alongside their peers. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or parent, this conversation will inspire you to see inclusion as both possible and powerful.   Key Takeaways for Listeners: Inclusion benefits all children—it teaches empathy, compassion, and resilience while supporting every child's unique development. Collaboration is essential—strong partnerships between families, educators, and specialists create consistent and effective support. Barriers can be overcome—misconceptions and fears often hold programs back, but openness and access to resources make inclusion achievable. Families need to feel heard—listening to parents' experiences builds trust and strengthens the support system for the child. Small shifts matter—simple changes in mindset, routines, and expectations can make classrooms more welcoming and inclusive tomorrow.   Visit our website for FREE online resources and more information related to this important topic.

    33 min

  7. SEP 15

    Good Isn't Good Enough: Striving for Greatness in Education

    What truly separates a good teacher from a great one? In this conversation, leadership expert, educator, and community builder Dr. Baron Sandlin shares lessons from decades of work in classrooms, boardrooms, and community spaces. From cultivating team culture to building authentic connections with students, Dr. Sandlin explores the mindset shifts, daily habits, and leadership skills that elevate teaching from competent to transformational. Whether you're an early childhood educator, program administrator, or aspiring teacher, this episode will challenge you to reflect on your own practice, embrace lifelong learning, and invest where it matters most—your students' futures.    Key Takeaways for Listeners: Great teachers go beyond delivering lessons—they inspire, connect, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning. Mindset matters. Seeing yourself as a leader and learner is essential to sustained excellence in the classroom. Relationships are the foundation of greatness, with trust and authentic connections driving both academic and personal growth for students. Continuous improvement is non-negotiable, fueled by reflection, feedback, and a willingness to adapt. Administrators and peers play a critical role in creating a culture where teachers can thrive, innovate, and reach their full potential.

    29 min

  8. SEP 2

    Outdoor Play Problems: What's Really Getting In the Way?

    We all agree that outdoor play is essential to healthy child development—but if that's the case, why do so many programs still struggle to make it happen consistently? In this episode of Tiny Talks on Early Learning, we take a closer look at the real barriers to outdoor play from both educator and parent perspectives. From weather worries and limited resources to safety concerns and supervision, we unpack the common challenges that lead to reduced outdoor time in early learning settings. More importantly, we explore practical compromises and creative solutions to help programs prioritize outdoor learning without sacrificing trust, safety, or structure. If you've ever felt stuck between what you know is best and what feels realistic day to day—this episode is for you.   Key Takeaways for Listeners: Outdoor play is essential, not optional - It supports every domain of child development—including physical health, emotional regulation, social skills, and executive functioning—and deserves intentional time and planning. Barriers to outdoor play are real and varied - Educators face legitimate challenges such as safety concerns, staffing limitations, weather, scheduling, and family expectations, which can all reduce outdoor time. Parents may need help seeing the learning in outdoor play - Some families view outdoor time as less valuable than classroom activities. Clear communication, documentation, and education can shift those perceptions. Small changes can lead to big improvements - Solutions don't always require major resources—things like clearer parent communication, better preparation for weather, or flexible scheduling can increase outdoor opportunities. Collaboration is key - When educators and families work together to address concerns and share a vision, children benefit from more consistent, meaningful outdoor experiences.

    33 min
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out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Tiny Talks on Early Learning," a podcast committed to exploring the world of early childhood education. I am your host, Jessica Stinson. Join me, along with my colleagues and special guests, as we break down the complexities of child's play and lift up the professionals who teach our youngest learners. Whether you're seeking parenting wisdom, professional growth, or simply a deeper understanding of the early learning landscape, "Tiny Talks on Early Learning" promises engaging discussions that resonate with both the heart and the mind. Click the "follow" button and join us on a journey to empower the next generation through knowledge, empathy, and thoughtful guidance. Together, we're shaping the dialogue and embracing the power of learning.

Information

  • Creator
    Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    43
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023
  • Show Website
    Tiny Talks on Early Learning