The ECE Classroom Podcast With Susie Begin
About:
The ECE Classroom explores key topics in early childhood education. Each episode offers insightful discussions and practical advice and is designed to inspire, inform, and empower educators, home care providers, and parents alike.
As an educator and daycare owner, Susie Beghin is passionate about nurturing young minds and supporting those who work tirelessly to shape the future generation.
Introduction to ECE Classroom - Trailer
Season 01, Episode 6:
Parents Are The First Educators
Episode Description:
In this episode, Susie Beghin interviews Amanda DaCosta, a supervisor at Alpha's Discovery Kids Preschool and Daycare, about how to educate parents on the importance of play and how to engage with their children. They discuss the need for educators to empathize with parents and understand that they may not have the same knowledge or tools. They also emphasize the role of parents as the first and best educators for their children. The conversation covers the use of everyday household items for play and learning, the four pillars of learning (language and literacy, STEAM, physical activity and nutrition, and mindful awareness), and the importance of communication between educators and parents to show the value of play-based learning.
Season 01, Episode 5:
Incorporating Nature Into Outdoor Play Spaces
Episode Description:
In this episode of the ECE Classroom Podcast, host Susie
Beghin interviews Rusty Keeler, a natural playscape designer and advocate for nature play. They discuss the importance of nature play for children's development and how to incorporate nature into outdoor play spaces.
Season 01, Episode 4:
Professional Development & Life-Long Learning
In Early Childhood Education
Episode Description:
In this episode, host Susie Beghin interviews Ana Valle Rivera, a public speaker and workshop facilitator, about the importance of lifelong learning and professional development for early childhood educators. They discuss the impact of professional development on educators' well-being and its positive effect on children's learning.
They also explore different ways of learning, including in-person workshops, virtual learning, and communities of practice. Ana emphasizes the importance of having a growth mindset and being open to new learning opportunities.
They also discuss strategies for implementing new knowledge into practice and encouraging educators to become lifelong learners.
Season 01, Episode 3:
Play-Based Learning: Fostering Autonomy And Belonging
In The Classroom
Episode Description:
In this episode, Susie Beghin interviews Erica Saccoccio,
the owner of a multi-location child care center, about play-based learning. Erica explains that play-based learning should be fun and engaging while also having a learning goal in mind. She emphasizes the importance of intentional materials and guiding children in their learning. Erica also discusses the use of observation-based learning and the importance of teacher engagement and enjoyment in the learning process. The conversation covers topics such as the role of routines in play-based learning, the importance of autonomy for children, and how to communicate the benefits of play-based learning to parents.
Season 01, Episode 2:
Creating An Inviting Classroom With Plants
Episode Description:
In this episode, Susie Beghin interviews Carla Ward, an early childhood educator and host of The Everything ECE Podcast, about creating an inviting classroom environment with plants. They discuss the importance of the environment in early childhood education, the benefits of incorporating nature into the classroom, and strategies for introducing and caring for plants. Carla emphasizes the role of the environment in creating a sense of belonging for children and highlights the calming and nurturing effects of plants. She also provides practical tips for selecting and caring for plants in the classroom.
Season 01, Episode 1:
Empowerment And Engagement
Episode Description:
The first episode focuses on the most important thing about early childhood education, and that is the educators. We want to give a special shout out to all the Early Childhood Educators and this episode is dedicated to all ECEs.
In this episode, Susie Beghin interviews Anisha Angella, an early childhood education coach and trainer, about educator engagement. They discuss the struggles that early childhood educators face, such as burnout and lack of creativity, especially in the context of the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Anisha provides strategies for educators to improve engagement, including reconnecting with their why,
creating a supportive team dynamic, and finding joy in the small moments.
They also touch on the importance of leaders and parents supporting educators and the need for work-life harmony.
