The Everything ECE Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

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

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

How does your classroom environment shape children’s behaviour, independence, and learning?

In this episode of The Everything ECE Podcast, Carla sits down with Jennifer Fernandez, School Specialty’s Early Childhood Education Strategist for the U.S. and Canada, to explore why classroom environments matter far beyond aesthetics.

Jennifer shares insights from her 30+ years in education as a teacher, professional learning specialist, and early childhood strategist, along with practical ideas educators can use to create spaces that support independence, regulation, curiosity, and emotional safety.

You’ll hear about: • Why the environment is often called “the third teacher” • Common classroom setup mistakes and simple shifts to try • The power of blocks, books, and open-ended materials • How environments connect to behaviour, engagement, and belonging • Ways to design intentionally without spending your own money

This conversation offers grounded, realistic ideas to help educators rethink their spaces with purpose and confidence.

JENNIFER FERNANDEZ

Jennifer Fernandez is School Specialty’s Early Childhood Education Strategist for the U.S. and Canada. She brings more than 30 years of experience in education as a teacher & professional learning specialist. She holds a BA in Elementary Education & Spanish and MA in Bilingual/Bicultural Studies along with teaching certificates in Elementary, Early Childhood, & Bilingual/ESL.

LINKS

LinkedIn: https:/www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-fernandez-6a41a41a9/

Website: https://www.schoolspecialty.ca/ 

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

Jamee Herbert joins Carla Ward on The Everything ECE Podcast to talk tech and putting systems in place to lighten the burden on Early Childhood Education. Jamee walks us through the Bridgecare system and how it supports administrative duties in child care and the parents in those programs. 

Show notes: elfoundations.com/137

How to Work with Carla

Dive into the chilling connection between childhood experiences and serial killers in our latest podcast episode! From early trauma to criminal behaviour, we uncover the importance of early childhood education in rewriting the script for future generations. Tune in to unlock the secrets of the mind and learn how nurturing environments can be a powerful antidote to the allure of violence.

Show Notes: elfoundations.com/136

How to Work with Carla

Heather Jackson, owner of The Sunflower School, joins Carla Ward on The Everything ECE Podcast to discuss verbs as projects. As a Reggio-inspired educator, Heather has spent many years researching, reflecting and discussing Early Childhood Education and how to take a child’s interest using verbs and play schemas to begin a project without falling into the “theme” trap. By using verbs and play schemas, educators can gain a more complex perspective on projects.  Join Heather and Carla for this fascinating conversation and learn how to take your teaching to new heights.
Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/135

⁠How to Work with Carla⁠

Ashley Jefferson joins Carla Ward on The Everything ECE Podcast to discuss why bringing puppetry arts into the classroom can change the teaching game.  Puppets can bring so much value to your program. Ashley dives into the importance of being present, not overthinking how to use the puppets and the learning possibilities that come with puppets!

Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/134

How to Work with Carla

In a recent podcast episode, Cara Caudle engages in a discussion with host Carla Ward, delving into the nuances of trauma and trauma-informed practices. Cara emphasizes the importance of adopting a holistic approach to development, particularly in early childhood, where she highlights the significance of focusing on social-emotional domains. She underscores how trauma-informed practices compel us to broaden our perspectives, emphasizing the impact of emotional environments, including the influence of a teacher's mood. Instead of passing judgment, Cara advocates for understanding our own practices, prompting listeners to reflect on their own childhood experiences and key memories. Through her insightful commentary, Cara sheds light on the profound effects of COVID-19 on children and families, implicitly acknowledging the necessity of nurturing supportive environments during challenging times. Show Notes: www/elfoundations.com/133

How to Work with Carla

It was almost 4 years ago when our worlds were flipped upside down. We went from living our lives unmasked and in close proximity to others to, almost overnight, keeping our distance and being masked up. Even though it was another life ago, we are still working through the consequences of COVID-19, especially for our youngest learners. Socio-emotionally, children are not where they would have been if life had not derailed them.

Sarah Scrivens joins me on The Everything ECE Podcast to dive into children's socio-emotional development and support them through connections. Sarah shares great tips to help close the gaps brought on by COVID.

We discuss looking at the learning environment and how a child feels when they walk into our programs. Sarah shares the brain development when we sing with children because the brain loves rhythm and rhyme. Everything we do should be centred around socio-emotional development, building connections with them and centering ourselves around developing the brain, building those brain connections.

Sarah shares many actionable steps we can take back to our programs today. Join us on The Everything ECE Podcast for some great tips!

Show Notes: www.elfoundations.com/132

How to Work with Carla

Angelica Celinska from The Voice of Early Childhood joins Carla Ward to talk about advocacy for Early Childhood. It doesn't have to be big, grand and scary, but we can still step outside our comfort zone and make a big impact. Angelica shares actionable ways that we can make a difference.

Show Notes: https://www.elfoundations.com/131

How to Work with Carla