Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, host Simone Brand broadcasts live from the ECA Regional, Rural & Remote Forum to tackle the most pressing legal and industrial shifts hitting the ECEC sector. We are joined by Leanne Cruden, a seasoned industrial relations lawyer leading the charge on gender-based undervaluation proceedings for the Australian Industry Group.  Victor Lin, a senior solicitor and employment law expert from the Australian Federation of Employers and Industries also joins the conversation. Together, they pull back the curtain on the complex intersection of fair pay, legislative reform, and the future of the ECEC workforce, providing much-needed clarity for providers navigating a rapidly changing regulatory landscape.

The discussion dives deep into the updates surrounding the Children’s Services Award 2010, specifically focusing on the Fair Work Commission’s review of gender-based undervaluation and the rollout of the Worker Retention Payment. Leanne explains the practical mechanics of these payments and how they aim to stabilise the ECEC sector, while Victor provides a vital update on the latest changes to the National Employment Standards (NES). Whether you are an employer seeking to remain compliant or an educator curious about how these landmark proceedings impact your professional value, this episode serves as an essential guide to the industrial evolution of early childhood education in Australia.

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In this episode of Learn Play Thrive’s Little Library, we head to the seaside to explore the 2026 CBCA Notable picture book, Castle Crashing. Join host Linda Harrison and award-winning author Andrea Rowe as they dive into the relatable world of Bonnie, a young girl whose beach day takes a turn when her friends’ creative visions collide with her own. 

Beneath the beautiful, salt-sprayed illustrations by Hannah Sommerville lies an exploration of early childhood milestones, from the tricky negotiation of sharing and turn-taking to the "boiling over" of big emotions. Andrea shares how the natural environment acts as a 'third teacher', offering children the sensory space they need to breathe and reset.

This episode is packed with practical, nature-based play ideas designed for early childhood educators and parents. We discuss how to use bird’s-eye and worm’s-eye perspectives in the sandpit to build spatial reasoning, and how small-world play can help children physically re-map the story's narrative sequence. Whether you are looking for tips on conducting interactive read-alouds or want to learn ways to develop a young child's visual literacy skills, this conversation offers a wealth of insights.

Find out more:

www. andrearowe.com.au

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In this episode of Learn Play Thrive’s Little Library, host Linda Harrison dives into the bubbly world of Laugh in the Bath (2026 CBCA Notable picture book), together with author Rory H. Mather. From the power of rhythm and rhyme to the importance of active adult participation in play, this episode highlights how simple daily routines build a child’s sense of agency, identity, and wellbeing.

For educators and parents, the conversation offers practical pedagogical tools like the PEER sequence for interactive reading and evidence-based strategies for boosting phonological awareness. We also share creative, story-inspired play provocations designed to bridge the gap between the book’s narrative and a child’s real-world experiences. 

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In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, we are joined by Dr. Kathy Cologon, Principal Consultant and Founder of Toward Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. With a wealth of experience in Inclusive Education and Disability Studies, Dr. Cologon is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in the field. She has published extensively and spent 15 years as a researcher and university teacher at Macquarie University. Her books, Inclusive Education in the Early Years: Right from the Start and Inclusive Education through the Creative Arts, have become essential resources for educators committed to inclusion.

Join us as we explore the vital role of equity, diversity, and inclusion in early childhood education and care (ECEC), discussing practical strategies educators can implement in their everyday practice. Discover how inclusion is about creating a sense of belonging and ensuring full participation for every child.

Find out more:
www.towardinclusion.com.au
https://www.facebook.com/TowardInclusion/#

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Join me, Simone Brand, on Learn, Play, Thrive, the ultimate early learning podcast for educators and leaders. In this episode, we dive deep into critical reflection with Dr. Angela Andonopoulos. 

We explore a ten-step critical reflection framework designed to help educators analyse and respond to complex situations effectively. Learn how to develop a reflective culture, interpret situations, explore emotions and biases, and incorporate perspectives from various stakeholders. Dr. Andonopoulos emphasises critical thinking, innovation, risk assessment, action implementation, and the importance of continuous reevaluation. 

Tune in for practical advice on making critical reflection a meaningful part of your early learning settings.

Find out more about Dr Angela and her work: 
www.reflectiveeducatorshq.com.au 

www.facebook.com/reflectiveeducatorshq

www.instagram.com/reflectiveeducatorshq

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Welcome to the Learn, Play, Thrive podcast, the ultimate early learning platform for educators and leaders. In today's episode, we dive into part one of 'Expanding Your Critical Reflection Toolbox' with Dr. Angela Andonopoulos, an esteemed educational consultant, researcher, and founder of Reflective Educators HQ.

 Angela discusses the importance of critical reflection in early childhood education, highlighting the differences between mere reflection and critical reflection. She explains why critical reflection is crucial for driving quality improvement and intentional teaching, and provides practical tools and resources for educators to integrate reflective practices into their routines. Additionally, we explore the challenges educators face with critical reflection, and Angela provides strategies to overcome these barriers by embedding reflection into daily practice, utilising team strengths, and fostering a culture of continuous professional development. 

Join us on this insightful journey to empower educators with the skills needed to enhance their critical reflection capabilities.

Find out more about Dr Angela and her work:
www.reflectiveeducatorshq.com.au 

www.facebook.com/reflectiveeducatorshq

www.instagram.com/reflectiveeducatorshq

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Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at info@learnplaythrive.com.au

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In this episode we’re joined by Emma Moore, founder and Senior Audiologist at Emma’s Ears on the NSW Central Coast. Emma and her team are dedicated to providing families with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their child's hearing and developmental health.
We delve into crucial topics around children's hearing health, from screening recommendations to understanding the impact of mild hearing loss. Emma shares practical advice for educators and parents on how to support children with hearing impairments, whether permanent or temporary.
You’ll discover:
Why misconceptions about hearing loss might delay getting children tested.
Sensitivity to sound and the impacts of mild hearing loss on a child’s development.
How to monitor a child's hearing over time, especially after a diagnosis.
Strategies to support children with conductive hearing loss in developing language and communication skills.

Find out more:
https://emmasears.com.au/ 
INSTA - EMMAS_EARS_A_HEARING_HUB

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In this episode of Learn, Play, Thrive, host Simone Brand welcomes Colin Slattery and Anthony Semann, founders of Semann and Slattery consultancy, to discuss the impact of leadership on workplace culture in early childhood education. They explore the significance of aligning professional values with organisational philosophies, strategies for building trust and collaboration among team members, and effective approaches to managing and resolving conflict. Key insights include understanding individual behaviors through tools like DISC profiling, the importance of actionable empathy, and fostering a cohesive, supportive environment despite challenges. This episode provides valuable perspectives for educators and leaders aiming to inspire and sustain positive change in their settings.

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In this episode of Learn, Play, Thrive, host Simone Brand interviews Meg Tidyman, a speech pathologist and founder of Eat Talk Play. They discuss Meg's extensive background in early childhood development, the importance of early intervention in speech and language pathology, and practical strategies for educators and parents. Key topics include foundational communication skills, distinguishing between meltdowns and tantrums, integrating different forms of communication like AAC, and how social stories and mealtime language can support children's development. The episode wraps up with actionable takeaways and insights for fostering effective communication and learning in early childhood settings.

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In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, we are joined by Beth Borowsky, founder of The Karma Class, an organisation dedicated to bringing the benefits of movement, breath, and mindfulness into early learning centers and primary schools. Beth, a former Montessori preschool teacher and one of Sydney’s most respected yoga teachers and trainers, has made it her mission to provide educators with practical, science-based tools to support their own wellbeing and that of the children they teach.

If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform.

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