ChildCare Inspirations

Cody and I chat about the importance of professional development and finding your own learning path as early childhood educators. 

Join myself, Danielle, Dallas and Shannon as we share our stories and strategies of how to help children through those big emotions that adults tend to find difficult and challenging. 

Ruth Buffam joins me for this inspiring chat about Positive Discipline and how she finds it helps with understanding and supporting children with challenging behaviours. It's not about punishments  or what we do to children but about connections, solutions and supportive environments. Join us as we laugh and learn in this episode on behaviours.

Play during this pandemic has been a struggle for many programs and educators as we try to balance the importance of play with the importance of keeping everyone healthy during these difficult times. Listen in as we chat with three educators from across Alberta on how they have found their balance between cleaning, safety and play in their programs.

Welcome to our very first podcast episode on 'Voices from the Field'. Each month a group of local (from Alberta, Canada) early childhood educators share their thoughts, perspectives and ideas about a specific topic. Our first 'Voices from the Field' episode is all about PLAY!!!

Join me and Miriam Beloglovsky as we chat about Loose Parts Play and the philosophy behind loose parts. Loose parts is not only about the materials but the experiences children have through playing with these materials. It's a mindset of the educators. This episode will leave you inspired to start your own critical reflection pathway to  truly embracing loose parts play!

Sometimes, we just need a little inspiration when it comes to looking at our play spaces and assessing if it truly does inspire play. Is it cozy? Does it promote a sense of belonging? Is it responsive to the children's family cultures and interests? Does it soothingly say, "You belong here. Welcome! Play!" Let's take some time to reflect on what our play spaces are really saying to us and the children that play there.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!! Winter is here and it comes with chilly temperatures, beautiful white snow and lots of fun for the kiddos when they get outside and play! Join Dr. Beverlie Dietze and myself as we chat about all the reasons why children need to get outside during the winter season and what the adults can do to get them excited to be outside and stimulate their sense of curiosity and wonder. It's time to meet the winter fairy and enjoy the magic of this winter wonderland!

If you are in a role where you care for others, there is a very good chance that you may be dealing with compassion fatigue.

First of all, what is it?

According to the American Institute of Stress, “Compassion fatigue is basically draining of emotional energy for those of us who deal with others pain.” Typically it has a tendency to be progressive and sneak up on people and often times we characterize this as burnout.” 

Let's talk about some of the symptoms, what you can do and how to prevent Compassion Fatigue.

https://www.healthyplace.com/psychological-tests/compassion-fatigue-self-assessment

http://www.proqol.org/uploads/ProQOL_5_English_Self-Score_3-2012.pdf

Please stop by and visit us at
https://creativechildcareconsulting.ca/
https://www.facebook.com/CreativeChildcareConsulting/

Today our guest is Marjorie Cole. We are discussing how important play is, what play looks like and what our role as professionals is in facilitating play.

You might be inspired to see your role through fresh and excited eyes.

Creative Child Care Consulting: https://creativechildcareconsulting.ca/

International Play Association: https://ipaworld.org/

It's been a tough year, and many of us are struggling with anxiety. Including the children we work with! Join me and Tania Johnson from the Institute of Child Psychology as we discuss ways to support children during these challenging times who may be experiencing anxiety.

How does reflection enhance your professional practice? What does reflection look like, and where can you begin on your reflective journey?

Creative Child Care Consulting's links:
www.creativechildcareconsulting.ca -send us topic suggestions
https://www.facebook.com/CreativeChildcareConsulting/-be inspired by Mindful Monday posts and Reflective Thursday posts.

I brought in the big guns for this one peeps! Join me and occupational therapists, Pauline Fechner and Johanna LeVallee from Flourish Family Centered Occupational Therapy & Co., as we chat about practical strategies to support children with developmental delays in the early childhood setting. Learn how we can be a positive support system in these children's lives and how we can adapt our environment to meet these wonderful children's needs! They have some seriously cool ideas!

Today is an exciting day! Childcare Inspirations Podcast is growing. This episode will be the first one partnering with Creative Child Care Consulting.

As we continue the topic of professionalism, Tina and Sharon will talk about how the Early Learning community is seen by the public and how we view ourselves. How we conduct ourselves, present ourselves and see ourselves determines how others see us. What can you do to help others understand the important work we do?

To be part of the discussion, head over to:

https://www.facebook.com/InspiredMindsECC  or
https://www.facebook.com/CreativeChildcareConsulting/

Who is your provincial MLA? Contact information for Alberta MLA's
Who is your federal MP? Contact information for Canadian MP's

Stay tuned for our next podcast with Tina Geer on September 20, 2020

This discussion is all about bringing about professionalism to our field of early childhood education in Alberta! Manna, from AECEA, joins us for this conversation to discuss how AECEA is working with early childhood educators in Alberta and how we can unite our voices to be heard as an important field. We are professionals! NOT babysitters! We discuss questions, that you, our listeners, wanted to ask AECEA. Let's get the conversation started!

Lisa Murphy joins us for this session to talk about the importance of PLAY in the early childhood environment. What is play? Why is it important? How can we connect though play? How does play help children learn and grow? All of these along with some laughter and practical tips for the early childhood educator, provider and parents!  So let's play!

Let's talk risk! Teacher Tom joins us for this discussion all on risky play for young children. Identifying how to ensure safety and risk are part of the learning process when working with young children. Join us as we share stories, strategies and of course....lots of laughter!

Ever wonder why it's so important to get outside and play? Want to learn more about how we, as early childhood educators and providers, can advocate for children's need for outdoor play? Need more ideas on what to do outside? Then join Tina Geers, from Inspired Minds ECC, and Christina Pickles, from Get Outside and Play, as they discuss the importance of outdoor play experiences for young children and what to do with outdoor play experiences for young children!