The Preschool Podcast

In this episode of The Preschool Podcast with Jo and Maddie, our hosts talk about one of the biggest challenges in childcare: burnout.   WebMD describes burnout as “[A] form of exhaustion caused by constantly feeling swamped. It’s a result of excessive and prolonged emotional, physical, and mental stress. … Burnout happens when you’re overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to keep up with life’s incessant demands.”   Sound familiar?   Jo and Maddie start the episode by sharing their own experiences with burnout, then consider other professions with high burnout rates and how they compare with early childhood education. From there, they discuss why burnout happens and how childcare providers can avoid it with suggestions from HiMama’s Early Childhood Education Blog and the HiMama Helps Webinar Series. Join the conversation and share your thoughts in Circle Time! Additional Resources on Burnout: [Blog Post] Overcoming burnout in childcare [Webinar] Addressing staff burnout at your childcare center [Webinar] How to break burnout in 2021

Jo and Maddie discuss the difference between process-focused and product-focused art in early childhood education. They share their experiences and philosophies on allowing children to express themselves through open-ended projects. The hosts also talk about communication with parents, finding a balance between freedom and preparation for kindergarten, and creative project ideas for holidays.

Get to know Jo and Maddie, hosts of this podcast, as they share their early childhood education journeys, challenges, and educational philosophies. From personal experiences to Lightning Round preferences like coffee vs. tea, they highlight the rewards and obstacles of working with young children. Dive into topics such as play-based learning, infant and toddler preferences, and the messy realities of childcare in this fun and insightful episode.

Debbi Sluys, Director of Growing Together Family Resource Centre, discusses the evolution of progressive values in early childhood education, fostering leadership, empowering educators, building trust, and creating a sense of community within preschool programs.

Occupational Therapist Tania Ferrandino discusses the importance of play in early childhood education, emphasizing the benefits of play-based learning for developing children's fine motor skills and foundational writing skills. She explores the evolution of handwriting programs and educational support, advocating for a playful and multisensory approach before introducing pencils to children. The podcast also highlights the integration of music in learning, the importance of outdoor education, and practical strategies for educators to prioritize play over pencil work in preschool settings.

Educators share insights on the childcare industry for 2023, discussing climate impact, federal policies, and state initiatives. Speakers express optimistic expectations for advancements in early childhood education but also highlight concerns over funding and infrastructure. Emma Lindsay and Samuel Broden emphasize excitement for social-emotional development and increasing male presence in the field. Overall, the outlook for early childhood education in 2023 is optimistic, focusing on shaping children's futures through social-emotional development and kindergarten readiness.

Dr. Christina Bretz from Learning Without Tears discusses the importance of preschool assessments, balancing formal and informal methods, transitioning children to kindergarten, and the role of parental involvement in early education.

Julie Hansen, Early Years Consultant, discusses invitations to play in early childhood education. Topics include observation, open-ended materials, educational leadership, and the importance of engaging with children. Recommendations for professional development resources are also shared.

Rae Pica, an Early Childhood Education Consultant and Author, discusses the importance of play-based learning, advocating for children's welfare, and the need for change in early childhood education. The conversation delves into empowering educators to speak up for change, engaging policymakers, creating a membership program for support, and the power of accountability partners in achieving goals.

Dr. Shira Leibowitz discusses reimagining early childhood education with a focus on play and project-based learning. She highlights the importance of educator roles, systemic challenges, learner-centered approaches, and the need for creative strategies in shaping new educational perspectives.