Can We Talk?: Conversations In Early Childhood Education: Recent Episodes
Affiliated Services For Children and Youth
The conversations in this podcast will explore current and relevant topics in early childhood education. Together we will reflect on pedagogy, mentorship, early childhood development and professional learning.
In this episode, ASCY’s Negin Zarifian and Community Living Hamilton’s, Sheri Noblett chat about the book study that they did together on Dr. Shelley Moore’s book "One Without the Other". During their conversation, you’ll hear how the book study got started, the benefits of their book study and what else we could look forward to in terms of continuing our conversations on inclusion in our community.
In this episode “A Conversation with Darci Lang about Focusing on the 90%”, ASCY’s Tracey Webster chats with motivational speaker, trainer and author Darci Lang. During their conversations not only do we hear about some of the content from Darci’s book “Focus on the 90%”, we also hear Darci and Tracey build on the content with some everyday concrete examples that many Early Childhood Educators and leaders could relate to.
For more information about Darci, please visit her website and social media platforms.
Website: www.darcilang.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darcilang/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darcilang.speaker
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@darcilang3154
In this episode, ASCY’s Kim Burns and Jacqueline Vignanello chat about what a parent or educator could do if they’ve noticed a child with some speech related red flags and what to do next. Jacqueline, shares information about the role of a Preschool Speech Language Pathologist and what speech and language programs are available in Hamilton. Kim shares some tips for educators on having conversations with parents about sharing concerning news.
For more information about ASCY’s Early Words, Hamilton Preschool Speech and Language Program please visit the ASCY website at www.ascy.ca
To reach Jacqueline, email jvignanello@ascy.ca or call 905-381-2828 ext. 230.
This episode is a part of a series of podcast episodes that we’re having with the presenters from our December 2023 Embracing The Early Years Professional Learning Day.
In this episode ASCY’s Nancy Baverstock and Paola Hohenadel have a deep and rich chat with Lorrie McGee Baird and Anne Marie Coughlin about the conversations, reflections and ideas they shared at the EEY PL Day, on sparking joy, investing in people and how stories are so integral to our practice.
Lorrie and Anne Marie are Pedagogical Leaders and Early Learning Mentors from Ontario. Individually they lead professional learning and pedagogical leadership for large multi-site child care organizations. Together they offer Learning Institutes across Ontario and the US that offer unique, engaging, and meaningful experiences for teachers and administrators. Lorrie and Anne Marie are co-authors of “Research on Pedagogical Leadership” for the Ontario Ministry of Education, “Think, Feel, Act” documents, and “Creating a Culture of Reflective Practice: The Role of Pedagogical Leadership in Early Childhood Programs”.
This episode is a part of a series of podcast episodes that we’re having with the presenters from our December 2023 Embracing The Early Years Professional Learning Day.
In this episode, ASCY’s Kim Burns and Paola Hohenadel jump right back into the conversations, reflections and ideas that Emily and Rosalba shared at the EEY PL Day, around the feelings associated with food, food and meal preparation and presentation, and experiences to be had with children and food.
Celebrity chef, Emily Richards is a professional home economist, freelance food writer, chef, and cookbook author who also enjoys culinary instruction for home cooks who want to learn more and have fun in the kitchen. She is the author and co-author of 10 cookbooks which include topics from Italian cuisine, weeknight dinners, everyday celebrations, glycemic index diets, 5 ingredient cooking, and comfort foods.
Rosalba Bortolotti is a pedagogical consultant and Registered Early Childhood Educator with over 27 years of experience and research in the Reggio Emilia approach. Rosalba has a passion in food pedagogies, school gardens and the practices of seed to table. In addition to presenting to educators around the province, Rosalba has recently developed on-line webinars and interactive live studio sessions from her studio lab.
This is the fourth podcast that Rosalba has done with us, check out episodes 5, 11 and 12, to listen to more of Rosalba’s ideas and experiences.
For information about Emily and Rosalba, please visit the links below:
Rosalba Bortolotti-Acorn Collaborative
Instagram: @acorncollaborative
Website: www.acorncollaborative.ca
Emily Richards
Instagram: @eriscooking
Website: https://emilyrichardsoncooking.blogspot.com/
In this episode “A Conversation With Karen Davis On The Student Of Today” you will hear ASCY’s Liz Soyka chat with Karen Davis about the college student of today in Mohawk College’s Early Childhood Education programs. Karen Davis is the Early Childhood Education Academic and Practicum Program Coordinator at Mohawk College in Hamilton. Karen is a passionate, enthusiastic, innovative and accomplished educator and leader. She is student focused and community committed. Her collaborative style and diverse career experiences creates a dynamic environment of inclusion, connection, and growth. As an energetic, enthusiastic, and entertaining speaker, Karen turns learning into laughs! We are delighted to have Karen sit and chat with us for this podcast and hopefully a few more in the future!
This episode is a part of a series of podcast episodes that we’re having with the presenters from our December 2023 Embracing The Early Years Professional Learning Day.
In this episode “A Conversation With Dr. ABC about flourishing in all our idenities” you will hear ASCY’s Leslie Busija and Shanda Licop jump right back into conversations, ideas and actions that Dr. Andrew B. Campbell shared as the keynote speaker at the EEY PL Day. Dr. ABC’s messages on building relationships, belonging, equity and flourishing resonated strongly with so many of us back in December, and in this podcast Dr. ABC continues to share these powerful messages with us.
Dr. Andrew B. Campbell (DR.ABC) is an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream in Leadership for Racial Justice in Education, and the Teaching and Learning Coordinator for the Master of Teaching program in the Department of Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning (CTL) at the University of Toronto – Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). Dr. A.B.C. is well known to the OISE community for his leadership on advancing anti-discrimination work in teacher education, and recently received OISE’s 2022 award for Excellence in Initial Teacher Education.
For information about Dr. ABC, please visit his website www.drabc.ca or on his social media platforms below.
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/teachablemomentswithdrabc/
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/TeachableMomentswithDr.ABC/
X- https://twitter.com/DRABC14
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DRABC
La conversation dans ce podcast entre Chantal Pelletier, Orthophoniste et Chelsea Plouffe Assistante Orthophoniste avec le service Premiers Mots, explorera les questions fréquemment posées sur le thème de l’apprentissage d’une langue seconde dans la petite enfance.
In this episode you will hear, Chantal Pelletier, Speech Language Pathologist and Chelsea Plouffe Communicative Disorders Assistant with Early Words, explore frequently asked questions on the topic of learning a second language in early childhood.
Today’s episode is a part of a series of podcast episodes that we’re having with the presenters from our December 2023 Embracing The Early Years Professional Learning Day.
In this episode “A Conversation With Stacy Hill About Earth Based Wellness” you will hear ASCY’s Negin Zarifian have a conversation with Stacy Hill on earth based wellness in the context of community care and why it is so important in relation to early learning programs. Stacy also shares information and steps educators could take to implement seasonal activities in early learning programs.
For information about Stacy, her services and resources please visit:
Website: wearehawi.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HAWI.Inspired
Instagram: @wearehawi
Today’s episode is a part of a series of podcast episodes that we’re having with the presenters from our December 2023 Embracing The Early Years Professional Learning Day.
In this episode “A Conversation With Rusty Keeler About The Outdoors” you will hear ASCY’s Leslie Busija have a conversation with Rusty Keeler about the outdoors, risky play and materials that could be included in your outdoor environments.
From Tasmania to Texas, Rusty Keeler has spent the last 30 years traveling the world designing and advocating for children's play. Described as across between Fred Rogers and Jerry Garcia, Rusty is a frequent keynote speaker and author of multiple books on play, including the recent “Adventures in Risky Play: What is Your Yes?” Rusty lives with his family beside a creek in Ithaca, NY with a backyard full of plants, straw bales, tennis balls, hula hoops, bubbles, and more. And Rusty is the current vice president of the USA chapter of the International Play Association.
For more information about Rusty Keeler please visit rustykeeler.com
Today’s episode is a part of a series of podcast episodes that we’re having with the presenters that we had at our December 2023 Embracing The Early Years Professional Learning Day.
In this episode “A Conversation With Drew Dudley on Leadership” you will hear ASCY’s Amanda Karr and Nicole Colterman have a conversation with Drew Dudley about the elements of leadership, re-defining what leadship actually is, the leadership test and what rejection therapy is.
Drew Dudley has been called one of the most dynamic speakers in the world. Drew is on a mission to help people unlearn some dangerous lessons about leaderships. As the founder and chief catalyst of Day One Leadership, Drew has helped top organizations around the world increase their leadership capacity. His clients have included McDonald’s, American Express, JP Morgan Chase, the United Way, and more than 100 colleges and universities. Drew is also the bestselling author of “This is Day One: A Practical Guide to Leadership That Matters” and Drew’s TED talk “Everyday Leadership (The Lollipop Moment)" was voted “one of the 15 most inspirational TED talks of all time”.
For more information about Drew Dudley please visit drewdudley.com
In this episode, “A Conversation About Working Through a Work Plan” you will hear ASCY’s Charlotte Edwards have a conversation with Nicole Hayes from Brightpath Waterdown Child Care Centre. Together they’ll share a community perspective and reflect on the year long journey of working through a work plan together.
This episode kicks off a series of podcast episodes that we’re having with the presenters that we had at our December 2023 Embracing The Early Years Professional Learning Day.
In this episode “A Conversation With Mary Gordon About Roots and Seeds of Empathy” you will hear ASCY’s Susan Lepore have a conversation with Mary Gordon about how to build a society that is inclusive and caring, by developing early empathy.
Mary Gordon is recognized internationally as an award-winning social entrepreneur, educator, best-selling author, child advocate and parenting expert who has created programs informed by the power of empathy. In 1996, Ms. Gordon created Roots of Empathy, a national and international children's charity which now offers programs for elementary school aged children in every province of Canada and in 12 countries. In 2005, Ms. Gordon created the Seeds of Empathy Program for 3-5 year olds. This program has scaled in Canada, the US, and the UK. Ms. Gordon speaks and consults to governments, educational organizations, and public institutions, including the World Health Organization and the United Nations. Ms. Gordon is often a keynote presenter at international conferences such as the world’s biggest tech conferences- Collision and Digital-Living-Design (DLD). She is a frequent participant on global panels discussing empathy and children’s mental health. Most recently she gave a keynote to the military during Mental Health Week. She is the recipient of many awards recognizing her contribution to innovation in education and international social entrepreneurship, including the 2018 Governor General of Canada Award for Innovation. She has been awarded the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in Education and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for significant achievement and remarkable service. Ms. Gordon is a Member of the Order of Canada, Order of Ontario and the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador. She is also the recipient of honorary doctorates in Canada and Europe. The Finnish organization HundrED has awarded Roots of Empathy for 5 years in a row, each year since its inception, as one of the most inspiring and innovative educational programs in the world. Ms. Gordon is featured in international documentaries, has also given several TEDx Talks, and has had dialogues with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Roots of Empathy and Mary Gordon are quoted in 1200 Academic journals from 65 countries. Both Ms. Gordon and the program have been featured in the New York Times, the LA Times, the Washington Post, the BBC, The Globe and Mail, Time Magazine, Japan’s NHK, CBC and in features on PBS, CNN, NBC, The Guardian, The Irish Times, The Financial Times, The Independent and the Huffington Post. She has written many articles, book chapters, children’s books and her book, Roots of Empathy: Changing the World Child by Child, is a Canadian bestseller and is available in multiple languages.
For more information about Roots of Empathy and Mary Gordon please rootsofempathy.org
In this episode you will hear ASCY’s Nicole Colterman have a conversation with Shannon Elfner and Nicole Bloomkvist from Mary Poppins Co op Preschool in Caledonia. Shannon and Nicole will ask us to think about the celebrations that we typically acknowledge and celebrate in child care programs, and how and why we may consider celebrating something else.
In this episode, “A Conversation About Exploring the Earth and Gardening Outdoors”, you will hear ASCY’s Nicole Colterman have a conversation with Lynn Sheridan and Susie Dyck from Calvary Daycare in Simcoe who discuss the outdoors, gardening and the transformation of their outdoor environments through their earth exploration project.
The conversations in today’s podcast are a part of a series of conversations we're having with educators on the outdoors, so be sure to listen to Episode 25: "A Conversation About Being in Relationship with the Outdoors" and upcoming episodes when we chat with other educators about their outdoor spaces.
In this episode, “A Conversation About Being in Relationship with the Outdoors”, you will hear ASCY’s Kim Burns have a conversation with Kaylee Talbot and Amelia Pratt from Village Treehouse Childcare, who share their views on outdoor environments and how they work with children and families on creating a respect for the outdoors, through gardening, land based learning and appreciating long periods of time outdoors.
To see photos of what Kaylee and Amelia have created and to learn more about their projects, you could check them out on Instagram @underthemapletree.
The conversations in today’s podcast are a part of a series of conversations we're having with educators on the outdoors, so be sure to listen to Episode 26, when we chat with another educator about the evolution of her outdoor space.
Dans l'épisode d'aujourd'hui; "Une conversation sur les cheminements de carrière et le mentorat", vous entendrez Nancy Baverstock, d’ASCY, en conversation avec Julie Oke, Directrice du programme Le Petit Navire, discuter le rôle important que les relations professionnelles et le mentorat ont joué dans sa carrière.
Nous vous souhaitons une bonne écoute !
In this episode, "A Conversation About Exploring Inclusive Spaces", you'll hear Susan Lepore, Lynn Vanderbrug, Kayla Davies, and Christina Viola from the ASCY Lynwood School Age Partnership Program share information about a second resource kit that they've created to support educators and children in before and after school programs on creating and having inclusive spaces for everyone.
For more information about this kit and the ASCY Lynwood School Age Partnership Program, please visit www.ascy.ca or contact Christina Viola cviola@ascy.ca or Kayla Davies kdavies@lynwoodcharlton.ca .
(NOTE: Episode 17 "A Conversation About Exploring Self-Identity and Self-Esteem" is about the first kit created by the ASCY Lynwood School Age Partnership Program)
In this episode, “A Conversation About Gender Diversity with Marc Battle, Alan Thomson and Jeff Bushell, you will hear ASCY’s Nicole Colterman facilitate a conversation with Marc, Alan and Jeff as they dig into many layers of being male early childhood educators. Our three male guests will discuss the issues, challenges and perks of being male ECEs and they also ask us to think about who should be in the lives of children, no matter their gender.
[The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the guest speaker’s own and do not necessarily represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of Affiliated Services for Children & Youth.]
In this episode “A Conversation About The Importance of Free Play with Pierre Harrison” you will hear ASCY’s Nancy Baverstock have a conversation with Pierre Harrison, who is a play ambassador who works to promote play as a fundamental necessity for a healthy, engaging and fulfilling life. For more information about Pierre, please visit www.playlearnthink.com.
Dans l'épisode d'aujourd'hui "Une conversation sur l'importance du jeu libre avec Pierre Harrison", vous entendrez Nancy Baverstock d’ASCY avoir une conversation avec Pierre, un ambassadeur du jeu libre qui travaille à promouvoir le jeu libre comme une nécessité fondamentale pour une vie saine, engageante et épanouissante. Pour plus d'informations sur Pierre Harrison, veuillez visiter www.playlearnthink.com.
In this episode “A Conversation With Heather Jackson About Being in Relationship with Materials”, you will hear ASCY’s Paola Hohenadel and Leslie Busija, have a conversation withThe Sunflower School’s executive director Heather Jackson about their materials research projects and their approaches to being in relationship with materials.
The Sunflower School is located in Orangeville, Ontario. For more information about the school and Heather Jackson visit their website www.thesunflowerschool.ca or find them on Instagram @thesunflower_studio.
In this episode “A Conversation About Singing and Music”, you will hear ASCY Professional Learning Consultants, Kim Burns and Leslie Busija, discuss the importance of singing to and with young children, along with some tips and strategies on how you can successfully add singing and music to early years settings.
In this episode, "A Conversation About Self-Identity and Self-Esteem", you'll hear Natalie, Kayla, Christina and Bola from the ASCY Lynwood School Age Partnership Program share information about a resource kit that they've created to support educators and children in before and after school programs with their mental health and well-being.
This episode and kit is the first of a series of episodes and kits that were created, so stay tuned in the upcoming months to hear and see more. For more information about this kit and the ASCY Lynwood School Age Partnership Program, please visit www.ascy.ca or contact Natalie Busato nbusato@ascy.ca or Kayla Davies kdavies@lynwoodcharlton.ca .
In this episode, "A Conversation About Reading To And With Children", you will hear Kim Burns from ASCY, share her favourite 10 tips for reading to and with young children.
This episode, "A Conversation About Tools For Life", was taken from a larger video presentation recorded with Sue Lepore and Natalie Busato. This focuses on the social emotional learning approach called Tools For Life.
This two-part session is intended to support educators by providing an overview of theoretical information about the value of a social, emotional learning approach. Part Two highlights the practical application of the nine key concepts in the early years environments. This recording is about one hour length for each part. It will provide educators with information, strategies and age appropriate practices, resources and ideas, relevant to children from birth to 12 years and beyond.
For the full video recording please visit: https://vimeo.com/765900374
In this episode, “A Conversation with a Preschool Speech Language Pathologist-Part 2”, you will hear Evette Sauriol from ASCY continue her conversation with preschool speech and language pathologist, Jacqueline Vignanallo.
This episode will look at how preschool speech language pathologists work with educators, resource teachers and school boards, as it relates to families with children with language needs.
In episode 2 of our podcast Jacqueline answered questions about the role of a speech language pathologist, language development, second-language learners, language delays, how and when to connect with a speech language pathologist, and dispelling myths around children’s speech and language.
What To Do When What Usually Works Doesn't? A Conversation About Separation Anxiety and Adjustment to Care in the Context of Covid-19.
In this podcast, you will hear, ASCY’s Tracey Webster, Leslie Busija and Nicole Colterman have a conversation with Dr. Jean Clinton on some trends in early learning and care around separation and adjustment to care and the stress of Covid-19 on children, parents and educators.
More information about Dr. Jean Clinton and her book "Love Builds Brains", visit drjeanclinton.com or visit her on social media @drjeanforkids
Please visit www.ascy.ca for any additional questions or resources.
In this episode, “A Conversation About Pedagogical Documention”, you will hear Paola Hohenadel from ASCY have a conversation with Rosalba Bortolloti on the multifaceted layers of pedagogical documentation.
NOTE: conversations in this podcast are a part of a series of conversations with Rosalba. In Episode 5,we had a conversation with Rosalba on environments and relationships, and in Episode 11,Rosalba shared insights on the pedagogy of listening.
In this episode, “A Conversation on The Pedagogy of Listening”, you will hear Paola Hohenadel from ASCY have a conversation with Rosalba Bortolloti on the pedagogy of listening and what that really means for educators when working with children.
*The conversations in today’s podcast are a part of a series of conversations with Rosalba.
In episode 5 we had a conversation with Rosalba on environments and relationships, and in a future episode, we will have another conversation with Rosalba on pedagogical documentation* .
This episode “A Conversation with Ann Pelo on The Thinking Lens & Pedagogical Documentation”, was taken a larger discussion with a community of practice facilitated by Nancy Baverstock and Paola Hohenadel in which Ann shared insights from her book “From Teaching To Thinking”
Ann Pelo is an educator, program consultant and author whose work focuses on reflective pedagogical practice, social justice, ecological teaching, learning and mentoring.
Please note, this conversation was taken from a live virtual event, and some parts have been edited to make your listening experience more comfortable.
More conversations with Ann Pelo could be found in episode 9.
This episode “A Conversation with Ann Pelo on Starting From A Place of Vision and Values”, was taken a larger discussion with a community of practice facilitated by Nancy Baverstock and Paola Hohenadel in which Ann shared insights from her book “From Teaching To Thinking”.
Ann Pelo is an educator, program consultant and author whose work focuses on reflective pedagogical practice, social justice, ecological teaching, learning and mentoring.
*Please note, this conversation was taken from a live virtual event, and some parts have been edited to make your listening experience more comfortable.
More conversations with Ann Pelo could be found in Episode 10.*
In this episode “A Conversation with Dr. Jean Clinton”, you’ll hear Lois Saunders from ASCY have a conversation with Dr. Jean Clinton.
Dr. Clinton is a clinical psychiatrist in the Department of Psychology and Behavioural Neuroscience at McMaster University’s Division of Child Psychiatry. She is also the new author of the book "Love Builds Brains".
In this conversation, Dr. Clinton will share insights into her work as she speaks to the big ideas integrated within the chapters of "Love Build Brains". You’ll also hear key messages about supporting educators in their important role of engaging with families of very young children.
In today's episode, “A Conversation about understanding and supporting children’s behaviours”, you will hear Natalie Busato, Registered ECE, Social Worker and Behaviour Consultant at ASCY and Joey Fallata, Child and Youth Worker and Behaviour Consultant with Lynwood Charlton and ASCY talk about how parents, caregivers and educators could understand and support children and youth’s behaviours.
In this episode, “A Conversation With New Authors Lorrie McGee Baird and Anne Marie Coughlin”, you will hear Paola Hohenadel from ASCY, have a conversation with Lorrie Baird and Anne Marie Coughlin about their journey in writing and publishing their first book, "Creating a Culture of Reflective Practice: The Role of Pedagogical Leadership in Early Childhood Programs"
In this episode, “A Conversation About Environments and Relationships”, you will hear Paola Hohenadel from ASCY have a conversation with Rosalba Bortolotti of Acorn Collaborative, about how our relationships with children and families impact and support the design of early learning environments.
In our today's episode, “A Conversation About 10 Tips on Returning and Transitioning to school”, you will hear Natalie Busato, Registered ECE, Social Worker and Behaviour Consultant at ASCY and Joey Fallata, Child and Youth Worker and Behaviour Consultant with Lynwood Charlton and ASCY talk about helping parents, caregivers and educators transition and prepare children for school.
In this episode, "A Conversation with a Children's Mental Health Support Facilitator" you'll hear Evette Sauriol from ASCY and Natalie Busato, a children's mental health support facilitator, social worker and professional learning consultant from ASCY talk about children's mental health, and their social and emotional wellbeing. We hope you enjoy listening!
In this podcast you'll hear a conversation with a speech language pathologist who answers questions about the role of an SLP, language development, second-language learners, language delays, how and when to connect with an SLP, and dispelling myths. This podcast informs parents and early childhood educators.
In our first episode, “A Conversation About Career Paths and Mentorship”, you will hear Lois Saunders from ASCY and Breann Domjancic, Program Supervisor from Umbrella Family talk about career paths and mentorship.