Mar 19, 2026
Joy is one of those concepts that everyone understands until you try to define it. And yet, the research is remarkably clear about what it does. In this episode, we explore what joy actually is, why it matters so profoundly for young children, and what it looks like in the early childhood classroom. From the...
Feb 4, 2026
Professor and early childhood advocate Heather Bernt-Santy is widely known from her podcast as That Early Childhood Nerd. In this episode, Heather talks about her new book, Using Schema Play Theory to Advocate for Free Play in Early Childhood.
Heather shares her journey through the early childhood profession and how...
Sep 10, 2025
Unlock the secrets to transforming early childhood education by focusing on the actions — not just the topics — that captivate young minds. Join me as I sit down with Heather Jackson, author of "Actions of Play," to explore how play schemas can revolutionize the way we approach learning. Discover how understanding...
Aug 13, 2024
When Amber Unger (also known as the Cream City Teacher) began her career in education, she thought she'd be working with teenagers. As her path led her to a 4K public school classroom in the middle of a shift toward play-based learning, she discovered a new passion! Today, she helps other teachers on their own...
Apr 18, 2024
Challenging behaviors seem to be on the rise in preschool classrooms. Prerna Richards, of Together We Grow, specializes in supporting educators with a behavior coaching program. In this episode, she shares what she believes is behind this increase, and what can be done to better help our youngest learners.
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