Advertise on podcast: The ECE Classroom with Susie Beghin

In this episode of the ECE Classroom podcast, host SusieBeghin welcomes Will Maurer from Children's Media Research and Reform to discuss the critical topic of screen time for children under two. Will shares his journey from working in media and entertainment to focusing on the impact of screen use on young children, particularly during the pandemic when he became a parent. He emphasizes the alarming effects of overstimulating content, which can lead to dopamine imbalances and addictive behaviors in children, likening it to the first addiction in their lives. Will highlights the gapbetween existing guidelines that recommend no screen time for children under two and the reality that many children are exposed to screens at a young age. The conversation delves into the characteristics of qualitycontent versus harmful media, with Will advising parents and educators to look for slower-paced, developmentally appropriate programming that encourages co-viewing and interaction. He critiques popular media, including platformslike YouTube, for their rapid pacing and overstimulation, which can hinder a child's ability to learn and develop. Will advocates for a shift in how children's media is produced, emphasizing the need for content that supports language development and meaningful engagement between parents and children.The episode concludes with a call to action for better funding and support for creating high-quality media for young children, echoing the legacy of educational pioneers like Fred Rogers. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Screen Time and Early ChildhoodEducation 03:02 Current Research on Screen Use for Children Under Two 06:20 Identifying Quality Content for Young Children 08:30 The Evolution of Children's Media 10:25 The Impact of Fast-Paced Programming 14:15 Co-Viewing: Bridging the Gap Between Screens andLearning 15:55 Evaluating Popular Shows: The Case of Miss Rachel 21:29 Guidance for Educators and Parents on Screen Use 23:30 Susie’s Reflections on Today’s Topic  Music by Mykola Odnoroh from Pixabay About Our Guest - Will Maurer Media and Education | TEDx Speaker on Children’s Media Reform | On a Mission to Positively Impact the Lives of Families Around the Worldwww.cmrrl.org

In this episode of the ECE Classroom Podcast, host SusieBeghin reflects on the past year, sharing highlights from 2025 episodes and the five lessons she's carrying forward as an educator and lifelong learner. The episode emphasizes the power of storytelling, emotional well-being, behavior ascommunication, the importance of movement in learning, and the value of partnerships in education. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and 2025 Reflection 01:10 Storytelling as a Relationship 02:27 Emotional Well-being in Education 03:53 Behavior as Communication 05:06 Learning Through Movement 06:10 Building Partnerships Music by Mykola Odnoroh from Pixabay

In this episode of the ECE Classroom podcast, host Susie Beghin is joined by Kate Woodward-Young and Carrie Casey from the Child Care Conversations podcast. They discuss the importance of building partnerships between educators and parents, understanding cultural expectations, and the role of community engagement in early childhood education. The conversation emphasizes the need for curiosity in educators, realistic expectations for child development, and the use of assessment tools to guide discussions with parents. The episode concludes with practical tips for involving the community in children's learning experiences. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Early Childhood Education Insights 04:15 The Importance of Parent Engagement 12:29 Building Relationships with Families 18:06 Educating Parents on Developmental Expectations 24:13 Engaging the Community in Early Education    Music by Mykola Odnoroh from Pixabay About our Guests Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed., and Carrie Casey are educators, authors, and leadership coaches with more than 60 years of combined experience in early childhood education. Since 2019, they’ve hosted ChildCare Conversations with Kate and Carrie, a twice-weekly podcast with over 300 episodes and more than 25,000 downloads. Each episode offers practical strategies, real-world insights, and encouraging stories that help early learning professionals lead with confidence, strengthen teams, and build sustainableprograms. They are also bestselling authors of 11 books on earlychildhood leadership and administration, used internationally in professional development and higher education. Their writing and training focus on helping directors and owners create positive cultures, retain staff, and grow thrivingprograms. 🎧 Listen to ChildCare Conversations with Kate and Carrie atwww.childcareconversations.com

In this episode of the ECE Classroom podcast, host SusieBeghin speaks with Stefanie Hohl from ABC See, Hear, Do about innovative strategies for teaching early literacy through movement. They discuss the importance of incorporating physical activity into reading lessons, creating a literacy-rich environment, and engaging parents in the learning process. Stefanie shares practical tips for educators and parents to make reading funand accessible for all children, emphasizing the need to adapt teaching methods to different learning styles. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Early Literacy and Movement 1:43 Incorporating Movement in Reading 05:24 Engaging Children with Books 06:44 Creating a Literacy-Rich Environment 10:50 Making Reading Fun and Inclusive 12:30 The Role of Parents in Early Literacy 18:00 Understanding Different Learning Styles 20:30 Resources for Early Readers 22:40   Susie’s Insightson Learning to Read Through Movement About our Guest Stefanie Hohl holds a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Children’s Literature from Penn State and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. After years of teaching preschool co-ops, homeschooling, and guiding her first four children through the process of learning to read, Stefanie realized she needed a new approach for her fifth child. Through extensive research and testing, she developed the ABC See, Hear, Do Method, a fun and effective way to teach early reading skills. www.abcseeheardo.com Link to Learn Letters with Confidence mini-course. https://susie-beghin-academy.thinkific.com/products/courses/teach-letters-with-confidence Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠⁠ License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA

In this episode of the ECE Classroom podcast, host SusieBeghin discusses the challenges and strategies for navigating the busy month of September in early childhood education. She emphasizes the importance of preparation, managing transitions, creating calm spaces for children, maintaining open communication with parents, and supporting educators during this hectic time. The episode provides practical tips for fostering strong relationships with both children and parents, ensuring a smooth start to the school year. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the ECE Classroom 01:14 Planning and Preparation is Key for September 05:31 Creating a Calm Space for Overwhelmed Students 14:03 Parent Communication From Day One 16:50 Teacher Overwhelm & Emotional Exhaustion 21:15 Building Strong Relationships with Children   Music from #Uppbeat (free forCreators!): ⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠ License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA

In this episode, Susie Beghin and Erica Saccoccio discuss thevital role of play in early childhood education and the importance of leadership in fostering a supportive learning environment. They explore the challenges of educating parents about the value of play, the significance of role modeling for educators, and the need for clear communication and accountability in leadership. The conversation also touches on creating playfullearning environments, the dynamics of intergenerational teams, and the essential qualities of effective educators. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Early Childhood Education andLeadership 02:37 The Importance of Play in Learning 06:20 Educating Parents on Learning Through Play 08:04 Role Modeling and Scaffolding in Education 11:24 Creating a Playful Learning Environment 15:12 The Role of Educators in Learning 17:30 Building a Supportive Team Culture 20:18 Balancing Freedom and Accountability in Leadership 25:32 Intergenerational Dynamics in Education 29:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts About Our Guest Erica is a motivational speaker with 23+ years of experienceas an entrepreneur. Erica is the owner of a multi-location child care centre called “Family Tree” in Rhode Island, USA. Erica is a passionate leader in the early childhood education industry and hosts a podcast called, The Child Care Director’s Chair. www.stellarbusinessconcepts.com https://www.instagram.com/ccdcpodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@childcaredirectorschair690 Music from #Uppbeat (free forCreators!): ⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠ License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA

In this episode of the ECE Classroom podcast, host SusieBeghin speaks with Christine Devane, a former educator and author of the children's book 'Elephant Beach.' They discuss the importance of storytelling in teaching children about kindness and acceptance, the themes present in Christine's book, and how to engage children in learning through interactive activities. Christine shares her experiences as a teacher and how they influenced her writing, emphasizing the need to respect individual differences among children and the importance of fostering a love for reading. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:44 The Power of Storytelling in Teaching Kindness 04:43 Exploring 'Elephant Beach' and Its Themes 08:06 Classroom Experiences and Engaging Activities 9:43 Creating Story Kits for Enhanced Learning 11:18 The Significance of Elephants in Children's Literature 12:40 Influence of Teaching on Children's Literature 13:40 Teaching Empathy and Inclusion in Early Childhood 16:15 Respecting Individual Personalities in Education 19:30 Encouraging Lifelong Reading and Learning 24:10 Susie’s Reflections on Today’s Topic About Christine DevaneChristine is the mom of three children, former early childhood educator and author of the children's book, "Elephant Beach". Her book is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble online.Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA

In this episode of the ECE Classroom podcast, host SusieBeghin discusses the importance of managing transitions during the summer months in daycare settings. She emphasizes strategies for helping childrenadjust to changes and manage difficult transitions, the significance of outdoor learning environments, and therole of outdoor creative activities in fostering development. The episode also covers welcoming new students and celebrating milestones like graduation, highlighting the emotional aspects of these transitions for both children and parents. Chapters  00:00 Introduction 01:18 Managing Transitions 03:40 Creating Outdoor Learning Environments 09:35 Welcoming New Students to Daycare 13:00 Celebrating Milestones: Graduation in Daycare Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA

In this episode of the ECE Classroom podcast, host Susie Beghin and guest Amanda Da Costa discuss the importance of embracing silliness in early childhood education. They explore how being silly can enhance connections with children, support social emotional development, and create apositive learning environment. The conversation also highlights practical ways educators can incorporate silliness and singing into their daily routines to foster engagement and joy in the classroom. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Early Childhood Education andEmbracing Silliness 02:58 The Importance of Embracing Your Silly Side 06:45 Silliness and Social Emotional Development 09:25 Building Connections Through Playfulness 13:15 Practical Ways to Incorporate Silliness 18:38 The Power of Singing in Early Childhood 23:50 Favorite Songs and Games for Educators 28:28 Susie’s Summary and Takeaways Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA

In this episode, we’re diving into the heart of every early childhood classroom and learning space—circle time! Susie talks to Jacky Sheppard, Early Years Consultant, about how to turn this daily routine into a powerful moment of connection, learning, and joy through creative music and movement activities and imaginative storytelling. As an educator, you'll walk away with fresh, playful ideasto keep little ones engaged and excited to participate. From fingerplays and movement songs that boost coordination to storytelling that sparks curiosity and language development, you’ll learn how to transform circle time into a magical experience filled with inquiry, discovery, and exploration. Get ready to sing, move, and make some circle time memories! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Circle Time 02:58 Why is Circle Time Important in the Early Years 06:00 Components of a Successful Circle Time 09:12 Benefits of Circle Time for Transitions 11:42 Spontaneous Circles 14:50 Music and Movement Ideas 21:27 Storytelling Ideas 29:14 Susie’s reflection and takeaways About Jacky Sheppard With over 45 years of experience in early childhoodeducation, Jacky Sheppard is a trailblazer and passionate advocate for high-quality child care. As the visionary behind the Streetsville Children’s Centre and Streetsville Academy, she has dedicated a lifetime to nurturing young minds and supporting families. An influential voice in the industry, Jacky serves on the Executive of the Private Daycare Operators Group and is an active member of the Education Minister Advisory Committee, where she champions policies that put childrenfirst. In addition to operating outstanding child care centres, she consults and trains early childhood educators, equipping the next generation of professionals with the tools and inspiration they need to thrive. She continues to shape the future of early learning through advocacy, mentorship, and asteadfast commitment to excellence in early years education. If you would like to book a workshop with Susie and Jacky, visit www.susiebeghin.com for more information. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA

In this episode of the ECE Classroom podcast, host SusieBeghin welcomes behaviour specialist Andy Baker to discuss effective strategies for managing challenging behaviors in early childhood education classrooms. Andy emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying reasons for behaviors. He introduces his Six-Stage Target Model for behavior management, which focuses on proactive strategies and building trust with children. The conversation highlights the significance of a person-centered approach in education, recognizing that each child's needs and responses are unique. Andy shares practical advice for educators on fostering trust and connection with young children, especially those experiencing separation anxiety. The episode concludes with insights on the profound impact educators have on children's emotional development and behaviour. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Early Childhood Education and Behaviour Management 03:25 A shift in language from 'challenging behaviors' to'behaviors that challenge" 07:14 Attention-seeking Behaviour 11:51 The Six-Stage Target Model for Behaviour Management 14:47 Practical Strategies for Educators 19:29 Building Trust with Young Children 26:12 The Importance of a Person-Centered Approach 31:17 Susie’s reflection and takeaways About Andy Baker Andy Baker is a renowned Behavior Specialist, author,and entrepreneur with over 20 years of expertise in health and social care. A leading voice in the field of human behavior, Andy combines deep professional insight with a proven track record in business innovation. His latest book, Targeting the Positive, launched in November 2024, offers transformative strategies for personal and professional growth.   https://www.able-training.co.uk/Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠⁠ License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA

In this episode of the ECE Classroom Podcast, host Susie Beghin interviews ECE Professor, Christine Zupo, about the Science of Happiness and its relevance to early childhood education. Christine explains the principles of positive psychology, the sustainable happiness model, and how educators can influence children's emotional well-being. The conversation delves into intentional strategies for fostering happiness, the distinction between joy and happiness, and the physical effects of positive emotions. Christine emphasizes the importance of intentionality in creating positive experiences and the significant role educators play in shaping children's baseline of happiness. Chapters  00:00 Introductions 02:21 What is the Science of Happiness 04:24 The Sustainable Happiness Model 09:26 Intentional Strategies to Achieve Happiness 16:12 Influence of Educators on Children's Happiness 20:17 Physical Effects of Positive Emotions 25:57 Susie’s Reflection and Takeaways About Christine Zupo Christine Zupo is a professor at the University of Guelph-Humber and Humber College in the Early Childhood degree/diploma and Electives programs, bringing over 35 years of experience working with young children andfamilies in a variety of Early Learning and Care settings. Christine has been teaching post-secondary education for over 18 years, holds a Master of Arts degree and is a passionate advocate for social justice issues. Christine’s research interest is studying the effects of positive emotions on the subjective sense of wellbeing to better understand how post-secondary institutions can build initiatives that create a culture of mental wellness. About The Workshops Please check out this link for more details about her professional development workshops. https://www.canva.com/design/DAGbYWfTKKI/KUsvEReTZ1wmaZOBk1jLJg/edit?utm_content=DAGbYWfTKKI&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠⁠ License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA

In this conversation, Susie Beghin discusses the significance of storytelling for young children with guests Daniela and Dina from Little Light Books. They explore the inspiration behind their children's books, the key messages they aim to convey, and the developmental benefits of storytelling. The discussion highlights the importance of creating a safe and engaging environment for children through interactive storytelling techniques. Daniela and Dina share their experiences as educators and authors, emphasizing the impact their stories have on children's learning and emotional development. Susie Beghin reflects on the need for interactive storytelling techniques to engage children and enhance their imagination. The episode encourages educators and parents to incorporate props and real-life experiences into storytelling to create a more immersive learning environment. Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Storytelling for Young Children 01:15 Inspiration Behind Writing Children's Books 03:48 Key Messages in Children's Literature 08:00 The Importance of Storytelling in Development 09:57 Creating a Safe Space Through Storytelling 14:23 Engaging Storytelling Techniques for Educators 19:08 Favorite Stories and Their Impact 24:00 Susie’s episode reflection and takeaways About Daniela and Dina (Little Light Books Inc) Igniting the love of reading was the inspiration behind creating this series for young children.  The engaging stories are familiar and relatable, as well as diverse and inclusive; expressing the message, "I believe in you!" Ethically produced on FSC paper with an environmentally soft touch finish. Proudly manufactured in Canada from start to finish. https://www.littlelightbooks.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/littlelightbooks_/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/LittleLightBooksInc/ Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠⁠ License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA

In this bonus episode, The ECE Power Hour gathered leading early childhood education podcasters for a dynamic roundtable discussion on the future of the field. Susie Beghin joined the conversation to explore impactful topics, including the significance of play, the value of mentorship, and innovative strategies to elevate early childhood education. This bonus episode is a collaboration between: The Child Care Directors Chair Podcast (moderator) The Everything ECE Podcast ECE Honestly Podcast Child Care Conversations Podcast The Forgotten ECE Podcast Pre-K Spot Podcast The Inspiring ECE Podcast Shaping Little Minds Podcast

In this holiday episode of the ECE Classroom, host Susie Beghin addresses pressing questions from early childhood educators about managing challenging behaviors in the classroom, effective parent communication, classroom strategies and team dynamics. The episode covers challenging behavior topics such as aggressive behavior, tantrums, biting, speech difficulties and handling conflict between children. Susie discusses effective communication with parents while emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding child development, and building trust with both children and parents to create a supportive learning environment and great relationships with parents. In this episode, Susie Beghin addresses key questions related to early childhood classrooms, focusing on managing transitions, the importance of messy play, fostering inclusion, effective team dynamics, addressing educator burnout, and the challenges of opening a daycare. She provides practical strategies and insights for educators to enhance their teaching practices and support their students' development. More information about Susie Beghin is available at www.susiebeghin.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Holiday Episode and Q&A Format 01:00 Strategies for Managing Aggressive Behavior 06:10 Strategies to Deal with a Tantrum 07:11 Strategies for Children who are Biting 11:08 Strategies to Support Children with Speech Difficulties 12:30 Supporting Conflict Between Children 15:05 How to Stop Children from Using Inappropriate Language 17:07 How to Support New Children in the Classroom 19:30 Lingering Parents at Drop-off Time 21:16 Effective Parent Communication 23:29 Managing Transitions in Early Childhood Education 26:33 How to Manage Messy Play 30:03 Fostering Inclusion in the Classroom 31:50 Team Communication and Celebrating our Differences 36:30 Addressing Educator Burnout 39:00 Challenges of Opening a New Daycare Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠⁠ License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA