Keeping Current in Early Childhood Education

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In this easy-listening, laugh-while-you-learn episode, Jess - mum of three young kids (including twins) and long-time ECE teacher and leader - lifts the lid on what leadership really feels like.
She explores why some leaders accidentally send staff into fight-or-flight mode, and how emotionally steady, human-centred leadership can completely change the vibe of a centre. With humour, honesty, and real-life stories, Jess shows how tiny everyday actions create teams who feel safe, supported, and genuinely happy to see their leader walk through the door.
A must-listen for anyone leading in ECE… or anyone who’s ever considered hiding in the cupboard at work.

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When the room goes feral and every adult looks like they’re one noise away from crying, it’s time for a reset. In this funny and instantly useful episode, Jess shares how to calm the chaos by resetting the adults first, then the environment, then the children. Real, practical, and totally relatable for anyone who’s ever walked into a room and thought, “Absolutely not.”

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This podcast session brought to you by NTZC in partnership with ECE Learning Unlimited, supporting Associate Teachers in your important work with student teachers.
In this episode, we sit down with the always-inspiring Kimberley Crisp for a hearty and thought-provoking conversation about one of early childhood education’s most debated practices: mat time.
Should we have them, or should we let them go? Together, we explore why mat times have become such a staple in many ECE settings, what they offer to children and teachers, and when they might actually do more harm than good.
Kimberley shares her wisdom, experience, and some refreshing perspectives on how we can create meaningful group moments that truly serve the needs of tamariki, rather than just following tradition.
Whether you’re firmly for, firmly against, or somewhere in between, this episode will leave you reflecting on your practice — and maybe even reimagining what “mat time” could look like in your centre.

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Ever wondered what the world looks like through the eyes of a young child? In this episode, we dive into groundbreaking research with Dr. Chloe Keegan, who handed GoPro cameras to young children in their early childhood centers, capturing their experiences firsthand. What she uncovered about children’s rights to power and participation will challenge everything you thought you knew.

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Young children thrive on predictability, and in early childhood education (ECE), routines are the key to creating a secure and supportive environment. In this episode of Creatures of Habit: How Routines Help Children Thrive in ECE, we explore why consistent daily rhythms are essential for emotional well-being, learning, and smooth transitions—especially during the settling-in period. Educators play a crucial role in shaping these routines, but parents are just as important in reinforcing them at home. Tune in for practical tips on establishing meaningful routines that help children feel safe, confident, and ready to learn!