What if we prioritized educator well-being as much as we do children’s development?

How do our own personal experiences shape the way we lead and support others?

In this insightful episode, Dr Amie Fabry welcomes the inspiring Emma Rattenbury, a dedicated early childhood educator, play therapist in training, and an advocate for neurodiverse-affirming learning environments. Emma shares her journey in early childhood education, her leadership philosophy, and the importance of fostering confidence and autonomy in educators. She also discusses the critical role of relationships, self-awareness, and creating a supportive culture for both children and teachers.

Emma Rattenbury is an experienced early childhood educator, play therapist in training, and advocate for neurodiversity-affirming education. With 20 years in the sector, she has worked across teaching, curriculum leadership, and educator mentorship, focusing on inclusion, play-based learning, and professional confidence. Passionate about supporting educators, Emma emphasizes critical reflection, risk-taking, and relationship-based leadership to create thriving learning environments. As an AuDHD mum, she champions neurodiverse-affirming practices and is currently completing a Master’s in Play Therapy. A social media educator influencer with over 35,000 followers, Emma uses her platform to advocate for educator well-being, inclusion, and sector-wide change.

Connect with Emma Rattenbury

• Instagram: emma_in_earlychildhood

• LinkedIn: Emma Rattenbury

• Facebook: Emma in Early Childhood

What implicit messages might we be sending to children when we focus primarily on compliance rather than their emotional well-being?

How can educators and caregivers balance guiding children’s behavior while also honoring their emotional needs and autonomy?

Dr. Amie Fabry engages in a compelling conversation with Danica See, an education consultant and mentor celebrated for her expertise in early childhood education, guiding children’s emotional development, and fostering holistic approaches to learning and behavior. With over 16 years of experience, Danica shares insights on the guidance based approaches to behaviour management, honoring children as whole beings, and her dedication to reshaping narratives around children’s emotional and behavioral development.

Danica See is a highly experienced educator and consultant with a diverse background in early childhood education. Her career spans various roles, including assisting in early learning centers, classroom teaching children aged 3 to 7, supervising practicum placements for preservice teachers, lecturing and tutoring at the university level. Through her extensive career, Danica observed a significant gap in quality support and training for addressing children’s behavior and emotional needs, particularly in navigating their big feelings.

As the founder of Little Bloom Consultancy, she has turned to dedicate transforming how early childhood educators approach behavior and emotional development, emphasizing children’s rights and contemporary behavior guidance. Rooted in neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and neuro-affirming practices, Danica advocates for equitable treatment of children and better support for educators in managing behavior and addressing children’s big feelings.

What implicit messages might we be sending to children when we focus primarily on compliance rather than their emotional well-being?

How can educators and caregivers balance guiding children’s behavior while also honoring their emotional needs and autonomy?

Dr. Amie Fabry engages in a compelling conversation with Danica See, an education consultant and mentor celebrated for her expertise in early childhood education, guiding children’s emotional development, and fostering holistic approaches to learning and behavior. With over 16 years of experience, Danica shares insights on the guidance based approaches to behaviour management, honoring children as whole beings, and her dedication to reshaping narratives around children’s emotional and behavioral development.

Danica See is a highly experienced educator and consultant with a diverse background in early childhood education. Her career spans various roles, including assisting in early learning centers, classroom teaching children aged 3 to 7, supervising practicum placements for preservice teachers, lecturing and tutoring at the university level. Through her extensive career, Danica observed a significant gap in quality support and training for addressing children’s behavior and emotional needs, particularly in navigating their big feelings.

As the founder of Little Bloom Consultancy, she has turned to dedicate transforming how early childhood educators approach behavior and emotional development, emphasizing children’s rights and contemporary behavior guidance. Rooted in neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and neuro-affirming practices, Danica advocates for equitable treatment of children and better support for educators in managing behavior and addressing children’s big feelings.

How can integrating play into early childhood education enhance children’s conceptual understanding and cognitive development?

In what ways can educators support abstract, organized, relational, representational, and metaphorical thinking in young learners? 

In this episode, Dr. Amie Fabry engages in a compelling conversation with Lili-Ann Kriegler, a distinguished education consultant and author renowned for her expertise in early childhood education, educational leadership, and cognitive development. With over 30 years of experience, Lili-Ann shares her insights on the transformative power of play, the significance of early attachment and language development, and the evolving role of educators in fostering critical thinking skills in young learners.

Lili-Ann Kriegler is a Melbourne-based education consultant and author with over three decades of experience spanning all educational levels, from early childhood to adult education. Her primary specializations include early childhood education (birth to nine years), educational leadership, and optimizing human cognition. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honors), a Higher Diploma in Education, and a Master’s in Education.

Throughout her career, Lili-Ann has been a fervent advocate for the transformative power of education, emphasizing that learning is constructed through dialogue and social interaction. Her consultancy, Kriegler Education, focuses on customized professional learning design for preschool and junior primary leaders, educators, and curriculum coordinators.

As an author, Lili-Ann has penned several influential works, including “Edu-Chameleon: 7 Dynamic Learning Zones to Enhance Children’s Concept-Based Understanding” and “Roots and Wings: A Parents’ Guide to Learning and Communicating with Children to Forge a Family with Mettle.” Her latest publication, “The Power of Play,” delves into the dynamic ways educators can engage with students to foster deeper understanding and cognitive development.

Resources mentioned:

• Kriegler Education

• Edu-Chameleon: 7 Dynamic Learning Zones to Enhance Children’s Concept-Based Understanding

• Roots and Wings: A Parents’ Guide to Learning and Communicating with Children to Forge a Family with Mettle

• The Power of Play

Connect with Lili-Ann Kriegler

• Website

• LinkedIn

• Amazon Author Page

Hire this host via hello@thelearningfuture.com

Are we unconsciously perpetuating cycles from our own upbringing that limit our ability to connect with and nurture the children in our lives?

How can reimagining our relationship with emotions and mistakes transform not only our families but also our communities and future leaders?

In this transformative episode of Leading the Early Years for the Future, host Amie Fabry sits down with Lael Stone, a speaker, educator, and author with a profound mission: to reshape how we connect with ourselves and our children. From her groundbreaking work founding the Woodline Primary School to her advocacy for emotional awareness in parenting, Lael shares her journey of courage, creativity, and commitment to change.

Together, they explore:

The power of unlearning generational imprints to foster healthier relationships;

Building environments where children feel emotionally safe and empowered to learn;

Practical ways adults can examine their own reactions and stories to create deeper connections with the young minds they influence; and

Leadership lessons from innovating educational models, including balancing vision, vulnerability, and resilience.

This episode isn’t just for educators or parents—it’s a call to action for anyone seeking to lead with empathy, embrace challenges, and build a more connected world.

In this episode of “Leading the Early Years for the Future,” host Amie Fabry engages in a dynamic conversation with Joanne Hanson, an early childhood teacher and Deputy Principal at Comet Bay Primary School in Perth. Jo shares her inspiring journey from an education assistant to a leadership role, emphasizing the transformative power of play-based learning and authentic connections in early childhood education.

Jo discusses the significance of the early years, highlighting the rapid brain development that occurs between ages two and four, and underscores the importance of providing quality, rich experiences during this critical period. She advocates for fostering children’s natural curiosity and supporting their sense of belonging and engagement within the community.

A key focus of the conversation is Jo’s leadership in implementing play-based learning at Comet Bay Primary School. She reflects on the challenges and successes of guiding educators to embrace this approach, noting the importance of psychological safety, authentic relationships, and a shared vision. Jo shares anecdotes illustrating the positive impact of play-based learning on both students and teachers, including increased joy, engagement, and a love for learning.

Find Jo on Insta ( https://www.instagram.com/inspiringlittleleaders/ ) and LinkedIn ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-hanson-088a14190/?originalSubdomain=au ).

Throughout the episode, Jo offers valuable insights into effective leadership in early childhood education, emphasizing authenticity, reflection, and the power of networking. She encourages aspiring leaders to seek support, be open to making mistakes, and remain committed to their core values and vision.

This episode is a must-listen for educators and leaders passionate about early childhood education and looking to inspire meaningful change within their practice.

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Amie Fabry sits down with Sarah Louise Gandolfo, a Melbourne-based early childhood teacher, consultant, and “forever learner.” With over 20 years of experience in the early years sector, Sarah Louise shares her journey from a chance start in early childhood education to becoming a passionate advocate for leadership, inclusion, and the profound importance of the early years.

Listen in as Sarah Louise discusses her work at Melbourne Polytechnic, her consultancy’s mission to support educators, and the lessons she has learned about authentic leadership. From childhood crochet skills to transformative coaching moments, Sarah Louise reminds us of the power of connection, kindness, and slowing down to focus on what truly matters in education.

The Early Years Matter: Early childhood experiences shape not only academic success but also the future well-being and identity of individuals. Leadership is Diverse: Leadership comes in many forms and isn’t confined to those at the top. Embracing authenticity and individual strengths is key.

Connect with Sarah Louise Gandolfo:

Facebook: Sarah Louise Consultancy (https://www.facebook.com/SL.ECEC/)

LinkedIn: Sarah Louise Gandolfo (https://au.linkedin.com/in/sarah-louise-gandolfo)

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Check us out at www.thelearningfuture.com and even book a session for your team!

Kathy Hirsh-Pasek is a distinguished American developmental psychologist renowned for her extensive research in early childhood development, language acquisition, and the role of play in learning. She holds the position of Stanley and Debra Lefkowitz Professor of Psychology at Temple University, where she directs the Infant Language Laboratory. Additionally, she serves as a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution.  Throughout her career, Dr Hirsh-Pasek has authored 17 books and over 250 publications, contributing significantly to the fields of language development and playful learning. Her notable works include “Einstein Never Used Flashcards,” which received the Books for a Better Life Award in 2003, and “Becoming Brilliant: What Science Tells Us About Raising Successful Children,” which appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list in education.  Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, such as the American Psychological Association’s Bronfenbrenner Award for Lifetime Contribution to Developmental Psychology in the Service of Science and Society, and the Association for Psychological Science’s James McKeen Cattell Fellow Award.

Beyond her academic achievements, Dr Hirsh-Pasek co-founded the Learning Science Exchange Fellowship, uniting scientists, journalists, policymakers, and entertainers to disseminate learning science to educators. She also initiated Playful Learning Landscapes, a project that redesigns public spaces with scientifically informed designs to enhance educational and social opportunities. In 2021, she was elected to the National Academy of Education, underscoring her impact on educational research and policy.

Her recent work includes the book “Making Schools Work: Bringing the Science of Learning to Joyful Classroom Practice,” co-authored with educators and scientists to promote engaging and effective teaching methods.

Dr Hirsh-Pasek frequently shares her expertise through media outlets like NPR and The New York Times, and contributes to the Brookings Institution’s blog, bridging the gap between scientific research and public understanding.

Join Dr. Amie Fabry as she celebrates the trailblazers revolutionizing early childhood education. In each episode, delve into the inspiring journeys of leaders dedicated to crafting environments where young minds flourish. Discover their leadership insights, the challenges they’ve conquered, and their unwavering commitment to making a difference. Whether you’re a teacher, leader, parent, or professional supporting children’s development, these stories aim to connect, encourage, and inspire you to lead with purpose. Together, we hold the collective responsibility of nurturing our youngest citizens, ensuring they have the foundation to thrive today and into the future. Tune in and be part of the movement shaping the future of early childhood education! See more or request a session at www.thelearningfuture.com