Learn Play Thrive The Podcast

• Nurturing Sensory and Motor Development in Preschoolers

  Join us as we talk to Amanda Bacon, a highly experienced Paediatric Physiotherapist and designer of the Targeted Motor Control (TMC) Screening Tool. Amanda shows us that small, early interventions in motor and sensory development create exponential future outcomes for children.In this episode, we explore the typical developmental timelines for preschoolers, highlighting common motor skill immaturities and key sensory maturational milestones. Amanda explains the powerful link between a child's sensory system and their daily engagement and learning. You'll gain practical, holistic strategies to implement small changes in your ECEC setting that have lifelong impacts. Find out more:www.targetedmotorcontrol.com.auwww.instagram.com/tmc.helpingkids www.linkedin.com/company/targeted-motor-control/If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected] Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Email: [email protected]

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• Navigating the NQS #1: Standard 1.1 - Program

  This exciting new monthly mini-series, Navigating the NQS, is hosted by host Simone Brand! Drawing on her 15 years of experience as an educator, leader, and Approved Provider, Simone shares valuable insights into operating two exceeding-rated Long Day Care centres. This series is your go-to place for inspiration, practical tips and tools to help you grow your professional practice and move beyond compliance.In our very first episode, we're diving into Quality Area 1, Standard 1.1 - Program. Simone breaks down this crucial element of the National Quality Standard, sharing key learnings and actionable advice. She provides a fresh perspective, offering innovative ways to help you build a high-quality program for all children in your care. Tune in and get ready to be challenged and inspired!If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected] Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Email: [email protected]

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• Montessori in Action: Practical Strategies for your ECEC Setting

  We're excited to welcome back a very special international USA guest to the Learn Play Thrive podcast, early childhood educator and social-emotional learning expert, Cara Zelas! Cara, the founder of the educational platform Big World of Little Dude, brings a unique perspective shaped by her intensive study of Montessori education in New York. This week, we'll dive deep into the core principles of the Montessori philosophy and explore how they can be embedded into any early learning setting.In this insightful conversation, we'll also tackle some of the most common myths surrounding Montessori education. Cara also shares practical tips on how educators can apply key aspects of a "prepared environment" to nurture independence, foster a sense of community, and elevate their own teaching practice. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about how to create a more holistic learning space for young children.Find out more:www.worldoflittledude.com/www.instagram.com/worldoflittledudewww.linkedin.com/in/carazelas/www.facebook.com/WorldofLittleDude/ If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected] Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Email: [email protected]

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• Raising the Bar: A Guide to Thriving in the A&R Process

  The Assessment and Rating (A&R) process doesn't have to be a source of stress! This episode of Learn Play Thrive is here to transform your perspective. We're joined by the brilliant and innovative minds behind The National Quality Framework: The Musical, Dr. Red Ruby Scarlet and Louise Dorrat. With over 30 years of combined experience, these two thought leaders are masters at demystifying the A&R process and reframing it as an opportunity for professional growth. Tune in to hear them tackle common misconceptions and share practical strategies for services to shift their focus from "performing for the assessor" to genuinely embedding high-quality, reflective practice into their everyday work.Our conversation also dives deep into the heart of the National Quality Framework (NQF), exploring how services can effectively demonstrate their commitment to continuous improvement beyond a single assessment visit. We'll discuss the critical role of the Quality Improvement Plan in telling an ECEC service’s unique story of dedication and growth. Dr. Red Ruby Scarlet and Louise Dorrat also share their invaluable insights on building a child-safe culture, emphasising that a child’s right to safety is a non-negotiable foundation of quality practice—a commitment that goes far beyond simply meeting regulatory requirements.Find out more:www.louisedorrat.com.auwww.facebook.com/louise.dorratwww.redrubyscarlet.com.au/www.facebook.com/drredrubyscarlet/www.instagram.com/drredrubyscarlet/www.linktr.ee/dr_red_ruby_scarletwww.linkedin.com/in/redrubyscarlet/ If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected] Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Email: [email protected]

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• The Pedagogical Artistry of Shared Thinking

  In this inspiring episode, we welcome back the conversation from last week and dive into the newly released book, Redefining Planning and Assessment: Seeing Children Through Pedagogical Documentation. We're sitting down with David Gilkes (B.Ed, MECE), a highly respected early childhood educator and Consultant with 30 years of experience across the sector; and the author of Chapter 2 – Mini-Stories: The Pedagogical Artistry of Shared Thinking.Drawing from his extensive work with 4 and 5-year-olds and his deep engagement with the Reggio Emilia approach, David explores the true power and poetry of pedagogical documentation. He redefines documentation not as a task, but as a stance—a poetic and democratic commitment to listening to and learning alongside children.David's chapter is a standout moment of reflective depth, focusing on the pedagogical artistry of mini-stories. He unpacks the power of these rich narratives to offer windows into the thinking of both children and educators. David reveals how simple classroom moments can become profound vehicles for co-constructed learning and democratic dialogue.Find out more:www.davidgilkeseducation.com/www.facebook.com/dgilkeseducationconsultant/If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform. Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected] Connect with Us: - Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au - Instagram: @learnplaythrive_ - Email: [email protected]

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