The Big Hearted Podcast

Running a family day care service means wearing many hats: educator, business owner, administrator, accountant, and future planner. In this episode of the Big Hearted Podcast, I sit down with Shannon Knight from Ledger Management, a former family day care educator turned accountant, to unpack the financial side of family day care. Together, we discuss the common mistakes educators make when managing their finances, why understanding your numbers matters, and how simple systems can help you build a sustainable and profitable business. We dive into tax deductions, superannuation, GST, pricing, profit, insurance, assistants, WorkCover, and the financial mindset shifts every educator needs to make to create a thriving family day care business that supports both their present and future selves. This conversation is practical, honest, and packed with actionable advice that could save educators thousands of dollars while helping them feel more confident about the business side of family day care. Whether you're new to family day care or you've been operating for years, this episode will encourage you to stop treating your service like a hobby and start treating it like the valuable professional business it truly is.   Resources mentioned: • Ledger Management Family Day Care Services:www.ledgermanagement.com.au/familydaycareservices • Shannon Knight – Ledger Management • Family Day Care Tax Guide eBook (available via the link above)   Please remember: The information shared in this episode is general in nature and should not be considered financial advice. Always seek advice specific to your personal circumstances.

Hello, my lovely listeners 💛 This week’s episode is a heavy one, but one we must have. We’re diving into the real reason behind the Department's push to ban personal devices in early childhood settings, including family day care. And let me be upfront, this is not one to listen to with children nearby. This conversation includes disturbing truths around child safety, exploitation, and the vulnerabilities within our sector that are being taken advantage of in horrifying ways. It’s triggering, it’s confronting, but it’s necessary. If you work in early childhood education, especially in leadership, you need to hear this.   What I Covered in This Episode: Why the Device Ban is Being Proposed This isn’t about overreach or bureaucracy. It’s about protecting children from predators who are misusing personal devices to record and share abusive content. I break down exactly how this is happening, and why simply switching to a "business-owned device" doesn’t solve the core issue. The Vulnerabilities in Our Sector We speak openly about the deep cracks in the early childhood system: understaffing, underqualified educators, rushed training pathways, and casual workforces. All of these create the perfect storm for grooming and exploitation. We must stop being naïve about this. Why Family Day Care is Different Family day care offers consistency and relationships. One educator from open to close means fewer opportunities for exploitation. This is one of our sector's greatest strengths, and it’s time we stood up for it. The Role of Technology and Apps I share my strong concerns about the use of apps that share images of children, even in "private" groups. The moment you press send, you lose control. With AI and deepfakes now in play, even innocent images can be manipulated in unimaginable ways. Taking Real Action It's not enough to simply comply. We need to understand why these changes are happening, have courageous conversations, and come together as a sector to create real, child-centred policies.   Practical Ideas You Can Use Straight Away: Stop posting identifiable photographs of children, no matter how "secure" you believe the platform to be Host a team discussion about the realities of online safety and exploitation Participate in the Service Leader Forum and contribute your ideas, concerns, and solutions Educate yourself and your team by listening to Children in the Pictures and The Silk Road episodes Push for thoughtful, robust policies that go beyond surface-level compliance   Why This Matters: The children in our care depend on us, not just to educate them, but to protect them. That means doing the uncomfortable work. That means choosing action over avoidance. And that means understanding the real risks, not the sanitised version. We cannot be passive observers. We must be the professionals who advocate fiercely for child safety and the integrity of our sector.   What’s Coming Up: • Service Leader Forum Happening Monday night Submit your form beforehand so we can collate concerns, share ideas, and advocate together • Educator Forum – Week of 28 July All educators welcome. We’ll present what’s emerged from the leadership forum and open the floor for educator voices. Your input matters • Special Guests: Kristie McVee + Kayleen from eSafety Joining us in the second forum to help shape effective, real-world solutions   Links Mentioned: • Children in the Pictures – Spotify • Casefile: The Silk Road Episode   A Few Final Thoughts: “We just can’t be quiet. We can’t let other people make all these decisions for us. We have to gather together, we have to work together, and we have to unite.” This is a defining moment for our sector, and what we choose to do next matters. If we don’t speak up, we hand our power over to people who don’t understand our context, our strengths, or our heart.   Your Challenge This Week: Share this episode with your service leaders or team Start a real conversation about digital safety and the use of personal devices Fill in the forum form – your voice is needed Reflect on your documentation and image-sharing practices. Do they truly protect the children in your care?   Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: Was this episode hard to listen to? What stood out to you? Are you planning to make changes? Message me or share your reflections. I’d love to hear what you’re thinking. Thanks for holding this space with me today. Let’s be the educators who lead with courage, integrity, and heart. Speak soon, Big love 💛

Hello, my lovely listeners! This week, I’m diving into something crucial for every family day care educator—being prepared for when things go wrong. Whether it’s natural disasters, unexpected closures, or financial hiccups, too many educators are one emergency away from financial stress. This episode isn’t about fear—it’s about empowerment. It’s about taking control, planning ahead, and making sure you have the safety nets in place to protect yourself, your business, and your well-being. Because no one is coming to save you—you have to take charge of your own future.   What I Covered in This Episode: Why Charging Your Worth is Essential One of the biggest mistakes I see educators making? Undervaluing their work. You are not “profiting off the children” (let’s shut that idea down right now!). You are profiting off your hard work, your resources, and your expertise. And that’s how it should be! If you’re still operating at the CCS cap, you’re working below minimum wage—and that’s not sustainable. The Importance of Emergency Funds Imagine you had to close for a week—could you afford it? Having an emergency fund means you can take time off without stress. Even setting aside one day’s pay per season can make a difference. Why You Need Income Protection & Disability Insurance This is the one thing I want you to take action on today. Pick up the phone and call your super company. Make sure you have income protection and total permanent disability insurance. It’s a small cost now but could be life-changing if you ever need it. How Clear Policies Can Save You From Stress If you’re still accepting payments from families yourself, you NEED a strict policy in place. No more chasing unpaid fees! If a family won’t pay now, they won’t pay later. Have a clear payment policy, enforce it, and protect yourself from financial loss. The Power of Community & Self-Care Your support network matters. Whether it’s fellow educators, a professional mentor, or a trusted friend, having people to lean on can make all the difference. And don’t forget to look after yourself! Regular self-care (yes, even in the chaos!) helps you think clearly, problem-solve effectively, and avoid burnout.   5 Ways to Protect Yourself & Your Business Charge your worth – Your work is valuable, and you deserve to be paid fairly. Build a financial buffer – Start small, but start today. Sort out your insurance – It’s not a “nice-to-have”, it’s a must. Set clear policies & enforce them – Stop letting unpaid fees drain your income. Lean on your community – Support makes all the difference.   A Few Final Thoughts: Tough times will come—that’s life. But with the right financial, practical, and emotional safety nets, you can navigate challenges without spiralling into stress. Your challenge this week: Call your super company. Check your insurance cover and make sure you’re protected. This is one small step that could make a huge impact on your future.   Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: Did this episode hit home for you? What’s one thing you’re going to change in your family day care business to be better prepared? Send me a message or leave a comment—I’d love to hear from you! Thanks for spending this time with me today. Let’s continue to advocate for slow, intentional, and heart-centred education.  Speak soon! 💛

Hello, my lovely listeners! This week, we’re diving into something so close to my heart—supporting children’s independence. If you’ve ever found yourself rushing to do things for children instead of with them, or if you’re wondering how to step back and truly empower the little ones in your care, this episode is for you. Independence isn’t about children doing everything alone—it’s about giving them the space, trust, and skills to feel capable and confident in their own abilities. So let’s explore what this looks like in practice and how we, as educators, can move from directors to facilitators in their learning journeys.   What I Covered in This Episode: Why Independence is the Heart of School Readiness Forget rote learning and worksheets—true school readiness is about emotional regulation, communication, and responsibility. If children can express their needs, manage their emotions, and take ownership of small tasks, they’re on the right track. The Biggest Barrier to Independence? Us. Oof. This one might sting a little. But it’s true—the biggest hurdle to children developing independence is often the adults in their lives. We step in too quickly, we do things for them instead of with them, and we rush transitions. I share how to reframe our mindset so we can start truly trusting children’s capabilities. The Art of Facilitating Instead of Directing As educators, we need to give just enough support—but not too much. I’ll walk you through how to balance guidance with letting go, so children can problem-solve, take risks, and feel the deep satisfaction of mastering new skills. Let’s Talk Transitions Morning routines, meal prep, getting ready for outside play—these are all golden opportunities for children to practise independence. But when we rush them, we rob children of that chance. I share simple ways to slow down and create smoother transitions that encourage self-sufficiency.   Five Simple Ways to Support Independence Today: Pause before helping. Instead of jumping in, take a breath and ask, “What do you think you could try next?” Give them time to process and problem-solve. Trust that they are capable. When we stop hovering and start believing in their abilities, children rise to the challenge. Give them real responsibilities. Putting away their shoes, setting the table, packing their bag—small tasks build confidence in big ways. Slow down your transitions. Rushing creates stress (for us and for them). Give clear cues and allow time for children to move through routines at their own pace. Celebrate effort, not just outcomes. Whether it’s putting on socks or pouring water, focus on the process rather than perfection.   A Direct Quote from Me in This Episode: “If we don’t trust the children, they are never going to trust themselves. Imagine being an adult who grows up not trusting that they can do things and they can manage in life. Like, what are we doing? Honestly, like what are we doing? We do not allow children to play unsupervised under the helicopter anymore. And it happens in early childhood education too. And I understand the need for supervision when you're dealing with other people's children and preventable things are happening. Like, there needs to be accountability in that.”   What’s Coming Up: Helicopter to Hands-Off Free Workshop – Learn how to stop hovering and start empowering. Register Here (Starts 4th March!) Essential Elements Course – A deep dive into creating a calm, purposeful practice that supports children’s independence. Join the waitlist   Your Challenge This Week: Take a step back and observe. Where are you stepping in too quickly? Try pausing before offering help and see what happens when you give children space to try first.   Let’s Keep the Conversation Going! I’d love to hear from you—what’s one way you’re fostering independence in your family day care setting? Send me a message or leave a comment! Thanks for being here, for the work you do, and for joining me on this journey towards Big Hearted Education. Let’s keep lifting children up by trusting them to shine. Speak soon! 💛

 Welcome back to the Big Hearted Podcast! This week, we’re diving into something I feel really passionate about—encouraging a cultural shift in family day care. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the answer to burnout in FDC is slow pedagogy. When we slow down, tune into the children, and create mindful, intentional environments, everything changes. The children thrive, we thrive, and we stop feeling like we’re constantly running on empty. In this episode, I break down: Why slow pedagogy is the key to reducing burnout The four pillars of a successful FDC business—and why they all need attention How to set boundaries with families (because you are not their emotional dumping ground!) The importance of mindful planning so you can actually enjoy your work Why you should never feel guilty for making a profit in FDC If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or just need a reminder that you deserve to love your work, this episode is for you.   5 Ways to Shift the Culture in FDC Be present. Put down the to-do list, stop rushing, and actually observe the children in front of you. Hold firm boundaries. Your role is to care for the children—not provide free counselling for parents. Declutter your space. Too much “stuff” = overstimulation for children and stress for you. Less is more. Get your business in order. Financial stress will pull your energy away from the children—stay on top of it. Trust yourself. You know what the children need. You are a professional. Act like it.   A Quote From This Episode "You are not profiting off the children. Let me be really clear about that. You are profiting off the hard work that you've done. The parents are paying you for the time freedom for themselves to be able to go and earn their income. You are not profiting off the children. You are not out there selling the children's artwork or, um, selling them to go and dig holes in someone's garden, like, you are not profiting off the children. You are profiting off the hard work that you put in."   Social Media Quote "The best thing we can do for children in FDC? Slow. Down. When we move with intention, we see more, we connect deeper, and we stop feeling exhausted all the time."   What's Coming Up: Autumn Planning Session (15th Feb 2025): www.bigheartededucation.com/autumnplanning2025 Dream Lead Play Conference (June, Gold Coast): www.bigheartededucation.com/conference Essential Elements Programme: www.bigheartededucation.com/essential-elements   Let’s make FDC better for us and for the children. Big love, and see you next time!

Beyond the Rush – Embracing Slow Pedagogy for Educators and Children Hello, hello, and welcome back to the Big Hearted Podcast! This week’s episode comes off the back of an email from Miss Jodie, who loved last week’s episode so much that she’s listened to it four times already! She’s also super keen for the Helicopter to Hands-Off workshop happening in March, so I thought—let’s dig a little deeper into this idea of slow pedagogy. I’ll be honest, I had no idea what slow pedagogy was when I first started Big Hearted Education in 2020. But once I found the words for it, I realised that everything I’ve been teaching and practicing as an educator has been leading to this. It’s all about slowing down, being present, and taking a purposeful, intentional approach to how we run our family day care services. In this episode, I’m sharing my own experiences from running an FDC while being an approved provider, coordinator, and educational leader—all at the same time (yep, ninja-level time management required!). I talk about how I had to shift my mindset, step away from the rush, and create a rhythm in my day that worked for both me and the children. Because here’s the thing—when you’re stressed, the children feel it. And they’ll respond to the energy you bring into the space. So, let’s talk about how to break free from the rush, ditch the overwhelm, and embrace a way of working that actually feels good.   What You’ll Hear in This Episode: How slow pedagogy helps educators feel less overwhelmed and more connected Why routines aren’t the answer—but rhythm and flow are The biggest mistake educators make when trying to be "hands-off" How to set up your day for success (so you’re not scrambling to get things done) What it actually means to step back and let children lead   5 Ways to Slow Down in Your FDC Ditch rigid routines – Swap them out for an ebb and flow approach that follows the children’s natural rhythms. Revisit experiences – There’s nothing wrong with spending six weeks on painting and exploring it in different ways! Step back from the play – Give children space to figure things out on their own before stepping in. Be prepared behind the scenes – A well-run day isn’t about micromanaging; it’s about having things ready before they’re needed. Trust that less is more – You don’t need to cram your day with activities to prove you’re doing a great job. Deep, meaningful engagement beats quantity every time.   A Quote from This Episode: "When you are professionally holding yourself accountable as a family daycare professional, you start to put different meaning on the work that you're doing. And it becomes far more professionally fulfilling for you. When you have purpose and you understand why you're doing what you do. So that's a really positive benefit for educators because when things are slowed down enough, it gives you space to actually ponder and ask questions of yourself around what's actually happening."   Social Media Quote: "We rush children too much. There’s nothing wrong with spending six weeks on painting, exploring different tools, techniques, and textures. Learning deepens when we revisit, reflect, and build on experiences over time." #SlowPedagogy   Links & Resources Mentioned: Dream Lead Play Conference (Early Bird Tickets Until 31st Jan) → Get Your Tickets Here 90-Day Autumn Planning Session (15th Feb) → https://bigheartededucation.com/autumn-planning-2025 Helicopter to Hands-Off Workshop (3rd March) → Book Now Essential Elements Course (12-Month Blueprint for FDC Educators) → Join The Waitlist  

Welcome to Season 4 of the Big Hearted Podcast and the beginning of an inspiring 2025! In this first episode of the year, we take a reflective look through what’s to come for Big Hearted Education, with an overarching focus on slowing down and swinging the pendulum back to a simpler, more intentional way of working and living. What You’ll Hear in This Episode Slowing Down for 2025 Exploring the concept of "swinging the pendulum back" and simplifying our work with children. Why less is more: prioritising presence and connection over busyness and comparison. How stress impacts relationships—especially with the children we work with—and how to create calm, joyful spaces. A Journey of Connection and Inspiration as I briefly touch on my solo travel adventure across Canada, the US, and Mexico, meeting inspiring educators, attending workshops, and connecting with like-minded professionals. Highlights include visiting outdoor forest schools, attending ECE conferences, and bringing incredible ideas back to Australia! Exciting Plans for 2025 Professional Development Programs: Helicopter to Hands-Off opens the doors to The Essential Elements in March with fresh perspectives and bonuses! Revisiting this course? Learn how to deepen your understanding and celebrate your progress. Big Hearted Summit – May 7-9, 2025: Theme: How to Swing the Pendulum – practical tools and reflective sessions to help educators slow down and simplify. Incredible speakers, including Kristin Day, Ade Hoffman, and more. New format: Q&A sessions the week after to allow for more thoughtful engagement. Inaugural Big Hearted Conference – June 5-7, 2025: A unique two-day conference on the Gold Coast, designed for both service staff and educators. Speakers will address challenges specific to family day care, such as remote leadership, child protection, and professional boundaries. VIP opportunities for in-depth learning, connection, and celebration. Seasonal Planning Days & Intentional 2026 Planning session: Quarterly planning sessions to align your work with your values. Then, in November, the chance to map out your non-negotiables and create a balanced, intentional year for 2026. Reflection & Intentionality in Practice The push for 2025 is not about doing more—it’s about finding joy, embracing simplicity, and focusing on the "why" behind your work. An exploration into slow pedagogy, reducing overwhelm, and reclaiming child-led play. Key Takeaways I share a personal look at the challenges faced in recent years—from bushfires to COVID to personal hardships—and how these experiences have shaped my vision for Big Hearted Education. This year is all about slowing down, simplifying, and finding alignment. If you’re ready to step back, reflect, and make space for what truly matters, this is the year to join the Big Hearted community! Links & Resources Join the Essential Elements Waitlist (March launch): https://www.bigheartededucation.com/waitlist Big Hearted Summit (May 7-9) Get Early Bird Tickets for the Big Hearted Conference (June 5-7): www.bigheartededucation.com/conference Access Seasonal Planning Sessions: https://www.bigheartededucation.com/autumn-planning-2025 If you have ideas for future podcast episodes or topics you'd like explored, feel free to reach out via DM or email. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey—here’s to a big-hearted and intentional 2025! 💜 Big Love, V xxx

In today’s episode of The Big Hearted Podcast, I’m excited to introduce the upcoming ABCs to FDC course, a free three-night event created to support family day care (FDC) educators with practical strategies for the most common challenges. Launching on 14 October, this course will cover everything from filling vacancies and finding work-life balance to building a strong money mindset. It’s designed to boost your confidence, clarify your unique strengths, and help you run a thriving FDC.   Here’s What You’ll Hear Today: I’ll be walking you through what inspired me to create the ABCs to FDC and why each topic is something I know can make a difference in your daily work.   Here’s a snapshot of what we’ll cover over the three nights: Night One: Standing Out and Filling Vacancies We’ll dive into why just posting about vacancies isn’t enough. I’ll share tips on creating a powerful first impression, showing what makes you unique, and reaching the families who are the perfect fit for your program. Night Two: Achieving Work-Life Balance Burnout is common in FDC, and we want to prevent it. I’ll share practical strategies for managing your workload with techniques like time-blocking and batching, so you can protect your personal time and build long-term success in FDC. Night Three: Money Mindset and Budgeting A healthy approach to income and budgeting can transform how you see your work and your worth. I’ll cover everything from pricing confidently to budgeting effectively, helping you make the most of your earnings. Why I Created The ABCs to FDC This course is for educators like you who want clear, actionable steps to manage the business side of FDC, protect your wellbeing, and feel confident in charging what your unique care is worth. Each night, I’ll share real-life strategies and action steps you can start using right away, designed to make your role easier, more enjoyable, and financially sustainable.   Course Details Start Date: Monday, 14 October Time: 7:30 PM (QLD) / 8:30 PM (AEDT) Sign Up: bigheartededucation.com/abc-fdc   Join me and the Big Hearted community for The ABCs to FDC – let’s work together to make your FDC the best it can be. I can’t wait to see you there!

In this week’s episode of the Big Hearted Podcast, I delve into the world of documentation in family day care settings, challenging the norms that often lead to unnecessary stress for both educators and children alike. I discuss the importance of simplifying documentation processes to focus more on meaningful interactions and observations that genuinely benefit children’s development and well-being. Key Points Discussed: Simplifying Documentation: There's no one-size-fits-all method to documentation. I talk about the benefits of using a standardized planner to streamline the process across multiple educators, allowing for more efficient reviews and support. The Trap of Over-Documentation: Often, we educators feel pressured to link every observation to outcomes or follow-ups, leading to a cycle of overwork and stress. I explore how reducing the compulsion to over-document can free up time for more valuable, child-centric activities. Fostering Emotional Resilience in Children: The episode highlights the importance of fostering emotional resilience and self-regulation in children, emphasizing observational learning over direct instruction in early stages. Intentional Teaching and Play: I offer practical advice on balancing structured teaching with ample opportunities for child-led play, which is crucial for children's learning and development. Community Engagement and Parental Involvement: I provide tips on engaging parents in a light-hearted, meaningful way that respects their time and involvement preferences, without overwhelming them with technical jargon or excessive documentation. Episode Highlights: Practical Tips: Suggestions for integrating daily chores and activities that children can participate in, promoting a sense of responsibility and community. Mental Health Awareness: A candid discussion on the mental health of educators and children, advocating for a calm, relaxed environment that reflects positively on children’s behaviour and stress levels. Invitations for Listener Interaction: I encourage you to share your experiences with documentation and any changes you’ve implemented that have positively impacted your practice. Additional Resources: ABC’s to FDC Program: I introduce an upcoming program designed to help educators become leaders in their field, work efficiently, and enhance their service quality without increasing costs. This course starts on the 14th of October at 7pm QLD time. You can register at Register Here Essential Elements Course: Details on a comprehensive course covering various aspects of family day care, from business management to sustainable practices and deeply connected relationships.  Join waitlist here Exclusive FDC Membership Hub: Information on joining a community that offers monthly masterclasses, book clubs, and Q&A sessions to foster a supportive network of educators.   Connect With Us: Visit our website at Big Hearted Education for more resources and information. Join the conversation on social media and share your thoughts on this episode or what you’d like to hear next on the Big Hearted Podcast.  

Podcast Show Notes: Mindfulness in Family Daycare - Finding Calm in the Chaos In this week’s episode of the Big Hearted Podcast, I’m covering the topic of mindfulness in family day care and how it can help us, as educators, find calm amidst the everyday chaos. With so many of us feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, it’s so important that we create space for ourselves and the children we care for to slow down and reconnect. Key Topics: Burnout in the Industry: I talk about the increasing number of educators feeling stressed and burnt out, particularly in long daycare, and how family day care offers a different approach to managing these challenges. Mindfulness plays a huge role in helping us navigate these feelings. Mindfulness in Action: I share my experiences of how practising mindfulness has shaped the way I run my service. This includes being mindful about the children I welcome into care, recognising my limits, and creating a space where both the children and I can thrive. Setting Boundaries: Saying no is okay. I explain why it’s important to understand our capacity as educators and how setting boundaries allows us to provide better care without feeling overwhelmed. It’s essential to communicate openly with service providers to ensure we’re on the same page. Calming the Day’s Rhythm: Establishing a calm, predictable routine makes a world of difference. I discuss how slowing down and giving children the time and space for unstructured play supports their development and helps create a more peaceful environment for everyone. Curating Your Group: One of the unique advantages of family day care is the ability to choose the children and families you work with. I talk about the importance of curating a group that aligns with your skills and values to foster a more harmonious and effective learning environment. Encouraging Unstructured Play: I touch on the benefits of unstructured play and how we, as educators, can step back and let children take the lead in their own learning. It’s about creating that space for imagination and problem-solving without overstimulation. Takeaways: Mindfulness isn’t just about quiet moments; it’s about being intentional with how we run our services, care for children, and care for ourselves. Setting clear boundaries and advocating for yourself leads to better care for the children and more sustainability for you as an educator. Creating a calm, mindful routine helps children engage in deeper play, and ultimately, gives us more space to connect and support their learning journey. Join the Conversation: I’d love to hear your thoughts on mindfulness in family day care! Whether you agree, disagree, or have your own ideas to share, I’m open to having those discussions. You can reach out through email or join the conversation on social media. Let’s support one another as we create more mindful, heart-centred environments for our children.

Welcome back to the Big Hearted Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of food education with the wonderful Mandy Dos Santos from Little People Nutrition. 🌱🥕 Mandy shares her expertise on how educators and parents can create meaningful connections with children through food, emphasising the importance of communal meals and food education beyond basic nutrition. In This Episode: Introduction to Mandy Dos Santos: Learn about Mandy’s journey from working in food manufacturing to becoming a passionate advocate for food education and community health. Discover how her background in nutrition and food science has shaped her approach to teaching children about food. Food Education vs. Nutrition Education: Mandy discusses the difference between teaching children about food as a holistic experience and focusing purely on nutritional content. She explains why it's crucial to build a relationship with food that goes beyond nutrients and calories. The Importance of Communal Meal Times: We explore the concept of communal meals in early childhood settings and how they serve as powerful touchpoints for connection, learning, and emotional development. Mandy shares insights on the profound impact that eating together can have on children's social and emotional growth. Challenging Progressive Mealtimes: Mandy and Victoria discuss the trend of progressive mealtimes and its impact on children’s sense of community and routine. They delve into the importance of rhythm and routine during meal times and why they believe in structured, communal eating experiences. Integrating Gardening and Food Education: Discover the benefits of incorporating paddock-to-plate programs in early childhood education. Mandy shares practical tips for educators on how to create meaningful gardening experiences, even in small spaces, and the value of teaching children where their food comes from. Empowering Educators and Parents: Mandy emphasises the role of family day care educators in creating nurturing, home-like environments that support healthy eating habits and foster deep connections. She offers practical advice on menu planning, involving children in meal preparation, and creating a positive food culture. Key Quotes: "It’s not just about the nutrients; it’s about the connection we build with food." – Mandy Dos Santos "If we can develop a relationship with food that is joyful and connected, we empower the health of our children as they grow." – Mandy Dos Santos "Educators have a unique opportunity to mirror a nurturing home environment, providing meals that are about connection and learning, not just feeding." – Mandy Dos Santos Resources Mentioned: Little People Nutrition: Mandy’s website offers a wealth of resources, including educational programs, books, and consultation services for early learning centres. Mandy’s Book – "At My Family Table": Explore Mandy’s book, which encourages families to come together at meal times, highlighting the social, emotional, and nutritional benefits of shared meals. The Golden Grove: Mandy’s not-for-profit paddock-to-plate program that runs playgroups, homeschool groups, and school visits, focusing on food education and connecting with nature. Connect with Mandy Dos Santos: Website: Little People Nutrition Instagram: @littlepeoplenutrition Facebook: Little People Nutrition Join the Conversation: We’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode! How do you approach mealtimes in your early learning environment? Do you have any tips for creating a positive food culture with young children? Share your insights and join the discussion on our social media channels. Subscribe & Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Big Hearted Podcast and leave a review on your favourite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more educators and parents dedicated to nurturing children’s growth and development. 🌟 Follow Us on Social Media:Stay up to date with all the latest episodes, news, and resources by following us on Instagram and Facebook.

In this week’s episode of the Big Hearted Education Podcast, we delve into a crucial conversation about the responsibilities of family day care educators under the National Law and Regulations. Prompted by a recent discussion with an authorized officer from the New South Wales Department of Education, our focus is on ensuring educators are well-informed about their legal obligations and the serious ramifications of non-compliance.   Key Topics Covered: Family Day Care Educators’ Legal Responsibilities: An exploration of the legal accountability of family day care educators, highlighting the necessity for all educators to be fully informed of their roles and responsibilities under the law. Importance of Awareness and Compliance: Discussing the importance of understanding the National Law and Regulations and the potential for personal liability and fines if these responsibilities are neglected. Real-Life Example: A candid account of a recent incident within a family day care service that underscores the importance of adherence to policies and regulations. Professional Development: Tips on how educators can enhance their understanding of the regulations, including practical advice on reading and familiarizing themselves with the legal requirements, such as taking regulations to leisurely activities for study. The Importance of Policy and Procedure Compliance: A look into the necessity of policy comprehension, the impact of policy versus regulation, and the educator's role in ensuring they meet the requirements of both. Regulatory Highlights: Detailed discussion on the specific regulations that family day care educators need to be aware of, including: Inadequate supervision Inappropriate discipline Failure to protect children from harm and hazards Health and hygiene practices Food safety standards Compliance with staff ratios and qualifications Notification and record-keeping requirements Empowering Educators: Encouragement for educators to take charge of their professional development and regulatory understanding to ensure they provide safe, compliant care. Reflective Questions: Are you fully aware of your legal responsibilities as a family day care educator? How often do you engage with the National Law and Regulations to ensure compliance? In what ways can you enhance your understanding of the policies and regulations that govern your practice? Resources: National Law and Regulations ACECQA (Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority)

Episode Summary: In this episode, we dive into the transformative power of intentional teaching and seasonal planning for early childhood educators. Discover how these strategies can enhance your work-life balance, increase your professionalism, and positively impact children's experiences.   Key Points: Introduction to Intentional Teaching: Understanding the concept of intentional teaching and its benefits. How intentional teaching can help educators feel more professional and balanced. The positive impact on children when educators use intentional teaching methods. Personal Journey and Challenges: The host shares their initial struggles with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). The journey from confusion to mastery of the EYLF. Importance of embracing and understanding educational frameworks. Seasonal Planning and Its Benefits: Introduction to 12-week seasonal planning. How seasonal planning aligns with the principles of Steiner education. The benefits of pre-planning activities and the positive effects on children and educators. Practical Applications: Strategies for implementing intentional teaching and seasonal planning. Examples of daily themed activities (e.g., painting, gardening, baking). Balancing child-led and educator-led activities for a more engaging learning environment. Professional Growth and Advocacy: The importance of educators' well-being and enjoyment in their roles. Encouraging a balance between structured planning and flexibility. Advocating for children's needs in the current educational landscape. Conclusion and Call to Action: Encouraging educators to join the Spring Planning session on 3rd August. Details on how to register for the session and what to expect. Emphasizing the value of connection and continuous learning in early childhood education.   Relevant Links: Register for the Spring Planning Session: www.bigheartededucation.com/spring-planning-2024   Hashtags: #bigheartededucation #bigheartedpodcast #FDC #FDCeducator #intentionalteaching #seasonalplanning #earlychildhoodeducation #professionaldevelopment #childledlearning #educatorwellbeing