The ECE Classroom with Susie Beghin

In this episode, Ramona Mathew, BCBA, from Spokes Autism Services shares insights with parents and educators about autism therapy, play-based learning, and building trust with children. Discover practical strategies for supporting children withautism and fostering meaningful connections.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Early Childhood Education and Autism02:36 Ramona's Journey in Autism Services05:08 Understanding Play in Children with Autism07:59 Building Independent Skills in Children with Autism10:38 Motivation and Reinforcement Strategies13:09 Effective Use of Rewards and Reinforcement15:55 Building Relationships with Children with Autism28:03 Final Advice for Parents and Educators ResourcesSpokes Autism Services - www.spokesautismservices.caPicture Exchange Communication System (PECS) -https://pecs.comInstagram - https://instagram.com/spokes.autismMusic by pixabay

In this episode, Susie Beghin interviews Emily Walz, theDirector of Learning at the Zones of Regulation. They discuss the importance of emotional regulation in early childhood education, the framework of the Zones of Regulation, and how it can be used to support neurodiverse learners. Emilyemphasizes the need for educators to teach emotional literacy and regulation skills, and the importance of creating a compassionate and understanding environment for all learners. The conversation highlights the significance ofrecognizing and normalizing all emotions, and the role of co-regulation in helping children develop these essential skills.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Zones of Regulation01:35 What is the Zones of Regulation?05:40 Exploring the Four Colour Zones 07:43 Normalizing all emotions and creating safe environments12:15 How to Use Zones for Neurodiverse children15:28 Seeing Behaviour Differently and Co-regulation20:34 Susie’s Reflection on Today’s TopicAbout Our GuestEmily is a licensed Special Education Teacher with over 20 years of experience in the field of education. She spent the first 15 years of her career teaching special education and leading social-emotional learning (SEL) initiatives in New York City and the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. Emily’s role as Director of Learning Experience & Innovation at The Zones of Regulation allows her to use her rich experience to be hands-on in developing curriculum content and training for Zones leaders, as well as consulting with schools, districts, and organizations in the U.S. and abroad.www.zonesofregulation.com Music by Mykola Odnoroh from Pixabay

In this episode, Susie Beghin interviews Anu Guttorm, the owner of Moomin Language School, to explore the unique aspects of Finland's early childhood education system. They discuss the importance of emotional learning, the role of play in education, and the innovative approach of language immersion. Anu shares insights into how Finnish educators prioritize social skills and emotional development over academic skills in early childhood, and how her school utilizes digital tools to facilitate language learning. The conversation highlights the significance of nurturing curiosity and creativity in young learners, as well as the potential for technology to enhance educational experiences.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Early Childhood Education in Finland03:26 Approach to Early Childhood Education in Finland07:30 Structure of the Day in Finnish Early Childhood Education10:00 Emotional Learning and Social Skills in Finnish Education11:22 The Importance of Free Play and Child-Led Learning14:15 Digital Language Immersion: A Unique Approach to Learning22:40 Future of Language Learning and Technology in Education25:10 Susie’s Reflection on Today’s topicAbout Our GuestAnu Guttorm is the founder and CEO of Moomin Language School, where they blend Finnish education principles with safe, innovative technology. Through stories and play, they help children and educators discover the joy of language — and prepare young learners for meaningful connections in the future.www.moominls.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anuguttorm/

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 Reflection01:10 Storytelling as a Relationship02:27 Emotional Well-being in Education03:53 Behavior as Communication05:06 Learning Through Movement06:10 Building PartnershipsMusic by Mykola Odnoroh from Pixabay

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Early Literacy and Movement1:43 Incorporating Movement in Reading05:24 Engaging Children with Books06:44 Creating a Literacy-Rich Environment10:50 Making Reading Fun and Inclusive12:30 The Role of Parents in Early Literacy18:00 Understanding Different Learning Styles20:30 Resources for Early Readers22:40 Susie’s Insightson Learning to Read Through MovementAbout our GuestStefanie 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.comLink to Learn Letters with Confidence mini-course.https://susie-beghin-academy.thinkific.com/products/courses/teach-letters-with-confidenceMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠⁠License 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Early Childhood Education andLeadership02:37 The Importance of Play in Learning06:20 Educating Parents on Learning Through Play08:04 Role Modeling and Scaffolding in Education11:24 Creating a Playful Learning Environment15:12 The Role of Educators in Learning17:30 Building a Supportive Team Culture20:18 Balancing Freedom and Accountability in Leadership25:32 Intergenerational Dynamics in Education29:10 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsAbout Our GuestErica 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.comhttps://www.instagram.com/ccdcpodcasthttps://www.youtube.com/@childcaredirectorschair690Music from #Uppbeat (free forCreators!):⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠License 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 Introduction01:18 Managing Transitions03:40 Creating Outdoor Learning Environments09:35 Welcoming New Students to Daycare13:00 Celebrating Milestones: Graduation in DaycareMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠License 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!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Circle Time 02:58 Why is Circle Time Important in the Early Years06:00 Components of a Successful Circle Time 09:12 Benefits of Circle Time for Transitions11:42 Spontaneous Circles 14:50 Music and Movement Ideas21:27 Storytelling Ideas29:14 Susie’s reflection and takeawaysAbout Jacky SheppardWith 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-b⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠License 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 Introductions02:21 What is the Science of Happiness04:24 The Sustainable Happiness Model09:26 Intentional Strategies to Achieve Happiness16:12 Influence of Educators on Children's Happiness20:17 Physical Effects of Positive Emotions25:57 Susie’s Reflection and TakeawaysAbout Christine ZupoChristine 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 WorkshopsPlease 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=sharebuttonMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):⁠⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠⁠License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA

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

In this episode of the ECE Classroom Podcast, host Susie Beghin speaks with Mary Plain, a speech and language pathologist from Hello Speech. They discuss the importance of early identification of speech delays in children, strategies for educators to support language development, and how to approach parents about potential concerns. Mary emphasizes the distinction between speech and language, the significance of early intervention, and the resources available for educators and parents to enhance communication skills in children. Susie further explores the differences between speech and language and emphasizes the importance of language development in early childhood education. She highlights the impact of daycare programs on speech and language development and the benefits of a classroom environment. She emphasizes the importance of early intervention and the de-stigmatization of speech and language services in education. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Hello Speech Developmental Services 02:15 Identifying Speech Delays in Early Childhood Education 06:25 Approaching Parents About Speech Services 10:10 Strategies for Supporting Children with Speech Delays 11:56 Understanding the Difference Between Speech and Language 16:45 Enhancing Communication with Visual Aids and Sign Language 20:52 The Impact of Daycare Programs on Speech and Language Development 22:54 Looking Beyond Words: Assessing Communication in Children About Mary Plain (Hello Speech) Mary Plain is a Master’s level Speech-Language Pathologist and is registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO). Since 2005, she has been practicing with specialties in the areas of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Motor Speech Disorders, Social-Communication challenges, Late Talkers, and Language Disorders. www.hellospeechgta.com 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 Rusty Keeler, a natural playscape designer and advocate for nature play. They discuss the importance of nature play for children's development and how to incorporate nature into outdoor play spaces. Rusty emphasizes the need for small steps, such as adding planter boxes or loose parts, to create a more natural environment. They also touch on the concept of risky play and the benefits it offers. But before you acquire materials to transform your outdoor space, Rusty suggests the most important thing to do is to evaluate what you will allow - what you say "yes" to! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:50 The Importance of Nature Play 05:00 Incorporating Nature into Outdoor Play Spaces 12:05 Must-have Play Equipment to Improve Outdoor Spaces 16:03 What Loose Parts to Add to Outdoor Spaces 19:34 Addressing Concerns about Messy Play and Risky Play 28:55 Susie’s Reflection and Takeaways About Nature Play and Improving Outdoor Play Spaces About Rusty Keeler Rusty Keeler is a designer, author, and speaker with a unique sensitivity to the sights, sounds and experiences of childhood. For over 30 years Rusty has traveled the world designing natural outdoor play environments and speaking about the benefits and beauty of saying “yes” to children’s play. Creating a sense of place and playful connections to the natural world are at the heart of Rusty’s design work. Described as a cross between Mr Rogers and Jerry Garcia, Rusty is the author of multiple books on play and playscapes including his new book Adventures in Risky Play: What is Your Yes? (Exchange Press: 2020)Rusty is a frequent keynote speaker and presenter at conferences, communities, and colleges worldwide — but he also likes being home enjoying a creative life with his family in his backyard and the creeks and gorges of Ithaca, NY. www.rustykeeler.com Free OUTDOOR LOOSE PARTS Guide https://rustykeeler.com/loosepartslistfd/ @rusty_keeler_designs Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠ License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA

In this episode, Susie Beghin interviews Erica Saccoccio, the owner of a multi-location child care center, about play-based learning. Erica explains that play-based learning should be fun and engaging while also having a learning goal in mind. She emphasizes the importance of intentional materials and guiding children in their learning. Erica also discusses the use of observation-based learning and the importance of teacher engagement and enjoyment in the learning process. The conversation covers topics such as the role of routines in play-based learning, the importance of autonomy for children, and how to communicate the benefits of play-based learning to parents. Play-based learning is more than just unstructured free play. It requires intent and purpose. Susie Beghin shares five key principles of play: following the child's lead, engaging in meaningful conversation, asking open-ended questions, playing at the child's physical level, and engaging in both free play and intentional play. These principles create a safe space for children to learn, explore, and express themselves. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:34 Defining Play-Based Learning 03:35 How to Encourage Educators to Play 7:28 How to make Routines Playful and Child-Directed 9:25 Fostering Autonomy and Belonging in the Classroom 12:35 Communicating the Benefits of Play-Based Learning to Parents 20:02 Susie’s Reflection on Creating Engaging and Intentional Play Experiences using the 5 Key Principles of Play About Our Guest Erica is a motivational speaker with 23+ years of experience as 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/ccdcpodcast https://www.youtube.com/@childcaredirectorschair690 Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): ⁠⁠⁠https://uppbeat.io/t/fortune-cookie/golden-summer-lenny-b⁠⁠⁠ License code: STFPDU3XL7ZR4CHA