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The Empowered Parent with Dana Baltutis
Welcome to The Empowered Parent Podcast Series 2.
This short series is inspired by the Australia and New Zealand Inaugural Neurodivergence and Wellbeing Conference.
Over the next few episodes, we’ll be shining a light on what it truly means to belong, and celebrating the lives, strengths, and stories of neurodivergent people.
I’ll be speaking with leaders, advocates, and thinkers from across Australia and New Zealand who are pioneering change. Together, we’ll explore how families, schools, and communities can move beyond old deficit views - and instead see neurodivergence as a vital part of human diversity.
This series is about hope, celebration, and possibility. It’s about recognising that there is a place in the world for everyone - and that when we create belonging, we all thrive.
Don’t forget to follow along, share your reflections, and join the conversation. You can connect with me at danabaltutis.com or mytherapyhouse.com.au
Let’s celebrate neurodivergence. Let’s celebrate belonging.
The Empowered Parent with Dana Baltutis
Episode 69: Neelam Khatri (Early Childhood Teacher) - What Every Parent Should Know Before Choosing Childcare and Kindergarten
Navigating the complex world of early childhood education can feel overwhelming for parents. In this illuminating conversation with Neelam Khatri, a kindergarten teacher with a Master's degree in teaching, we uncover the hidden depths of what really happens in childcare settings and kindergartens across Australia.
Neelam shares her personal journey from Nepal to Australia, where she discovered her passion for early childhood education after witnessing the pure joy of children in learning environments. What began as an exploratory career move blossomed into her true calling, eventually leading her to pursue advanced qualifications and extensive experience across various educational settings.
Perhaps most fascinating is Neelam's perspective on why children behave differently at home versus kindergarten. "The most safe space for them is where their mom and dad are," she explains, offering parents a comforting framework for understanding their child's seemingly contradictory behaviors. As both an educator and mother of two young children, Neelam brings a uniquely balanced perspective that bridges professional expertise with lived parental experience.
For parents selecting childcare options, Neelam provides invaluable criteria to consider: from centre size and communication methods to educational philosophies and staff qualifications. She demystifies the differences between various early childhood settings, breaks down staff-to-child ratios, and explains the extensive behind-the-scenes work educators perform—from documentation and programming to personalized learning support.
We also explore Australia's evolving early childhood landscape, including plans to extend free kindergarten programs to three-year-olds by 2032, and discuss the vital supports available for children with diverse needs. Throughout our conversation, Neelam emphasizes that play is learning, and that skilled educators are constantly observing, documenting, and nurturing development through seemingly simple activities.
Whether you're a first-time parent navigating childcare options or seeking to better understand your child's educational experience, this episode offers expert guidance, compassionate perspectives, and practical wisdom from someone who truly understands both sides of the early childhood journey.
danabaltutis.com, mytherapyhouse.com.au, https://mytherapyhouse.com.au/your-childs-therapy-journey/ https://www.danabaltutis.com/services
