Learn Play Thrive Early Education Podcast
Welcome to the Learn Play Thrive Early Eduction podcast! Join us for expert insights and interviews, practical tips and inspiring stories in Early Childhood Education and Care. Whether you are an educator or leader in the sector, this podcast is your go-to resource to discover strategies to foster learning, promote play and empower young minds to thrive.
Learn Play Thrive – A podcast for early childhood educators & sector leaders.
Pedagogy insights, play-based learning ideas, quality practices, and professional growth for early childhood educators.
Episodes
135 episodes
The 2026 ECEC Roadmap: Award Changes, Retention Payments, and NES Updates
In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, host Simone Brand broadcasts live from the ECA Regional, Rural & Remote Forum to tackle the most pressing legal and industrial shifts hitting the ECEC sector. We are joined by Leanne Cruden, a seasoned ...
S2E2 Little Library: Castle Crashing
In this episode of Learn Play Thrive’s Little Library, we head to the seaside to explore the 2026 CBCA Notable picture book, Castle Crashing. Join host Linda Harrison and award-winning author Andrea Rowe as they dive into the relatable...
Sector Insights from Family Day Care Australia
In this episode of Learn Play Thrive, host Simone Brand sits down with Andrew Paterson, CEO of Family Day Care Australia (FDCA). With over a decade of leadership at the national peak body, Andrew pulls back the curtain on the unique strengths o...
Road Safety In Early Education #1: Key Road Safety Messages
Welcome to a special edition of the Learn Play Thrive podcast as we launch an exciting 10-part mini-series Road Safety in Early Education. Recorded in partnership with Kids and Traffic, the Early Childhood Road Safety Education ...
Educational Leadership in ECEC
In this episode, we sit down with pedagogical leader Kelly Goodsir to explore the transformative power of intentional inquiry and deep listening in early learning. With over 20 years of experience, Kelly discusses how to reimagine educational l...
Navigating the NQS #7: Standard 3.2 Physical Environment - Use
In this episode, host Simone Brand explores National Quality Standard 3.2 - Use of the Physical Environment. We dive into: - Element 3.2.1 and the importance of creating a sense of belonging through responsive, inclusive pedagogy.-...
The Hundred Languages of Children: An Introduction to Reggio Emilia
In this episode, we are joined by a powerhouse duo from the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange (REAIE) - Chairperson Kate Mount and General Manager Cara Mearns. With over six decades of combined experience, Kate and Cara explore the p...
Play Provocations #3: Risky Play for Preschoolers
Join hosts Linda Harrison and Lindsay Laing as they explore the vital role of Risky Play in early childhood settings! Find out why risky play is important for building a young child's resilience, self-confidence, and problem-solving skills. Thi...
Play Provocations #5: Play Schemas Part Two
In the second part of our deep dive into play schemas, host Linda Harrison and Educational Leader Rachel Emms explore the final four of the 'Big Eight' patterns of behaviour - orientation, positioning, enveloping, and rotation. By ...
Fostering Digital Literacy with Story Box Library
In this episode, we welcome Teresa Mei Macri and Haley Davis from Story Box Library to discuss how theis digital platform connects young children with diverse Australian stories. We discuss the use of technology in early learning, exploring how...
S2E1 Little Library: Laugh In The Bath
In this episode of Learn Play Thrive’s Little Library, host Linda Harrison dives into the bubbly world of Laugh in the Bath (2026 CBCA Notable picture book), together with author Rory H. Mather. From the power of rhythm and rhyme to th...
Learn Play Thrive Early Education Conference: Pedagogy in Practice Panel
In this live-recorded episode from the Pedagogy in Practice: Early Education Conference on the NSW Central Coast, host Simone Brand sits down with an powerhouse panel of sector experts including - Colin Slattery (Semann and Slattery), Dr. Gai L...
Navigating the NQS #6: Standard 3.1 Physical Environment - Design
In this episode of Navigating the NQS, we explore Standard 3.1 Physical Environment - Design; and the concept of the physical environment as the "third teacher." Drawing on the Reggio Emilia approach and the insights of Lella Gandini, we ...
Children's Behaviour: It's More Than Just Managing
In this episode, we welcome Professor Cathrine Neilsen-Hewett, Chief Children’s Officer for Goodstart Early Learning, to discuss the neuroscience of behaviour. Cathrine challenges the traditional view of "challenging behaviour," shifting the fo...
Play Provocations #4: Play Schemas Part One
Ever wonder why a toddler is obsessed with dropping peas from a high chair or why blocks are constantly being carted across the room in a bucket? In this episode of Play Provocations, host Linda Harrison is joined by Educational Leader Rachel E...
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The ARACY Approach: Championing Child Health and Wellbeing
In this episode of the Learn Play Thrive Australia podcast, we sit down with Kirrin Sampson, an advocate for the early years currently leading programs at ARACY (Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth). Kirrin shares her expertise ...
Little Dreamers #10: Animal Yoga
Step into a peaceful morning on the farm with this episode of Little Dreamers, where host Kathryn leads preschoolers through a soothing mindfulness journey themed around animal yoga. The adventure begins with gentle breathwork and a gr...
Feel Safe, Be Safe: Embedding Child Protective Strategies into Everyday Teaching
⚠️ Listener warning: Anatomical Language - Please be advised that this episode contains discussions regarding child protective behaviours and body safety strategies. As part of this important conversation, our guest uses correct anatomic...
Little Library #10: Another Year Around The Sun
Join Linda Harrison and award-winning author Katrina Germein as they dive into her latest picture book, Another Year Around the Sun. This lyrical story follows a family through a magical year of outdoor play—from summer waves to autumn...
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Unpacking the Relevance of the Teacher Standards for the ECEC sector
In this episode, host Simone Brand welcomes Danny Pinchas from The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). We unpack how the Teacher Standards affirm the professional identity of early childhood educators, providi...
Navigating the NQS #5: Standard 2.2 - Safety
In this episode of Navigating the NQS, host Simone Brand breaks down the shift from compliance to excellence in Standard 2.2: Safety. She challenges educators to move beyond 'blanket supervision' toward pedagogical agility, where teams intentio...
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Shaping Stronger Futures: Developing Speech and Language Programs
In this episode, we are honoured to sit down with Director Amy Shine, an incredible force in the ECEC sector with over 25 years of dedicated experience in rural and remote communities. Amy is a passionate advocate for inclusion, reconciliation,...
Little Dreamers #9: Cats and Dogs
In this month's episode of our Little Dreamers mini-series, we explore the playful world of our favourite furry friends! Host Kathryn leads preschoolers on a gentle relaxation journey through a sun-drenched backyard, smelling the fresh eucalypt...
Empowering Educators in Early Learning with Twinkl
Welcome to an invigorating episode of Learn Play Thrive! Today, we are joined by a powerhouse of our sector, Stacey Jackson from Twinkl Australia. As the Early Years Segment Manager, Stacey is at the forefront of bridge-building between p...
Little Library #9: Bowerbird Brood
Join Linda Harrison and author/illustrator Aura Parker to explore the delightful picture book, Bowerbird Brood. This enchanting story is a heart-warming ode to nature and a mother's love, exploring themes of protection, nurturing, and ...
