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A Better Together Podcast Series: Bright Beginnings (8 Episodes)
Published in 2024, Bright Beginnings is an eight-part Better Together podcast series that explores the essential components of high-quality early childhood education and highlights the critical role of the ECE workforce in shaping young children’s development across Canadian municipalities.
Project Summary
In Spring 2025 Better Together produced Bright Beginnings, an 8-part podcast series with thought-provoking episodes filled with insightful conversations and fresh perspectives on strengthening early childhood education and supporting those who make it possible.
Each episode features expert discussions on key topics, including the impact of early learning, the specialized knowledge of educators, inclusive practices, play-based learning, and more.
Full episodes can be listened to on Spreaker from iHeart Radio.
Full Episodes
Episode 1: Unlocking Potential - The Benefits of Early Childhood EducationTranscripts |
Episode 2: Expert Hands, Bright Futures - The Specialized Knowledge of Early Childhood EducatorsTranscripts |
Episode 3: Foundations of Excellence - The Importance of Early Childhood EducatorsTranscripts |
Episode 4: Adventure Awaits - The Power of Outdoor and Risky Play in Child DevelopmentTranscripts |
Episode 5: Inclusive Foundation - Embracing Diversity in Early Childhood EducationTranscripts |
Episode 6: Pride and Play - Nurturing Gender Diversity and 2LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Early ChildhoodTranscripts |
Episode 7: Valuing ECEs - The Importance of Regulation and RecognitionTranscripts |
Episode 8: Early Learning in Action - Policies, Equity and PracticeTranscripts |
Episode Credits
Co-hosts: Dr. Emis Akbari & Kerry McCuaig
Supported by: Municipality of Chatham Kent, County of Simcoe, City of Timiskaming Shores, Oxford County, Dufferin County, Leeds Grenville, County of Lennox-Addington, City of Cornwall, Greater Sudbury.
Episode 1: Unlocking Potential: The Benefits of Early Childhood Education
Release Date: May 19 2024
Hosts: Dr. Emis Akbari, Kerry McCuaig
Description: In episode one, hosts Dr. Emis Akbari & Kerry McCuaig dive into the crucial role that early childhood education plays in the development and well being of our youngest citizens, eases the journey for parents, and impacts broader society.
Guests: Dr. Jean Clinton, Child Psychiatrist Tennelle Wong, Armine Yalnizyan, Economist
Episode 2: Expert Hands, Bright Futures - The Specialized Knowledge of Early Childhood Educators
Release Date: November 07 2024
Hosts: Dr. Emis Akbari
Description: In episode two, hosts Dr. Emis Akbari & Kerry McCuaig explore the specialized expertise of early childhood educators (ECEs) in shaping young minds.
Guests: Dr. Shelly Mehta, Professor and Program Coordinator, School of Early Childhood, George Brown College & Kerry McCuaig - Senior Fellow in Early Childhood Education, Atkinson Centre at OISE at the University of Toronto
Episode 3: Foundations of Excellence: The Importance of Early Childhood Educators
Release Date: November 07 2024
Hosts: Dr. Emis Akbari
Description: This episode explores the vital role of early childhood educators, the challenges they face, and the need to invest in their professional growth and well-being to support child development.
Guests: Kim Hiscott, RECE and Kathy Knight Robinson, Andrew Fleck, Child Care Services, Ottawa, Elise Patterson, RECE
Episode 4: Adventure Awaits: The Power of Outdoor and Risky Play in Child Development
Release Date: November 15 2024
Hosts: Dr. Emis Akbari
Description: This episode explores the role of outdoor and risky play in child development, highlighting its benefits and the challenges of integrating it into early childhood education.
Guests: Varoushka Coronel, RECE, Field Liaison, School of Early Childhood
Karen Eilersen, RECE, and Jessica Holder, RECE, BSc., Discovery Child Care Centre
Episode 5: Inclusive Foundation: Embracing Diversity in Early Childhood Education
Release Date: November 16 2024
Hosts: Dr. Emis Akbari
Description: This episode highlights the importance of inclusive early childhood education, focusing on integrating children with disabilities and using culturally appropriate practices to create a sense of belonging for all.
Guests: David Philpott, Professor, Retired, Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador, Lisa McGuire, RECE, Early Learning Childcare Manager/Home Childcare Supervisor, Keepers of the Circle, Timiskaming
Episode 6: Pride and Play: Nurturing Gender Diversity and 2LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Early Childhood
Release Date: November 17 2024
Hosts: Dr. Emis Akbari
Description: This episode explores gender diversity and 2LGBTQIA+ inclusion in early childhood education, addressing challenges, policies, and the need for inclusive environments where all children feel safe and supported.
Guests: Dr. Zeenat Janmohamed, Dean, School of Health, Human and Justice Studies, Loyalist College & Shailja Jan, Professor and Program Coordinator, School of Early Childhood, George Brown College
Episode 7: Valuing ECEs: The Importance of Regulation and Recognition
Release Date: Jan 4 2025
Hosts: Dr. Emis Akbari
Description: This episode examines the regulation and standards for early childhood educators in Ontario, the profession's unique self-governance model, and concerns around education qualifications and public awareness of the ECE profession.
Guests: Cynthia Abel, Ed.D, RECE, Deputy Registrar and Director, Registration
Episode 8: Early Learning in Action - Policies, Equity, and Practice
Release Date: Jan 4 2025
Hosts: Dr. Emis Akbari
Description: In this episode we discuss the policies, practices, and perspectives surrounding early learning in Ontario, featuring insights from various experts in the field of childcare services.
Guests: Tonya Millsap, Manager of Children's Services for the County of Simcoe, Satindar Klair, Director of Children's Services with the Niagara Region, Elaine Levy, Director of Child Care for a large multi-service agency in Toronto