A Better Together Podcast Series: Bright Beginnings (8 Episodes + Companion Modules)

In Spring 2025 Better Together launched 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.

BT4EY Podcast Series

Bright Beginnings: Insights into Early Childhood Education

With each episode featuring expert discussions on key topics, such as the impact of early learning, the specialized knowledge of educators, inclusive practices, play-based learning, and more.

Bright Beginnings: Insights into Early Childhood Education

Each Podcast Episode Includes:

Special guests & experts
English and French transcriptions
Episode specific reading companions with episode highlights, reflection questions, episode resources and further reading

Who Should Listen?

Parents & care-givers
Current and aspiring early childhood educators
Educators and school partners
Urban planners & economic developers
Policymakers and education leaders

Available through Spreaker & Spotify.

Listen to All Episodes

Full Episodes

Episode 1

Unlocking Potential - The Benefits of Early Childhood Education

with Dr. Jean Clinton, Tennelle Wong, Armine Yalnizyan

Episode 1 Companion Module (EN/FR)

Episode 1 Transcripts (EN/FR)

Episode 2

Expert Hands, Bright Futures - The Specialized Knowledge of Early Childhood Educators

with Dr. Shelly Mehta, Kerry McCuaig, Caitlyn Paterson

Episode 2 Companion Module (EN/FR)

Episode 2 Transcripts (EN/FR)

Episode 3

Foundations of Excellence & The Importance of Early Childhood Educators

with Kim Hiscott, Kathy Knight Robinson, Andrew Fleck, Elise Patterson, Dr. Emis Akbari

Episode 3 Companion Module (EN/FR)

Episode 3 Transcripts (EN/FR)

Episode 4

Adventure Awaits - The Power of Outdoor and Risky Play in Child Development

with Varoushka Corononel, Karen Eilersen, Jessica Holder

Episode 4 Companion Module (EN/FR)

Episode 4 Transcripts (EN/FR)

Episode 5

Inclusive Foundations: Embracing Diversity in Early Childhood Education

with David Philpott & Lisa McGuire

Episode 5 Companion Module (EN/FR)

Episode 5 Transcripts (EN/FR)

Episode 6

Pride and Play: Nurturing Gender Diversity and 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusion in Early Childhood Education

with Dr. Zeenat Janmohamed, Shailja Jain

Episode 6 Companion Module (EN/FR)

Episode 6 Transcripts (EN/FR)

Episode 7

Valuing ECEs: The Importance of Regulation and Recognition

with Cynthia Abel

Episode 7 Companion Module (EN/FR)

Episode 7 Transcripts (EN/FR)

Episode 8

Early Learning in Action - Policies, Equity, and Practice

with Tonya Millsap, Satindar Klair, Elaine Levy

Episode 8 Companion Module (EN/FR)

Episode 8 Transcripts (EN/FR)

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