Tiny Talks on Early Learning

In this episode of Tiny Talks on Early Learning, we explore what's working — and what's changing — in today's workplace. With unprecedented turnover, shifts in employee expectations, mental-health pressures, and evolving generational dynamics, the world of work is more fluid than ever. Join us as we unpack the key trends shaping early-childhood programs, schools, parents and educators who are both...

Recorded live at the 2025 Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Conference in Birmingham, AL, this special edition of Tiny Talks on Early Learning brings you straight into the heart of Alabama's early learning community. Across three days, over 4,000 early learning professionals stopped by Tiny Talks "Chat & Chill" booth to pull three question cards and...

Running a child care center or early learning program is no small task—leaders juggle tight budgets, high staff turnover, and the emotional demands of supporting children and families every single day. In the middle of all that, how do you keep your team motivated and help them feel truly valued? A quick "thank you" isn't always enough.

In this episode of Tiny Talks on Early Learning, Dr. Paul White—co-author of "The 5...

As part of our Outdoor Learning Environments mini-series, we're digging into one of the most misunderstood aspects of outdoor play: RISK. What if the very things that make adults uneasy—mud, climbing, running fast, roughhousing—are exactly what children need to grow strong, confident, and capable?

In this episode, we're joined by internationally recognized playground designer, author, and child advocate Ru...

What if the key to early reading success isn't sitting still—but getting moving? In this lively episode, we're joined by educator, literacy advocate, and creator of the ABC See, Hear, Do method, Stefanie Hohl. Drawing on years of classroom and parenting experience, Stefanie shares how movement, multisensory learning, and playful interaction can ignite a child's brain for reading.

From why traditional metho...

*This episode is Part 2 in the "Outside the Lines: Rethinking Outdoor Learning" podcast mini-series.

Who says quality outdoor learning environments have to break the bank? In this episode, we explore how the principles of "reduce, reuse, recycle" can help programs create meaningful outdoor play and learning spaces using reclaimed materials, community donations, and creativity. From repurposed climbing structures to DIY art and musi...

Inclusion in early learning isn't just a practice—it's a mindset that shapes how every child is welcomed, supported, and celebrated. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Abigail Baxter and parent advocate, Anna Knight, to explore what true inclusion looks like in child care and early education settings. Together, they share practical strategies, candid experiences, and heartfelt reflections on how educators and families can work s...

What truly separates a good teacher from a great one? In this conversation, leadership expert, educator, and community builder Dr. Baron Sandlin shares lessons from decades of work in classrooms, boardrooms, and community spaces. From cultivating team culture to building authentic connections with students, Dr. Sandlin explores the mindset shifts, daily habits, and leadership skills that elevate teaching from competent...

We all agree that outdoor play is essential to healthy child development—but if that's the case, why do so many programs still struggle to make it happen consistently? In this episode of Tiny Talks on Early Learning, we take a closer look at the real barriers to outdoor play from both educator and parent perspectives. From weather worries and limited resources to safety concerns and supervision, we unpack the common ch...

After a full day leading sessions on intentional interactions, the research behind play, and guiding children through play-based learning, Amanda Morgan sits down to reflect on her experience with early educators at the 2025 Gulf Coast Early Childhood Summer Symposium. What questions kept coming up? What comments stuck with her? What misconceptions are educators still wrestling with — and what gave her hope? Read more