The Everything ECE Podcast

In this episode, Carla sits down with Paul Buckley, former preschool teacher and founder of Ratio Staffing, to explore what’s really happening behind staffing challenges in early childhood education.Paul shares how burnout, outdated systems, and unnecessary barriers are affecting educators and programs and how a more human-centred, child-centred approach can change everything.This conversation is filled with insight, compassion, and practical ideas for supervisors, directors, and educators who want to strengthen retention, improve support systems, and create healthier environments for staff and children.PAUL BUCKLEYPaul Buckley is the Founder and Managing Owner of Ratio Staffing, a groundbreaking platform reshaping how preschools connect with substitute teachers, enrichment educators, and speech pathologists. A former preschool teacher with nearly 20 years of hands-on experience, Paul’s mission is deeply personal: to help children thrive by supporting the educators who shape their early years.LINKSWebsite: https://ratiostaffing.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ratiostaffing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ratiostaffing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ratio-staffing/ SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more ECEs who are in the thick of it!. Thanks for tuning in to The Everything ECE.  See you next week!CONNECT WITH CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

In this episode, Carla explores what meaningful progress truly looks like in early childhood education: the subtle, powerful shifts that happen long before skills show up on the surface. From greeting a child at the door to acknowledging feelings with empathy, she breaks down how these small moments strengthen neural pathways, support emotional regulation, and build genuine belonging. You’ll learn how to notice your impact, stay grounded in the long game of child development, and end your day feeling more connected to your work. Perfect for early childhood educators, RECEs, preschool teachers, and anyone who needs a reminder that their work truly matters.SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more ECEs who are in the thick of it!. Thanks for tuning in to The Everything ECE.  See you next week!CONNECT WITH CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

AI isn’t here to replace educators; it’s here to support us. In this episode, Carla sits down with Thomas Thompson, co-founder and CEO of Eduaide.Ai, to explore how AI can help teachers and early childhood educators work smarter, not harder.From lesson planning and accommodations to game-based learning and productivity, Thomas breaks down how AI tools can save time, reduce burnout, and help educators focus on what truly matters: building connections and supporting children’s learning.Whether you’re tech-curious or tech-cautious, this conversation will reframe how you think about AI in education.Thomas  ThompsonThomas is a​ co-founder​ and the CEO of Eduaide.Ai, where he studies how people learn and how teachers make instructional decisions. His work draws on cognitive science, instructional design, and the history and philosophy of education to develop tools that translate research into practical applications.​ A former classroom teacher and non-profit director, his focus has remained the same​ across roles: building practical systems that support effective teaching and reflect the complexities of how people think, learn, and develop over time.LINKS  Website: www.eduaide.ai/SubStack: learningstack.substack.com/SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more ECEs who are in the thick of it!. Thanks for tuning in to The Everything ECE.  See you next week!CONNECT WITH CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

Transitions get a bad reputation: rushed, chaotic, stressful. But they don’t have to be. In this episode, Carla explores a powerful mindset shift: transitions aren’t the thing before the next thing. They are learning.Carla breaks down how slowing down, pausing before stepping in, and leading with empathy can transform the way children experience transitions. She talks about why a bit of struggle is healthy, how to support children before they become dysregulated, how subtle language shifts build independence, and where flexibility (and the occasional “yes”) can make all the difference.If transitions feel difficult in your day, this episode will help you see them with fresh eyes — and bring a lot more calm, connection, and understanding into your classroom.SUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more ECEs who are in the thick of it!. Thanks for tuning in to The Everything ECE.  See you next week!CONNECT WITH CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece

Think websites are just for business owners? Think again.In this episode, Carla chats with Chelsea Denny, founder of Early Childhood Creative, about why every educator (from classroom teachers to program owners) can benefit from having a professional online presence.You’ll learn: ✨ How your website can work for you 24/7 💡 Why automation saves you hours every week 🌐 The difference between owning your website and relying on social media 💰 How a great site can help you fill spaces, attract the right families, or land new opportunitiesChelsea also shares practical, approachable steps to get started, even if tech feels overwhelming, and how your website can truly become your best employee.LINKS  Website: earlychildhoodcreative.comFree five page Squarespace website templateLinkedIn: @chelsea-dennySUBSCRIBE & REVIEWIf you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us reach more ECEs who are in the thick of it!. Thanks for tuning in to The Everything ECE.  See you next week!CONNECT WITH CARLAThe ECE Latte LoungeEmail Newsletter: ⁠⁠Click Here⁠Website: carlatheece.comInstagram: @carlatheece