Podcast thumbnail for Early Childhood Investigations

Early Childhood Investigations

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by Playground

36 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview

Early Childhood Investigations is your gateway to inspiring, research-based professional development. Since 2009, our free webinar series has brought together authors, researchers, and leaders in early care and education to share timely insights and spark meaningful conversations across the workforce. We believe high-quality professional development should be accessible, practical, and immediately useful. ECI is a movement that empowers directors, administrators, and teachers to elevate their practice and strengthen outcomes for children and families. https://ecewebinars.com/spotify

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Publishing Since

1/5/2026

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Recent Episodes

Episode thumbnail for Coaching vs. Mentoring: What’s the difference? by Dr. Tamar Andrews

June 11, 2026

Coaching vs. Mentoring: What’s the difference? by Dr. Tamar Andrews

<p><strong>RESOURCES</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://earlychildhoodwebinars.com/webinar/courses/how-to-run-a-best-in-class-child-care-program-series-june?utm_campaign=42376091-2026%20%7C%20Admin%20Series%20Q2%20%7C%20Coaching%20vs.%20Mentoring&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=spotify" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Watch the full webinar here</a></li><li><a href="https://earlychildhoodwebinars.com/?utm_campaign=42376091-2026%20%7C%20Admin%20Series%20Q2%20%7C%20Coaching%20vs.%20Mentoring&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=spotify" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer"><strong>Join our newsletter!</strong> Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week</a></li><li><a href="https://www.tryplayground.com/?utm_source=eci&utm_medium=podcast ad&utm_campaign=admin-2026-q2-coaching-vs-mentoring&utm_content=spotify" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software</a></li></ul><p>As early childhood leaders, we&#39;re constantly supporting the growth of the educators around us — but are we using the right tools for the job? Coaching and mentoring are both powerful, yet they serve very different purposes. Knowing when to coach and when to mentor can transform how you lead your team and build a culture of continuous growth in your program.</p><p><br></p><p>In this session, we&#39;ll cut through the confusion and give directors, coordinators, and educational leaders a clear, practical framework for understanding both approaches — and confidently knowing which one to reach for.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Participants will:</strong></p><p><br></p><ul><li><p>Define coaching and mentoring in straightforward terms and explain the distinct purpose of each</p></li><li><p>Explore how the two approaches differ in structure, frequency, and who drives the conversation</p></li><li><p>Apply real ECE examples of coaching in action — including support around transitions, circle time, classroom routines, and behavior management — and identify tools that make coaching effective</p></li><li><p>Apply real ECE examples of mentoring in action — including helping a new teacher build confidence, deepen reflective practice, or begin thinking about leadership goals — and explore the tools that support meaningful mentoring relationships</p></li><li><p>Clarify common misconceptions: coaching and mentoring are not punishment, criticism, formal supervision, or therapy</p></li><li><p>Walk away with a practical &quot;when to use which&quot; decision guide designed specifically for directors and educational leaders</p></li></ul>

Episode thumbnail for More Than We Imagined: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Thrive Through Everyday Challenges by Ellen M. Drolette

June 10, 2026

More Than We Imagined: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Thrive Through Everyday Challenges by Ellen M. Drolette

<p><strong>RESOURCES</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://earlychildhoodwebinars.com/webinar/more-than-we-imagined-using-appreciative-inquiry-to-thrive-through-everyday-challenges-by-ellen-m-drolette?utm_campaign=41150829-2026%2F06%2F09%20%7C%20More%20Than%20We%20Imagined%3A%20Using%20Appreciative%20Inquiry%20to%20Thrive%20Through%20Everyday%20Challenges%20by%20Ellen%20M.%20Drolette&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=spotify" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Watch the full webinar here</a></li><li><a href="https://earlychildhoodwebinars.com/?utm_campaign=41150829-2026%2F06%2F09%20%7C%20More%20Than%20We%20Imagined%3A%20Using%20Appreciative%20Inquiry%20to%20Thrive%20Through%20Everyday%20Challenges%20by%20Ellen%20M.%20Drolette&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=spotify" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer"><strong>Join our newsletter! </strong>Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week</a></li><li><a href="https://www.tryplayground.com/?utm_source=eci&utm_medium=podcast ad&utm_campaign=imagined&utm_content=spotify" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>Early childhood professionals regularly navigate unpredictable situations: big feelings, complex behaviors, competing demands, and the constant balancing of children’s needs, family expectations, and program requirements. Whether you’re an administrator, a family child care provider, or a center-based educator, these everyday challenges can stretch your capacity and shape the climate of your work.</p><p><br></p><p>This webinar explores how Appreciative Inquiry offers practical tools for responding to challenging moments with clarity, presence, and intention. Drawing from the book More Than We Imagined by Ellen M. Drolette, we’ll examine how what we notice, amplify, and choose to focus on can shift the trajectory of an interaction and open up new possibilities. Participants will learn strengths-based strategies that support well-being, build trust, and promote resilience across early childhood settings.</p><p><br></p><p>You’ll walk away with actionable approaches rooted in play, connection, and reflection—approaches that help reduce stress, strengthen professional relationships, and create conditions where both adults and children can thrive.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Learning Objectives</strong></p><p><br></p><ol><li><p><strong>Explain how Appreciative Inquiry principles support well-being and resilience:</strong> Describe how the questions we ask—and the meaning we assign to situations—influence our responses during challenging moments.</p></li><li><p><strong>Identify how small shifts in adult response impact emotional safety and learning:</strong> Recognize how tone, presence, and interpretation shape outcomes in family child care settings, centers, and administrative roles.</p></li><li><p><strong>Apply strengths-based strategies that turn difficult interactions into opportunities for growth:</strong> Use curiosity, reframing, and a focus on what’s working to guide decision-making and problem-solving.</p></li></ol>

Episode thumbnail for Leading Across Generations: Strategies for a Stronger, More Collaborative Team by Dr. Keena Mosley

June 5, 2026

Leading Across Generations: Strategies for a Stronger, More Collaborative Team by Dr. Keena Mosley

<p><strong>RESOURCES</strong></p><ul><li><a href="https://earlychildhoodwebinars.com/webinar/leading-across-generations-stronger-collaborative-team-dr-keena-mosley?utm_campaign=28668302-2026%2F06%2F04%20%7C%20Leading%20Across%20Generations%3A%20Strategies%20for%20a%20stronger%2C%20more%20collaborative%C2%A0team&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=spotify" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Watch the full webinar here</a></li><li><a href="https://earlychildhoodwebinars.com/?utm_campaign=28668302-2026%2F06%2F04%20%7C%20Leading%20Across%20Generations%3A%20Strategies%20for%20a%20stronger%2C%20more%20collaborative%C2%A0team&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=spotify" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer"><strong>Join our newsletter!</strong> Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week</a></li><li><a href="https://www.tryplayground.com/?utm_source=eci&utm_medium=podcast ad&utm_campaign=generation&utm_content=spotify" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software</a></li></ul><p>In today’s work environment, leading a team requires a nuanced understanding of each member’s values, expectations, and work styles. With a focus on collaboration, this workshop is designed to equip leaders with the tools and insights needed to effectively engage, motivate, and guide multiple generations.</p><p><br></p><p>Join <a href="https://earlychildhoodwebinars.com/presenters/keena-mosley" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Keena R. Mosley</a>, former award-winning collegiate professor, author, and Founder of Momentum Leadership Group. With her people-centered strategic approach, participants will explore practical skills that foster a productive, responsive, and inclusive workplace. Through interactive activities, they will bring current research to life and identify clear next steps for applying the content in their real-world settings.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Learning Objectives</strong></p><p><br></p><p>By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:</p><p><br></p><ol><li><p><strong>Analyze research on generational characteristics:</strong> Explore insights from academic institutions and research organizations and discuss their practical application.</p></li><li><p><strong>Adapt communication skills to optimize team performance:</strong> Examine the communication needs of each generation and compare them to current practices and challenges.</p></li><li><p><strong>Identify strategies to foster a collaborative team culture:</strong> Review and practice team-building strategies and activities that help create a motivating environment for all generations.</p></li></ol><p>This session will empower you to lead with confidence and build a cohesive, high-performing team—no matter the generational mix.</p>

36 total episodes available

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Frequently asked questions

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What is Early Childhood Investigations?

Early Childhood Investigations is your gateway to inspiring, research-based professional development. Since 2009, our free webinar series has brought together authors, researchers, and leaders in early care and education to share timely insights and spark meaningful conversations across the workforce. We believe high-quality professional development should be accessible, practical, and immediately useful. ECI is a movement that empowers directors, administrators, and teachers to elevate their practice and strengthen outcomes for children and families.

https://ecewebinars.com/spotify

How often does this podcast release new episodes?

This podcast updates daily.

Where can I listen to this podcast?

This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.

Does this podcast accept guests?

Information about guest appearances is not available.

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