THRC Table Talks

Susie Martin, Director of Training and Development Busy Bees North America, joins us to talk about career growth, lifelong learning, and empowering teams along the way. Perfect inspiration for early learning professionals at the start of their journey—or ready for what’s next. 💡

We’re excited to share a conversation all about bringing meaning, connection, and joy to mealtimes in your early learning environment. 🍽️✨   We sit down with Geethmi and Shannon, who bring warmth, enthusiasm, and rich practical insight into creating mealtime experiences that nurture children’s well‑being, support their growing autonomy, and honour the diverse family cultures within your classroom.     Tune in, get inspired, and let’s keep learning together. 💛🎧

In the busy rhythm of an educator’s day, it’s easy to overlook the quiet magic happening in the margins — the soft moments of connection, the tiny breakthroughs, the gentle wins that rarely make it into documentation but shape the heart of our work.   In this episode, we slow down and notice the subtle victories that often go unseen: a child’s newfound confidence, a shared smile across the room, a moment of calm that arrives exactly when we need it.   Join us as we explore how paying attention to these small, quiet moments not only supports the children and families we serve but also nourishes us as educators. This is an invitation to pause, breathe, and celebrate the everyday magic woven into our role — one soft, meaningful moment at a time.

You’re invited to pause and notice your hands in the work you do each day.   In this episode, I share a simple practice inspired by Carol Garboden Murray's book Illuminating Care: The Pedagogy and Practice of Care in Early Childhood Communities — of tying a ribbon around my wrist as a gentle reminder to bring awareness to my hands during moments of care. Together, let's explore how noticing our hands in care can make care more visible, deepen relationships, and reconnect us to the values that guide our practice.   🎧 Listen in — and consider: What do your hands communicate in moments of care?

In this episode we explore laughter as a pedagogy — not as something extra, but as something essential.   Laughter builds connection. Laughter regulates nervous systems. Laughter creates belonging.   Inspired by Deb Curtis’ Really Seeing Children and Nina Spencer’s Getting Passion Out of Your Profession, this episode invites us to notice laughter as a glimmer — a moment of joy, safety, and shared humanity in our early learning spaces.   What do children find funny? What happens when we pause to really see those moments? And how might protecting our sense of humour help us stay passionate, connected, and well in this profession?   Because being a committed educator doesn’t mean being serious all the time. It means being present. Playful. And willing to laugh alongside children.   🎧 Listen now and join us in looking for the glimmers.

In the last installment of our Who is THRC series, we’re introducing the voices behind the mic—the Podcast Team! 🎧 Tune in as we share: - How this podcast came to life - Creative ways you can use the episodes - What fuels our passion for creating and sharing content 💡 Don’t miss this deep dive into the heart of our work!

Who is THRC? Series: Meet the Pedagogical Mentors Join us as we introduce the Pedagogical Mentor Team—a group dedicated to supporting educators through mentorship and professional growth. Listen in as the mentors share insights on their role in the community and what makes their work so meaningful.  

In this episode of the Who is THRC? series, get to know the passionate team behind the Resource Library at The Halton Resource Connection. Discover the wide range of materials, tools, and supports available to early learning professionals, and learn how the Resource Library can enhance your practice. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned educator, this conversation offers valuable insights into how THRC supports your journey in early learning and child care.

Part 2: Meet the Admin, Social Media, and CCDIL Team! In this installment of the Who is THRC? series, we’re excited to introduce the dedicated team members behind our Administration, Social Media, and Child Care Directory and Information Line (CCDIL).   Learn how they play a vital role in supporting our Professional Learning events and promotional efforts behind the scenes, ensuring everything runs smoothly and reaches our community effectively.   Plus, discover more about CCDIL—an invaluable resource that helps families navigate and access child care options that best meet their unique needs.

Have you ever wondered who we are and what The Halton Resource Connection (THRC) is all about? In this 5-part Tidbit series, you'll meet the dedicated team behind THRC and discover the wide range of services and resources available to you as an educator in the Halton Early Learning Community.   ✨ In this first episode, we sit down with Melanie Cunha, Director of THRC, to explore the organization's mission and core values. Melanie shares what fuels her passion for early learning, what she loves most about being part of THRC, and how the organization supports educators like you every day.   Whether you're new to THRC or have been connected for years, this series is your inside look at who we are!

How can we talk about Pride in early learning spaces in ways that are inclusive, thoughtful, and rooted in care — even when families express concerns?   In this episode, we explore how educators can navigate these sensitive conversations with compassion, clarity, and confidence. 💬   We reflect on: ✨ Why Pride matters in early childhood 🧠 How hope can be a catalyst for change 💡 Strategies for approaching discomfort with curiosity, not defensiveness 🤝 And how we can build inclusive communities where all families feel seen   Whether you’ve had these conversations or are just beginning to prepare, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and practical tools.  

In part 2 of the How Does Learning Happen series we unpack Expression through the lens of creative experiences. How do children express themselves through creative play and exploration? What might we see and learn if we sit back and observe these moments?

What does Frank Jackson’s famous thought experiment Mary’s Room reveal about learning? 🧠👁️ In this episode, we reflect on how knowledge isn’t just about facts—it’s about experience. Just like Mary, who knows everything about colour but has never seen it, we consider how direct sensory and emotional engagement transforms understanding.   As educators, we are not just transmitters of knowledge—we are provocateurs of experience. 💡🎨🌱

Join us for episode 1 of a 4 part series unpacking the 4 foundations of How Does Learning Happen. In this episode, we are exploring Engagement. What might it look, sound and feel like in your program? How might we know that children, families, students and educators feel that they can engage?

In this mini-episode of THRC Table Talks, we explore the powerful connection between sensory integration and care. 💡 Inspired by Illuminating Care by Carol Garboden Murray, we dive into those small but meaningful moments during daily routines—like helping children get ready for outdoor play in winter.   ✨ What will you hear?   Insights on sensory systems (vestibular, proprioceptive, and tactile) Strategies to support children with sensory sensitivities A fresh perspective on how care routines can foster connection and understanding     Whether you’re a parent, educator, or caregiver, this episode will inspire you to pause, reflect, and approach care routines with renewed empathy.    

Welcome back Denise Kneller and Cate Monteiro from Kerry’s Place Autism Services! In this episode, we dive into dispelling myths surrounding autistic persons and touch on reframing perspectives. What will you hear in this episode? ✨Problematic myths around autistic people and reframing our perspective ✨A conversation on unpacking the word "behaviour" and the ABC's (not the alphabet, promise!) ✨Connecting and valuing relationship building

Meet our guests Denise Kneller and Cate Monteiro from Kerry’s Place Autism Services, an organization dedicated to creating "a future where all autistic people can participate fully in their communities" (kerrysplace.org: 2024). What you will hear in this episode? ✨A conversation not just on the diagnostic criteria for autism, but about viewing autistic people as individuals with unique strengths to offer ✨Tidbits on how to support autistic people in the classroom

How do we center care as a pedagogy in our early learning practices? 🤔 In this episode, we're diving into an inspiring conversation exploring caring and responsive relationships by reflecting on a powerful quote from Carol Garboden Murray's Illuminating Care: The Pedagogy and Practice of Care in Early Childhood Communities:   Join us for this thoughtful discussion and discover how care can shape and elevate our work as educators and teammates. 🌱   📚 Ready to dive deeper? Borrow Illuminating Care from the THRC Resource Library to spark meaningful reflection and conversations with your team!   🔗 Let’s explore how care connects us all. 💛

In this episode we chat with Muskan Arif MCRC’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Specialist, about intersectionality – a framework coined by the brilliant Kimberlé Crenshaw. We dive into how understanding intersectionality can help children (and adults!) navigate their growing sense of identity, acknowledging the complex layers of race, gender, class, and more.   Tune in to explore how this approach supports inclusivity, reflection, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.

Embrace Your True Self, Every Day ✨   "In the daily practice of authenticity, let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are." - Brené Brown, Gifts of Imperfection   🌱 Why It Matters Authenticity is a powerful tool for growth—not just for ourselves, but also for the children and families we work with. By embracing our true selves, we create a safe space where others can do the same, fostering trust, connection, and meaningful relationships in our early childhood environments.   📚 Join the Journey Explore the transformative impact of authenticity in your personal and professional life. Borrow Gifts of Imperfection from the THRC Resource Library and start your journey today!

Listen in as we explore Neurodiversity, Belonging and Love while reflecting on the role of our personal experiences in shaping our values and identity as educators. We unpack what it means to really see children- for who they are and the value they bring to the classroom, as well as the role we play as educators in those experiences. As Educators, its easy to get caught up in the day to day tasks, but conversations like this one, can remind us to take a step back and reflect on what drives us. How often do we take time to think about the values and expereinces that have shaped our approaches? How can we look ahead and grow into even more attuned and compassionate educators?

Join Claire and Asifa in our latest Table Talk as they explore 'Illuminating Care: The Pedagogy and Practice of Care in Early Childhood Communities.' Discover how to bring meaningful care into your program.

In this Tidbit, meet Frances Killingbeck, Supervisor at The Halton Resource Connection. She sparked the metaphor of the ECE Backpack in a conversation and we just had to dive in! What is it? How is this relevant to your work in the field? Take a listen and find out! What you will hear: ✨ Collaboration in the field supports our professional growth ✨We can clean out our backpacks, updating our knowledge and skills as we learn more

Join us as Geethmi, Frances, and Basma dive deep into a passage from Deb Curtis's enlightening book, Really Seeing Children. 📚✨   In this episode, we explore: 🌟 The importance of slowing down and being present 🌟 Using reflective protocols to deepen our thinking 🌟 Calls to action to support children in their creative and joyful pursuits   Tune in to reflect with us and find inspiration to better support the young minds around us. 🎙️💡   Listen now and let’s journey together towards truly seeing and understanding children. 🌈👶 We invite you to visit THRC Resource Library to borrow your copy.

✨ Reflecting on leadership and growth with THRC Team members Shannon and Basma, we found inspiration in a powerful quote from Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead.   ✨What were you inspired by in this conversation? What did it spark you to think more deeply about?   Quotes have the ability to remind us of what we may already know, aspire to be, or trigger something within us to get back on track. 💡 Come and get your copy today! 📖✨

In this Tidbit, join Shannon & Farrah, THRC team members as they explore a tactile exploration of Kintsugi, a Japanese art form that mends broken pieces of pottery while highlighting the cracks with gold. What you will hear? A conversation around: ✨valuing children’s exploration, ✨honouring their lead, ✨honouring giving time to explore, ✨honouring that discomfort can lead us on pathways that guild our edges with gold. … and maybe some pottery breaking! DISCLAIMER: Shannon & Farrah are by no means the experts in this exquisite art form, but are mearly humble explorers hoping to gain wisdom from exploring different art-techniques.

In this episode we pay tribute to the legacy of Diane Kashin, who passed away in January 2024.   Diane meant a great deal to all of us in the early learning field. She generously shared much of her knowledge throughout the years, through many different platforms and mediums.   In this episode, several educators from the early learning field share their memories of Diane. The common thread throughout, was that Diane not only provided new intriguing learning opportunities to engage our thinking, such as sharing her perspectives on seasonal pedagogy, as well as providing opportunities for us to connect theory to practice and our practice to theory – she did this while foraging a deep connection to US, the learner, making us feel SEEN, HEARD and VALUED for what we do.   Dr. Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” Diane had this gift for making us feel special, and for recognizing the talents we put into our work supporting children, families and each other.

"Meet Emily, an educator working in a school age program who is passionate about incorporating mindfulness into the busy program.   What will you find in this episode? ✨Emily, an educator who found purpose in incorporating her practice of mindfulness into all aspects of the classroom. ✨How her definition of mindfulness has influenced the way she observes children's interactions with others and their play ✨How ultimately, mindfulness has guided her in nurturing a non-judgemental, safe, and engaging space for children    

Leaders! Yeah, you! Looking for a fresh take on leadership and motivation? Look no further! In this episode of THRC Table Talks, Drew Dudley, internationally acclaimed leadership speaker and The Wall Street Journal’s best-selling author of This is Day One: A Practical Guide to Leadership that Matters joins Melanie Cunha, Director of THRC in a Question & Answer session.          

In this episode, listen in as Nursery School Educators Nida, Joanne and Tanja, come to the table to explore and reflect on how Inclusive practices support relationship building and the Foundations of HDLH? in their program

Listen in, as we explore elements that support meaningful, purposeful culture making. Elements such as developing trust and collaboration to support you in creating safe, brave, cooperative *staff meetings *team meetings *professional learning sessions   

Welcome back to a brand new year! Join Farrah and Pawandeep, a toddler room educator as we have a conversation around her inspirational story of how she used visuals to support herself as a new staff and the children. One of her many, many nuggests of wisdom she shares is that at the core of her whys, she honours the children she works for. Take a listen now!

Reach Out Centre for Kids joins us to explore how we can take care of our ourselves so we can do our best to take care of others. What ideas resonated with you to try?

From Thinking to Teaching, should be EVERY educator's pedagogical COMPANION. Where are you coming from and where are you hoping to go? Let From Teaching to Thinking be your companion on the journey. From Teaching to Thinking- is it on your bedside table/bookshelf yet? Want to read it? Come visit us at THRC. We have a copies available to borrow.

Continue your journey of exploring From Teaching to Thinking with us! There is so much more to unpack in this book. What are teacher scripts? How do they get in the way of what you truly value? Do they disrupt the responsive relationships you hope to build with the children? Do they limit creativity for you and your children? How are your centre's Vision and Values aligning with How you build relationships? How do you structure time, space and collaboration for staff and children/families to reflect and learn from one another?

Welcome back! We are starting off this fall season by exploring the amazing book From Teaching to Thinking. It is a fabulous, informative, thought-provoking book - a definite MUST READ if you work with children and families!!   You will hear how this book has transformed all of us who read it in this two-part series.    Want to read it? If you are a THRC member, you can borrow it from our Resource Library. We have made a book study kit to spark your explorations and conversations. Contact [email protected] to find out more.

As we excitedly start off this fall season, the Early Years Sector are also excitedly welcoming new children into the classroom. In the spirit of new beginnings, join us as we center our conversation on our recently published Inspiration Sheet: How to make the Transition from Home to Childcare smooth, with its' co-creater, Quality First Consultant Geethmi. Questions we unpack: How do we create space to welcome in new children? How can we give ourselves the permission to slow down and focus on building the children's sense of belonging.

Join us around the table, in part two of our THRC Table Talk where we:   -Reminisce about our past experiences with puddles in the playground   -Reflect on informing families about our values during tours, and how those values play an important part in our program and the experiences we offer children   -Reflect on the concept of “Professionalism.” – Does it mean changing who you are? Does it mean refraining from frivolity and laughter?

Join us as we gather around a table for an honest, raw, reflective conversation where we address:    - Our fears when risk taking -Fears of public percption and judgement; -Educator scripts that we feel constricted by - And the Whys of the limitations we place on children

We continue our exploration of Pedagogical Documentation with the ACT team. We chat about ways to nurture creativity in the documentation writing process; give some tips on how to make your documentation come alive, as well as offer some encouraging words to make documentation writing feel less daunting.

Join us as we explore Pedgagogical Documentation with members of the ACT team. We hope to inspire you to think of documentation not as   a must do,   or have to,   but as a gift to honour not only the child, but your introspective self

Join us, as we name and explore love as a core value with Janina, a passionate EarlyON educator. She shares how these elements of love show up in her work and in her relationships.   When we get to explore love in these in-depth ways, we discover that love isn’t soft or weak, it is rooted in connection, awareness, trust, respect and it can be viewed as strong and powerful, and has the ability to make our communities thrive.

Join us as we unpack the book An Introduction to Early Childhood Education and Care by Carole Massing and Mary Lynne Matheson. What does it take for us educators to create that engaging, welcoming space that ultimately, makes everyone feel like they belong? What does life long learning have to do with inclusion? Take a listen and find out!

Join us as we explore the Whys of diversity, equity and inclusion in the field of early learning.

We are so excited to announce a new reflective resource "Pedagogical Prompts." Listen in to hear how this new publication hopes to stir up new ways of thinking in the field of early learning. 

In this episode we explore the value of joy and how we might foster it within ourselves and within our programs, taking inspiration from the article , "Joy in Our Relationships with Children, Families and Each Other," by Luis Hernandez

In this episode, we continue exploring best practices by reflecting on Group Time. We sat with Sarah Krol from THRC's Resource Library and talked about what group time is. How can we implement group times that meet the diverse needs of all children, and how can we respond to come common challenges during group time.

In this episode, we continue exploring best practices by reflecting on and considering our role as a Play Partner with children. What does being a play partner look like, what are the benefits to children and to ourselves, and how does this impact lifelong learning and joy.

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer touched us and inspired us in so many ways. Join members of the Artists and Children Together team, as we explore concepts such as honouring the different languages used by children; how children use their bodies as a means to explore and investigate their environments, and how these experiences help inform them as beings on this land; and the responsiveness of listening.

Robin Wall Kimmerer's magical book brought Indigenous wisdom and poetic metaphors regarding our connections to humans, non-humans and the land, to life. Which passage still resonates with you?