Show Notes
What implicit messages might we be sending to children when we focus primarily on compliance rather than their emotional well-being? How can educators and caregivers balance guiding children’s behavior while also honoring their emotional needs and autonomy? Dr. Amie Fabry engages in a compelling conversation with Danica See, an education consultant and mentor celebrated for her expertise in early childhood education, guiding children’s emotional development, and fostering holistic approaches to learning and behavior. With over 16 years of experience, Danica shares insights on the guidance based approaches to behaviour management, honoring children as whole beings, and her dedication to reshaping narratives around children’s emotional and behavioral development. Danica See is a highly experienced educator and consultant with a diverse background in early childhood education. Her career spans various roles, including assisting in early learning centers, classroom teaching children aged 3 to 7, supervising practicum placements for preservice teachers, lecturing and tutoring at the university level. Through her extensive career, Danica observed a significant gap in quality support and training for addressing children’s behavior and emotional needs, particularly in navigating their big feelings. As the founder of Little Bloom Consultancy, she has turned to dedicate transforming how early childhood educators approach behavior and emotional development, emphasizing children’s rights and contemporary behavior guidance. Rooted in neuroscience, trauma-informed care, and neuro-affirming practices, Danica advocates for equitable treatment of children and better support for educators in managing behavior and addressing children’s big feelings.
Connect with Danica See • Website • LinkedIn • Instagram Hire this host via [email protected]
More from Leading the Early Years for the Future Podcast
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What if leadership in early childhood wasn’t about having the answers, but about cultivating the courage to ask better questions—of children, educators, and ourselves? In a sector where change can feel slow, how might your voice, your email, or your conversation be the catalyst for systemic transformation? 🎙️ Episode Summary In this inspiring episode of Leading the Early Years for the Future, host Amie Fabry sits down with Ciara Conran, a passionate educational leader and advocate for the early childhood sector. Together, they explore Ciara’s journey from educator to curriculum leader across five services, delving into her commitment to play-based and inquiry-led learning. Ciara shares how her lived experience as a mother of three and a lifelong learner shapes her leadership, and how her courageous advocacy is helping influence change at both the service and systemic levels. With warmth and conviction, Ciara unpacks the power of voice, the importance of listening, and the urgency of acting on behalf of children, educators, and the future of early learning. About Ciara Conran Ciara Conran is a dynamic early childhood education leader who brings over a decade of experience to her role as a curriculum and pedagogy leader across five early learning centres. Originally from Ireland, Ciara studied Education and Training at Dublin City University before immigrating to Australia in 2014, just as the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) was gaining traction nationally. Her practice is grounded in a belief in the autonomy and capability of young children, and she champions play- and inquiry-based learning. Ciara is also a relentless advocate for sector reform—speaking at national forums, engaging directly with government ministers, and working alongside policymakers to address issues such as workforce qualifications and immigration pathways for educators. Known for her deep sense of justice, tireless energy, and commitment to elevating others, Ciara is driven by one clear purpose: ensuring all children have access to empowered educators and meaningful early learning experiences. She continues to study, mentor, and lead with an unwavering belief in the collective capacity of the sector to drive real change.
In this rich and heartfelt conversation, host Dr Amie Fabry speaks with Adam Christie, early childhood educator, leader, consultant, and co-author of Redefining Planning and Assessment. Together, they explore the layered journey of leadership in early childhood education, emphasising the intertwining of personal and professional identities. Adam reflects on the pivotal role of values-led leadership, the importance of pedagogical companionship, and how educators can create brave, vulnerable spaces that lead to deeper professional reflection. He encourages leaders to “play the long game”—to slow down, listen to context, and co-construct meaningful change with children, families, and colleagues. The conversation touches on the need for clear visions, systemic advocacy, and rethinking outdated structures that may no longer serve. Adam also offers insight into finding hope and joy in everyday moments with children, framing this as a powerful form of advocacy and professional sustenance in challenging times. About Adam Christie Adam is a passionate early childhood teacher with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Arts from Flinders University, South Australia. He holds a Diploma in strategic leadership and is currently studying a master’s in educational leadership at the University of South Australia. Adam has 17 years experience in early childhood education and care working across non-government and government services as an educator, teacher and leader. He has extensive experience as a systems leader in Government organisations, coordinating networked approaches to leading learning. Adam is now an early childhood consultant working alongside leaders and teams with a focus on leadership, pedagogy and practice. Areas of research interest include early childhood ethics, systems leadership, pedagogical documentation and practitioner inquiry.
In this heartfelt and deeply reflective episode of Leading the Early Years for the Future, host Dr Amie Fabry is joined by Sam Jockel, CEO of ParentTV and co-creator of the documentary Seen. Sam opens up about her personal and professional journey—from building one of Australia’s most trusted parenting platforms to confronting the uncomfortable truths of modern parenting. Together, they unpack the emotional labour of parenting, the disconnect between intention and presence, and how our cultural obsession with productivity often comes at the cost of connection. Sam shares her hard-won insights on family leadership, self-awareness, and the power of slowing down to truly see our children.