Show Notes
What does it mean to be an early childhood teacher?
We spend so much time with young children during some of the earliest years of their lives, but eventually, they leave. They start school, their families move, or we move on to new teaching roles. And we don't always get to find out what they remember about us, or whether they remember us at all.
In this episode of the Eco Kids Podcast, I’m talking about the often-invisible impact of early childhood teachers and the small moments that can make a much bigger difference than we realise.
From helping a child feel safe when they first start ECE, to noticing their interests, celebrating their little achievements, supporting their friendships and simply being a consistent person in their lives, so much of what teachers do happens quietly.
We also talk about the teachers we remember from our own childhoods, why appreciation matters, and why a simple “thank you” can mean so much to someone working in education.
This episode also features Warehouse Stationery's Thank a Teacher campaign for World Teachers' Day. From October 5th to November 1st, you can create a free personalised card online or at any Warehouse Stationery store to tell a teacher what they meant to you.
For every card made, Warehouse Stationery will donate $2 to The Salvation Army, up to $50,000, to help Kiwi kids get school essentials.
So whether you're an ECE teacher, a parent, a former ECE child, or simply someone who remembers a teacher who made a difference, this episode is for you. You might not remember everything your teachers did. But they were part of your story. And sometimes, that's enough.
Listen, share and subscribe to the Eco Kids Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
This episode is supported by Warehouse Stationery as part of the Thank a Teacher campaign. Giveaway terms apply. GIVEAWAY To celebrate this episode and Warehouse Stationery's Thank a Teacher campaign, I'm giving away 2 x $50 Warehouse Stationery gift cards! To enter, head over to the Eco Kids Collective Instagram and find the giveaway post. Leave a comment telling me about a teacher you'd like to thank and why. It could be an early childhood teacher, a school teacher, a teacher from your own childhood, or someone who has made a difference to your child. Two winners will be randomly selected, with each winner receiving a $50 Warehouse Stationery gift card. Entries close: Friday 16th October 9:00am NZT Open to: New Zealand residents. Sharing the episode is completely optional, although if you enjoyed it, you're very welcome to pass it on.
More from Eco Kids Collective
What do early childhood teachers really wish parents knew? As an early childhood teacher who's worked across childcare centres, kindergartens, home based education, and now as a visiting teacher, I've seen just how much happens behind the scenes that families never get to see. In this episode, I'm sharing some of the things many early childhood educators quietly wish parents understood, not to make anyone feel guilty, but to build stronger partnerships between families and teachers. We talk about why relationships matter so much, how teachers genuinely get to know each child, why communication between home and early childhood settings is so important, and why play is so much more than just playing. Whether you're a parent with a child already attending early childhood education or you're just starting to explore your options, I hope this episode gives you a better understanding of the people caring for your child each day. Although my experiences come from New Zealand, the ideas discussed are relevant for families around the world, including Australia, the United States, Canada and beyond. Download the free Eco Kids Parent Guide: Building Strong Relationships with Your Child's Early Childhood Teacher on the Eco Kids Collective website. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd love it if you followed the podcast and left a review. It really helps more families discover these conversations.
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Welcome to Eco Kids, a podcast for early childhood educators, parents, and anyone passionate about meaningful learning.