What long-held structures or habits in your service might now be limiting your growth—and how can you begin reimagining them through the lens of your values and vision? How might you intentionally cultivate moments of joy and vulnerability in your team to build a culture where slow, thoughtful leadership is not only accepted but celebrated?

What kind of leader are you in your family—and how is your presence shaping your child’s mental health today and tomorrow? Are we parenting and educating to avoid discomfort, or are we raising children equipped to face it with strength and support?

Blake shares from the heart about mistakes, growth, and the importance of listening—not just to research or policy—but to the voices of families, practitioners, and children themselves.

What if our early learning environments prioritised the development of a growth mindset as highly as they do literacy and numeracy? How might our teaching and leadership practices shift if we viewed advocacy not just as external action, but as embedded in every interaction we have with children, colleagues, and communities?

What if children’s playtime—particularly in natural environments—is not just a break from learning, but the most vital learning of all? Are we overlooking what children are telling us through their play—especially when they seek stillness, solitude, or repetition?

If we continue prioritising early academic instruction over child-led play, are we unintentionally creating the very literacy crisis we’re trying to solve? What would shift in our education systems if we treated early childhood educators as the experts in child development that they are—rather than expecting them to conform to top-down academic mandates? In this energising episode of Leading the Early Years for the Future, host Dr Amie Fabry is joined by Stacy Benge—early childhood educator, speaker, and author of The Whole Child Alphabet. With over 30 years of experience, Stacy challenges the “earlier is better” narrative in literacy and shines a light on the crucial, often-overlooked developmental foundations that support reading and writing. Together, they unpack why true literacy starts long before phonics—through physical development, visual perception, and rich, child-led play. Stacy shares practical strategies, powerful metaphors, and tools educators can use to advocate for developmentally responsive practices in their classrooms and communities. If you’re an early childhood educator, leader, or advocate, this conversation will remind you of the power of play—and your role in protecting it. Stacy Benge is an early childhood speaker who approaches learning in the early years with practicality and common sense. Standing firm on the truth that children learn best through simple, authentic experiences, Stacy advocates for child-led play to build solid foundations for child development. In addition to a Master of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies, Stacy spent 10 years in the early childhood classroom teaching children ages birth to five. As she has for the past 20 years, Stacy shares her passion for child development with fellow early learning professionals with enlightening and informative presentations. Stacy is the author of The Whole Child Alphabet: How Children Actually Develop Literacy published by Exchange Press. She is available for keynote presentations. Located in Texas, she presents virtually, locally, nationally, and internationally. Connect with Stacy Benge: Stacy Benge Website 5 Mistakes Early Childhood Professionals Make When Teaching Literacy (and How to Fix Them) - Free Guide Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Book - The Whole Child Alphabet: How Young Children Actually Develop Literacy Kindle version - The Whole Child Alphabet: How Young Children Actually Develop Literacy Stay Connected with Dr Amie Fabry: LinkedIn Subscribe to Leading the Early Years for the Future for more insightful conversations! Tune in now and discover how to lead with purpose, creativity, and collaboration! Hire this host via hello@thelearningfuture.com

What if Australia truly became the best place in the world to raise a child — what structural reforms would we need to achieve this, and what would be the consequences of inaction? How can we, individually and collectively, better value the early years workforce to create genuine, lasting change in outcomes for children, families, and society? Georgie Dent is the CEO of The Parenthood, a leading Australian advocacy organisation representing over 82,000 parents, carers, and allies. A former corporate lawyer and business journalist, Georgie is a passionate advocate for children, families, gender equality, and mental health. Her lived experiences as a parent and her personal journey overcoming health challenges have deeply shaped her mission to make Australia the best place to raise a child. She is also a bestselling author and a recognised voice in national conversations on social reform. In this episode, join Dr Amie Fabry as she chats with Georgie Dent — CEO of The Parenthood, bestselling author, and fearless advocate for families, children, and gender equality. Georgie shares her powerful personal journey into advocacy, the bold mission to make Australia the best place to raise a child, and why real change takes persistence and heart. From major wins in early childhood reform to practical advice for staying hopeful and driving impact, this conversation is packed with inspiration for anyone passionate about building a better future for families and educators. Join The Parenthood: - Membership is free. - Open to parents, carers, grandparents, educators — anyone passionate about improving early childhood and family outcomes. Stay Connected: Follow Amie Fabry on LinkedIn Subscribe to Leading the Early Years for the Future for more insightful conversations! Tune in now and discover how to lead with purpose, creativity, and collaboration! Hire this host via hello@thelearningfuture.com

How do we, as educators and leaders, create space for collective grief while still moving forward with purpose? How can we redefine the idea of ‘school’ and ‘community’ beyond physical spaces? Amy Chiu is a dedicated early childhood educator, consultant, and advocate specializing in play-based, nature-based, and community-centered learning. Based in Los Angeles County, California, she has spent her career fostering environments where young children, families, and educators can thrive. Her leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in the belief that education extends beyond the classroom, emphasizing the importance of strong relationships, emotional well-being, and community support.