Your host Loretta McDonagh introduces for the first time in Ireland conversations reflecting the realities of working, studying and teaching in the early years sector. With real life stories and expert advice from professionals in the field.
Avril is the owner of Outdoor Explorers Preschool. She talks about the day to day role and the importance of providing outdoor experience for children.
Sandra O’Neill is an Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education in Dublin City University, where she founded the EC STEM network (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdjiPgeR3N0Y4YcDbKmQqph09m7AOQKRQepOLl98GclX8JhAQ/viewform?usp=sf_link) . She talks about STEM in the early years and how we can find it in everyday practice
Sharon Byrne is the Early Years Development Coordinator with Barnardos. She coordinates the Barnardos external program of early years work supporting quality within the sector. Sharon shares her story and journey with us and the opportunities Barnardos offers Children, families and the early years sector.
Joanne Dogherty is a Lecturer at the Galway Mayo Institute of Technology and lectures on the BA in Early Childhood Education and Care program. Her areas of special interest are Family Support in the early years of children’s lives and Inclusion, Diversity and Equality. Joanne give us a clear insight in how we can support families who may be dealing with stresses in their life.
Sam Synnott, Founder & CEO Buddy Bench Ireland's first award winning evidence based children's mental health initiative for schools. Sam shares her experience and ways in which we can support children's emotional development.
Dr Geraldine French is the Head of School of Language, Literacy and Early Childhood Education and the Programme Chair of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education. Geraldine is a specialist in early childhood education. Ger shares her passion and knowledge around young babies, and the importance of valuing this very important time in their lives.
Mary Skillington is a lecturer on the BA in Early Childhood Education and Care in GMIT, Mayo campus. Her specialist field is child development and learning with a particular interest in play, self-regulation and neuroscience. Mary shares her feeling on how children can benefit from play to be able to reach their full potential.
Marlene McCormack DCU - Student Placement
Dr Sandra O'Neill DCU - Technology in Early Childhood
Sister Helen Cohan - Understanding Children's Grief
Dr Sheila Garrity NUIG - Parent Caregiver Relationships
A short introduction to the Sweetpea Podcast: The Early Years
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