S2E10 - Heather Bernt-Santy: The Importance of Play Advocacy

01/07/2025 33 min Temporada 2 Episodio 10

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Episode Synopsis

What if the most effective form of advocacy isn’t about convincing others, but about modelling intention and sharing curiosity in the everyday moments of our practice?How might our own playful engagement as adults rekindle both our resilience and our capacity to truly lead in the early years?📘 Episode SummaryIn this heartfelt and energising episode of Leading the Early Years for the Future, Amie Fabry is joined by play advocate, educator, and a podcast host Heather Bernt-Santy. With over three decades of experience in early childhood education, Heather shares her deep commitment to advocating for the power of play — not only for children, but also for the adults who care for them. From navigating resistance in co-teaching relationships to tailoring advocacy for different audiences, Heather offers practical insights and emotional honesty about the challenges and joys of championing developmentally appropriate practice. The conversation is a rich exploration of hope, relational leadership, and why sometimes the most powerful advocacy starts with small glimmers of change👤 About Heather Bernt-SantyHeather Bernt-Santy is a professor of Early Childhood Education, long-time early years educator, and the host of the widely respected podcast That Early Childhood Nerd. With more than 35 years of experience working with young children and their families, Heather is a passionate play advocate, a writer, and a sought-after speaker on developmentally appropriate practice and schema play. Her first book, which centres on advocating for play through the lens of schema theory, is due for release later this year. Known for her honest, warm, and deeply hopeful approach to teaching and advocacy, Heather continues to inspire educators globally to reclaim the joy and integrity of play-based learning.Connect & ResourcesLinkedInInstagramFacebookThat Early Childhood NerdThat Early Childhood Nerd PodcastStay Connected with Dr Amie Fabry:LinkedInSubscribe 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 [email protected]