In this episode, host Simone Brand sits down with Meg Parnell, Principal Researcher at the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO), to explore the transformative power of intentional teaching in early childhood education and care. Meg unpacks AERO’s groundbreaking research showing how intentional teaching maximises learning opportunities—particularly for children from equity cohorts—and addresses why this core curriculum concept is so often misunderstood in daily practice. Listeners will gain an inside look at AERO’s Early Childhood Intentional Teaching Model, developed through nine months of design-based research alongside educators in diverse communities to bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical, everyday application.

The conversation dives deep into what intentionality looks like in real-world settings, demonstrating how intentional teaching seamlessly complements play-based learning to balance adult-led strategies with child-led exploration and spontaneous teachable moments. Meg shares key lessons on practice change, highlighting how fostering a "culture of intentionality" and trusting educators as professionals empowers services to elevate quality. Packed with inspiring insights and practical takeaways, this episode reveals how educators across Australia helped shape a model that is now freely accessible to support every service, educator, child, and family.

Find out more:
https://www.edresearch.edu.au/guides-resources/practice-resources/early-childhood-intentional-teaching-model

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