In this episode of our Road Safety in Early Education mini-series, host Linda Harrison is joined by Amanda Menzies and Bec Dunn from Kids and Traffic to unpack safe arrivals, departures, and transportation. Grounded in National Regulations (Regulations 99 & 168) and NQS Quality Area 2, the conversation highlights how services can move beyond basic compliance by turning busy drop-off and pick-up routines into active learning opportunities. By creating localised, context-specific resources and co-designing safety rules with children and families, educators can turn daily arrival transitions into a collaborative, community-led effort that keeps young children safe in car parks and drop-off zones.

The episode also tackles important topics including driveway safety, low-speed vehicle runovers, and practicing off-site emergency evacuations. For services that transport children—particularly in regional and remote communities—Amanda and Bec share essential insights from the Kids and Traffic 'Safe Transport Toolkit' covering legal responsibilities, pre-journey vehicle safety checks, headcount procedures, and correct child restraint installations. Tune in to learn how clear policies, proactive supervision, and family partnerships build a strong culture of road safety every day.

Find out more:
https://kidsandtraffic.mq.edu.au/

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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

If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform.

Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at info@learnplaythrive.com.au

Connect with Us:

- Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au

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- Facebook: @Learn Play Thrive Australia

- Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au

In this second episode of Building Your Village—a special 10-part mini-series for the Learn Play Thrive podcast—host Simone Brand rejoins Kathryn Stoneman and Harriet Blannin-Ferguson from The Village Collective to deliver a practical "how-to" guide on intentionally constructing a support network during pregnancy. The discussion challenges the common habit of shifting focus toward support only after a newborn arrives and exhaustion sets in. Kathryn and Harriet explain why expectant parents should pivot from solely purchasing baby gear to actively investing in people, laying out a proactive blueprint for care that protects a mother's physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing long before her due date.

The conversation demystifies the diverse landscape of antenatal care providers, clearly breaking down the distinct roles of midwives, obstetricians, doulas, and allied health professionals so families can determine the right fit for their unique needs. Listeners will gain three simple, actionable steps to begin building their village immediately, ensuring they have trusted relationships in place well before navigating late-night postpartum challenges. Tune in for an empowering, practical guide that reframes support as an essential foundation for a confident and stable transition into parenthood.

Find out more:
https://thevillagecollective.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/the.village.collective__/

If you enjoyed this episode, consider leaving us a review on your favourite podcast platform.

Have questions or feedback? Connect with us on social media or email us at info@learnplaythrive.com.au

Connect with Us:

- Website: www.learnplaythrive.com.au

- Instagram: @learnplaythrive_

- Facebook: @Learn Play Thrive Australia

- Email: info@learnplaythrive.com.au