The Early Childhood Education Podcast
The Early Childhood Education Podcast

There's more to play than meets the eye

Building towers. Making music. Imagining new worlds. Even learning to share. These little moments help children build the skills they need for school, friendships, and life.

And there’s so much more happening than we can see.

Join Dr. Christie McPeck and Jeni Gonzalez as they explore the wonderful ways children learn through play. With decades of experience in early childhood education, they’re here to share what they’ve learned, answer your questions, and help you see everyday play in a whole new light.

Meet your hosts

Dr. Christie McPeck

With over 40 years of experience leading schools, Dr. Christie has dedicated her career to helping children learn and thrive. She’s a passionate champion of play-based education and loves sharing the science, real-life parent experiences, and wonderful discoveries that make childhood so extraordinary.

Jeni Gonzalez

As a preschool director, educator, and parent, Jeni knows the magic (and the messy moments!) of helping little ones grow. She brings years of hands-on experience, practical wisdom, and a whole lot of heart to conversations about children, learning, and family life.

Come join the conversation!

Pull up a seat, bring your questions, and share in the wonder of childhood with us. There’s always something new to discover, and we’d love for you to be part of it.

Listen to the latest episodes

Season 2 is here! New episodes, fresh conversations, and more wonderful reasons to see play in a whole new way. Explore the latest episodes and find something that sparks your curiosity.
Episode 21

Who is Protecting Childhood?

29 mins
Episode 20

Friendship Builds Brains!

26 mins
Episode 19

Risky Play!

32 mins