Welcome to the Big-Hearted Podcast. In today's episode, we have the pleasure of hearing from the vibrant and insightful Melissa DeCastro, an early childhood educator from Canada. As a mother of three and a veteran in the field of early education, Melissa shares her wealth of experience, spanning nearly two decades. We delve into the nurturing world of 'Forest Kinder' in Canada, the trials faced during COVID-19, and the universal challenges that seem to resonate with early childhood educators across the globe. Melissa, a passionate advocate for the 'back to basics' method, sheds light on the intricacies and pressures of running a licensed childcare center. She candidly discusses staff burnout, frustrated families, and the ever-increasing demands of management and ministry requirements. Her mission is to inject joy back into early education, a sentiment deeply shared by educators everywhere. This episode is a testament to the global community of educators who strive to maintain the delicate balance of teaching and caring for our children against the backdrop of a demanding and often underappreciated profession. Melissa's journey from owning a childcare centre to becoming a childcare consultant exemplifies innovation and adaptability—traits central to our big-hearted community. Join us as we explore the importance of returning joy to early childhood education and rekindle our commitment to the authentic, child-centric approach that honors every child's unique developmental journey. Connect with Melissa and follow her remarkable work on social media here: https://www.instagram.com/melissadecastroconsulting/ Embrace the shared wisdom and let's continue to support each other in our big-hearted journey towards an even more connected and innovative early childhood education sector.