That Early Childhood Nerd

02/04/2026

I've hovered between the 3-4 spot on this countdown for a few years....but look!!

https://www.millionpodcasts.com/early-childhood-education-podcasts/

02/04/2026

I love doing my own podcast and I super love it when I get to be on other folks’ podcast!

“Heather shares her journey through the early childhood profession and how writing her first book was a full-circle moment. She breaks down what schema play really is and why it matters so much for child development, as well as how schema play connects to major developmental and educational philosophies. If you love geeking out about how children think, learn, and grow through play, this conversation is full of moments you’ll love.”

Visit the post for more.

02/03/2026

MembershipMembershipLearn About IPA USAIf you believe in the vital role play holds, and are an advocate for the Child’s Right to Play, please join us! AdvocacyAdvocacyLearn MoreKnowing not just why, but how to advocate at all levels in our mission of protecting and promoting the Child’s Right to...

02/03/2026

I’m so excited to be the keynote speaker at this event!

East central Indiana—will I see you there?

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/wsy9rtr/lp/d8f62509-f9e1-4a7d-b6ec-3ccb9f36fd89

02/02/2026

I don’t think most readers realize how much book reviews mean to authors.

When you write a book, you send months (or years) of thinking out into the world and hope it connects.

Reviews are how we know it did. They’re little messages that say, “I see what you were trying to do—and it mattered to me.”

So if you’ve been meaning to leave a review for a book you loved—this is your sign.

It’s a small act with a surprisingly big impact. ✨

If you've read my new book, and it mattered to you, please consider an Amazon review.

https://a.co/d/aApXRGf

02/01/2026

Who else is reading it?

01/30/2026

https://youtu.be/9G_sQjlKlxg?si=T6Y3S_p7UktwuZOt

Porch Play Chats are just one of the IPA USA initiatives used to promote the child’s right to play. Porch Play Chats are conversations with folks who are ...

01/29/2026

This is a cool resource!

Get your FREE copy of "Denita's Top 5 Play Opportunities" TODAY!!

01/29/2026

Hi everyone! A few of you have asked if I removed the podcast from Spotify--the answer is yes, accidentally, I did! I have been using Audacity to edit the episodes (which is new) and didn't realize those recordings don't save as mp3s, which is the only format Spotify will accept! Moving forward, I will convert the files so that they will work on Spotify.

In the meantime, you can hear this month's episodes on my website if you don't want to use the iTunes app:

01/28/2026

Childhood has become increasingly scheduled, measured, and monitored.

This book asks a simple question: What do children lose when play disappears—and what do we all lose with them?

Teachers College Press

01/28/2026

In her 2025 article The Key to Early Literacy is Child-Led Play, published in the winter 2025 issue of Exchange, Stacy Benge writes, "Child led play is the key to developing the foundations that support future reading and writing. And not just play that connects to the alphabet and books. All PLAY fosters the fundamentals needed for literacy, the development of the whole child." Stacy joins host Heather Bernt-Santy to dig deeper!

In her 2025 article The Key to Early Literacy is Child-Led Play, published in the winter 2025 issue of Exchange, Stacy Benge writes, "Child led play is the key to developing the foundations that support future reading and writing. And not just play that connects to the alphabet and books. All PLAY f...