#212 From Expert to Founder: Laura's Dubai Adventure

About Laura Barton-Toyne Laura Barton-Toyne is a dedicated leader in early childhood education, with over 20 years of experience working in nurseries and supporting children with special education needs. Her expertise spans child development, creating child-centered environments, and providing holistic support to families. Currently, she leads Yellow Kite Nursery in Dubai, a top-rated institution known for its natural learning experiences and emphasis on play. Laura"s passion for children and education, coupled with her innovative approach to nurturing growth, has made her a prominent figure in the field. About this Episode In this episode, Laura joins host Hilmarie Hutchison to discuss her journey into early childhood education, her unexpected move to Dubai, and her leadership at Yellow Kite Nursery. Laura shares her experiences of working with children, particularly those with special needs, and how Yellow Kite Nursery evolved into a supportive community for both children and their families. Laura explains the inspiration behind Yellow Kite"s rebranding, emphasizing its focus on nature, eco-literacy, and child development through play. She also highlights the nursery"s role in supporting parents, providing not only education for children but also creating a network of care for the whole family. Laura’s insights into balancing structured learning with play, as well as her integration of natural experiences into the curriculum, offer valuable takeaways for educators and parents alike. The episode concludes with Laura reflecting on her career, the importance of self-care, and her personal Green Pill moment, where a surprising opportunity led her to her current role at Yellow Kite Nursery. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about passion, leadership, and the joy of working with children. Quotes 8:53 - Play is an opportunity for active, hands-on learning and they are all the things that lead us to where we want to be later. 13:35 - Children are so capable and they"re born really capable, and they have all this innate curiosity and wonder within them. 13:52 - They are fascinating little beings and it"s a privilege to do what we do. 14:18 - All children need is acceptance; acceptance of who they are right now, in the moment, and give them some time. 16:06 - A little bit of kindness, a little bit of self-love and a little bit of acceptance goes a long way. Useful Links Website: https://kangarookids.ae/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mrsbt0108/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YellowKiteNursery  The Matrix Green Pill Podcast: https://thematrixgreenpill.com/ Please review us: https://g.page/r/CS8IW35GvlraEAI/review