Infant Educators… Where Are You?" with Coach Sophie Rayner-Grignon

Infant Educators… Where Are You? with Coach Sophie

In this episode of The Inspiring ECE Podcast, host Marcia Nicole welcomes Coach Sophie, Infant Education Guru with The Early Childhood Coach (ECC), for a heartfelt conversation about a group of educators who are too often overlooked infant educators.

Sophie shares her journey into the field, beginning with her very first diaper change at eleven years old to more than a decade of experience as a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE). Together, Marcia and Sophie unpack why infant educators are sometimes the “forgotten voices” in our sector, how post-secondary programs and placements could do more to prepare students, and the common misconceptions that minimize the importance of infant care.

Listeners will also hear:

• Why working with infants is a unique honor and opportunity

• How “Educatorese” (child-directed speech) supports learning, bonding, and emotional regulation

• Practical ways to plan meaningful, play-based experiences for infants

• Tips to connect with parents through compassion, communication, and advocacy

• Inspiration for infant educators to feel seen, valued, and celebrated

Sophie’s passion shines as she reminds us that infants are capable, curious learners, and the educators who care for them play a vital role in shaping their earliest experiences. This conversation is both empowering and practical whether you’re an educator, a student, or simply someone who believes babies deserve the best start.

As ECC’s Infant Education Guru, Sophie is deeply passionate about infant care and play, weaving creativity into intentional programming for the youngest learners. Whether through art, community building, or play, Sophie brings curiosity, joy, and advocacy to everything she does as a play partner and infant specialist.

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