Empowering Children Through Playful Learning and Emotional Wellbeing
In an exciting new initiative, canopy Early Education has become the first childcare provider in Australia to partner with Tiny Souls, bringing the award-winning Zip and the Tiny Sprouts program to life across our centres.
“We are thrilled to partner with canopy! By integrating Tiny Souls’ researched backed media and resources, little ones will have the opportunity to develop the necessary skills and abilities to thrive, to regulate their emotions, to navigate diverse social situations, and advocate for themselves, in a safe and nurturing environment” said Shadi Toloui-Wallace, Founder & Chief Creative Officer at Tiny Souls.
Led by canopy COO Lynne Dixon and Sharyn Fewster, Head of Growth and Strategy at Tiny Souls, the program launched in June and has already captured the hearts of our children and educators alike.
Through engaging animated episodes, uplifting music, and calming mindfulness sessions, Zip and the Tiny Sprouts are helping children aged 2–5 explore important concepts such as safety, feelings, and respectful relationships—all in a way that’s fun, age-appropriate, and deeply meaningful.
“Zip and the Tiny Sprouts will become a key part of our curriculum,” said Lynne Dixon. “It supports our ongoing commitment to being a child-safe organisation, while nurturing children’s social and emotional development.”
Tiny Souls’ Christine Curphey, Growth Partner, is equally enthusiastic about the partnership. “This Kidscreen award-winning resource, created in Brisbane featuring creative talent from beloved shows like Bluey, provides a playful and consistent way to build emotional literacy. We’re also thrilled to offer families an affordable at-home subscription to extend this social and emotional learning journey beyond the classroom.”
canopy CEO Peta Pitcher reinforced the program’s impact, stating:
“We’re incredibly proud to be the sector leader with Tiny Souls and be a part of a powerful, sector-wide movement to ensure every child feels safe, supported, and truly heard.”
This sentiment is shared by Claire Johnston, Chair of the API Qld Board (canopy’s parent organisation), who added:
“I am so proud canopy Early Education is partnering with Tiny Souls to be the first provider to launch Zip and the Tiny Sprouts within our centres. Building social and emotional resilience in our children is so important and we have an important role to play in helping with the learning and development of children in our care. As a mother of a child on the Autism spectrum, I know this has even greater benefit to children who do struggle with social and emotional resilience more.”
With Zip and the Tiny Sprouts now part of our educational landscape, canopy Early Education continues to lead with innovation, purpose, and heartfelt care for every child in our community.
Author:
Lynne Dixon is the Operations Manager at canopy Early Education. Her background spans early childhood to aged care, with extensive experience in service-based organisations across government, public, and private sectors. She holds a Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental Health) and a Master of Health Science.
