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Did you know that I got the idea to open my own early childhood center while touring a local daycare? I was 5 months pregnant with my first child and wasn’t on a single wait list! I really had no clue about the childcare landscape. I was working as a teacher and had...

As the weather turns cooler and frost becomes to form, the enchanting holiday season is soon upon us. In many preschools, this time of year typically involves crafting classic handprint Thanksgiving turkeys and Christmas trees in festive hues. While undeniably sweet,...

Introduction Fear is a natural and essential emotion that helps us stay safe in potentially dangerous situations. When our children are small, we have so much control over their environment and the world they are exposed to. But as they grow, their world grows too and...

My Son the Superhero: An Intro “Here’s your super power toothpaste!” “Ok Mom, this will give me the power of Venom’s tentacles, Zurg’s head & rocket boots, Spin’s cloaking power, and Captain America’s shield!”He brushes his teeth with enthusiasm and then runs laps...

I remember a great compliment I received when I was teaching preschool in a Head Start program. The maintenance worker came into my classroom carrying a large tarp. He said “we found an extra one of these in the shed and I thought you might want it.” Not an intended...

After an inspiring visit to Boulder Journey School for an early childhood conference, we were motivated to jumpstart a project I’m calling Lights and Levels across both Stepping Stones locations. The project includes adding opportunities to diversify play levels and...

Towards the end of winter in the midwest, everyone could use a little bit of inspiration. This year I was fortunate enough to visit one of my favorite sources of play-based inspiration, Boulder Journey School. Touring the classrooms at Boulder Journey, I noticed all...

As an educator, I love opportunities for reflection. What I love about New Year’s reflection, is not the pressure of total reinvention of self, but rather the idea that there are tiny shifts I can be making mid school year to lean into the educator, parent, and school...

The holiday season is upon us, and it is often a time of joy and wonder in early childhood.  Gathering with family and friends, engaging in traditions and rituals, the practice of gift-giving and gratitude, cooking and feasts, and the magical transformation of our...