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In this episode, OFS Program Director Alexandra Dutton sits down with Bryan Wiley and Tim Clark, co-founders of SEEDS (https://www.seedslearner.com), to reframe how we support neurodiverse children. Together, they discuss into recognizing individual needs, leveraging the life-changing impact of early intervention, and navigating the vital roles that classroom aides and therapists play in a child's ecosystem. They explore why inclusion doesn't just benefit neurodiverse learners—it elevates and enriches the classroom experience for all children.

AI has quietly crept into almost every corner of our daily lives—but what does its rise mean for the future of early childhood? In this episode, Alexandra Dutton sits down with veteran educator Darcy Campbell to discuss how we can protect the sacred realm of early education. Together, they explore why young minds desperately need time to think creatively, build a tolerance for frustration, and learn real-world problem-solving from loving, trusted adults. Tune in for a fascinating conversation on the role of AI in our future, and how it might impact the way our children think—for better and for worse. Learn more about Darcy's work as a parent coach and teacher mentor: https://www.darcycampbellcoaching.com/

Summer is just around the horizon, and for many families, that means big travel plans are finally on the calendar! But let’s be honest: the thought of a long flight with a toddler or preschooler can bring on a wave of travel anxiety. How do you keep a young child content, contained, and calm at 35,000 feet? In this episode, host Alexandra Dutton sits down with seasoned parents who have been in the trenches. They share their absolute best, field-tested travel hacks to take the stress out of the journey so you can actually enjoy the destination.

Our children are set to inherit a planet facing unprecedented environmental challenges. How do we ensure they meet those challenges with love rather than apathy? Host Alexandra Dutton sits down with Old Firehouse School educators Maylis Treuil and Liza Pevzner to explore how meaningful, hands-on projects can bridge the gap between kids and the great outdoors. Join us for a conversation on shifting the narrative from ownership to relationship, and learn how to foster a deep-rooted sense of responsibility that will turn today’s children into tomorrow’s lifelong stewards.

At Old Firehouse Schools, the groundbreaking work of Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson is more than just a philosophy—it’s the backbone of our teaching. Following an intensive two-day conference with the authors, Program Director Alexandra Dutton and teacher Maylis Treuil sit down to demystify the "Whole-Brain" approach. Join us as we explore how our own histories shape our parenting, and discover practical, neuroscience-backed strategies to transform discipline into a powerful tool for connection.

We finally did it—we’re talking about sleep! As parents who have spent many late nights in the trenches, we’ve always wanted to tackle this topic, but we weren't sure we had the answers. That’s why we brought in the expert. Join hosts Alexandra Dutton and Judy Haus as they sit down with sleep consultant Mariana Castaman to deconstruct the bedtime struggle. From understanding the 'messages' behind sleep patterns to managing parental stress, Mariana offers the insights you need to finally see a light at the end of the tunnel (and maybe even get some rest!). Learn more about Mariana's work at her website, www.attachmentbasedsleep.com.

How does play-based learning actually translate to "big school" success? Join Directors Alexandra Dutton and Judy Haus for an inside look at the magic of the TK year at OFS. In this special community event recording, we dive into how project-based exploration builds the foundation for handwriting, literacy, and math—while prioritizing the social-emotional confidence children need to thrive. Featuring a bridge of perspectives from OFS teacher Pam Remensperger and public school TK/K experts Hannah Fournier and Kairrie Allio, this episode demystifies the transition to Kindergarten and shows you exactly how we prepare our students to take on the world.

When an early educator spends half their day on essential care routines—diapering, feeding, and settling for naps—how can we logically separate the concepts of 'education' and 'care'? We can't. Host Alexandra Dutton and Sue Britson welcome author Carol Garboden Murray to discuss her influential book, Illuminating Care. Murray makes a powerful case for valuing the interwoven nature of care and learning in the early years. Tune in for a vital discussion with seasoned experts who expose the deep-rooted reasons why early education remains critically undervalued in our society. Read Carol's book: https://www.carolgarbodenmurray.com/illuminating-care.html The article by Gloria Kim quoted in the beginning of the podcast: https://edsource.org/2025/early-childhood-educators-undervalued/743048

OFS Lafayette Program Director Alexandra Dutton sits down with Dr. Robert Schechter, a pediatrician and former OFS parent with decades of experience supporting families and guiding them through questions about immunizations. As your child enters group care, what does that mean for their health—especially during the winter months? Dr. Schechter and Alex explore how vaccines help prevent severe illness, protect others in the community, and share practical tips for keeping your family healthy this season.

The pandemic changed a multitude of things, including parenting and teaching. Alexandra Dutton is joined by Anne Bauer from All People's School in Berkeley to discuss the ways communication, welcoming families, and the act of teaching itself has changed in the last 5 years. As educators who have been in the field for 20+ years, they offer their observations, reflections, and insights about how their schools have adjusted to new demands in early education.

Welcome back to the second part of our essential discussion on setting boundaries with children. In this episode, host Alexandra Dutton and Katrinca Ford, MFT, pick up where they left off, continuing to explore the impact that well-defined limits have on a child's emotional development and their ability to navigate the world. Building on our previous conversation, this episode dives even deeper into practical strategies for parents and caregivers. Katrinca shares insights into why children might push boundaries in the first place, and perhaps even more importantly, she'll guide us on our crucial role as parents and caregivers in helping children learn how to deal with disappointment.

Setting boundaries for children isn't just about safety; it's crucial for their emotional growth and future interactions. In this episode, Alexandra Dutton welcomes back Katrinca Ford, MFT, to delve into why establishing appropriate limits for children is so vital. Saying "no" to your child can be tough, but the powerful messages it conveys about safety, coping with disappointment, and understanding boundaries are invaluable. This discussion between early childhood experts was so insightful, we've split it into two must-listen episodes!

OFS takes a field trip to the California Academy of Sciences! Our teachers wrap up two years of science and nature education with a special trip to experience wonder, awe, and curiosity among the exhibits. Listen to hear about the teachers' encounters with butterflies, fish, and other wildlife, what they learned from this trip, and what messages they want to pass on to their children about nature and science.

In this episode, we dive into the key considerations young families should keep in mind when looking for a new home. Join Program Director Alexandra Dutton as she talks with OFS Mill Valley parent and realtor Emily Schaffer (Engel & Völkers) about this complicated process. From affordability and floor plans to schools and community connections, we discuss how to buy a home that fits your current needs while planning for the future. Is your "forever home" necessary at this stage, or is it better to take baby steps? We also explore the importance of community in the home buying process—what does a supportive village look like, and how can families build connections to create a fulfilling, active lifestyle in their new neighborhood? Tune in for practical tips on making the right choice for your growing family!

Want to understand how gender biases take root in early childhood? Did you know children as young as 3 years old exhibit bias, and girls may start believing they're less smart than boys by ages 5-6? In this insightful episode, Judy Haus (Walnut Creek Program Director) speaks with Michele Bailey and Alexandra Dutton, uncovering the unconscious ways we share our own gender biases and how media reinforces them. More importantly, they offer actionable strategies to help you move past these biases with your young children, fostering an equitable future where every child thrives. Articles to help unpack this topic: 6-Year-Old Girls Already Have Gendered Beliefs About Intelligence https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/01/six-year-old-girls-already-have-gendered-beliefs-about-intelligence/514340/ Watching Gender: How Stereotypes in Movies and on TV Impact Kids' Development https://www.commonsensemedia.org/research/watching-gender-how-stereotypes-in-movies-and-on-tv-impact-kids-development Bias Starts as Early as Preschool, but Can Be Unlearned A new study finds that children show bias at a surprisingly young age. But teachers have ways to address this and create a welcoming classroom.