Old Firehouse School Chat

If you have children under the age of 5, January 2022 may have been one of the most stressful months since the beginning of the pandemic. The Omicron variant shuttered classrooms and left families and educators with questions about vaccines, masking, and the safety of being at school. Dorothy and Alex talk with UCSF COVID expert Dr. Monica Gandhi about how COVID has impacted families with children who can't be vaccinated against COVID yet, and what may be coming in the near future as we continue to navigate this pandemic.

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Follow Dr. Monica Gandhi:

https://twitter.com/monicagandhi9

Finding the right preschool for your child is a daunting experience. Dorothy and the directors, Alex, Judy, Lizz and Danielle, share what they think families should look at when they are exploring childcare and preschools. Does curriculum matter more than the educational level of the teachers? Why is it so hard to find good schools?

Childcare is also being impacted by the Transitional Kindergarten expansion. You can read the full letter from the podcast written by Holly Gould owner of Rockridge Little School here: https://bit.ly/3lPMRKM

We keep hearing about the ways that child care programs and preschools are struggling right now. Listen as Dorothy, owner and executive director of Old Firehouse Schools, talks with educators Judy Haus, Lizz Nolasco, Danielle Roach, and Alexandra Dutton about the state of the Old Firehouse Schools. How are teachers really doing? How are children handling starting school after being mostly at home for the last year? We discuss what we have noticed in our programs and lessons we have learned.

Why is play so important? Dorothy Stewart and Alexandra Dutton are joined by Deya Hill, author, former preschool director and college professor. Deya explains the value of play and what children are learning from play.

Dribble Drabble Art: Process Art Experiences for Young Children by Deya Brashears Hill

Why Play? by Chris Pancoast

This episode has it all -- neuroscience, parenting, and real life stories. Dorothy Stewart and Alexandra Dutton are joined by Julie Kurtz, MFT who has written two books on trauma. She works with young children who have experienced trauma as well as their teachers and caregivers. Trauma is experienced by 50% of children under the age of 8. The good news: With knowledge of how to help children feel safe and discuss their emotions, we can help them move past events that can otherwise permanently affect their brains.

See Julie's websites: https://www.optimalbrainintegration.com/ and http://www.juliekurtz.com/

Her books: Culturally Responsive Self-Care Practices for Early Childhood Educators

Nicholson, J., Shimpi Driscoll, P., Kurtz, J., Marquez, D., and Wesley, L. (2019)

Trauma-Informed Practices for Early Childhood Educators: Relationship-Based Approaches that Support Healing and Build Resilience in Young Children

Nicholson, J., Perez, L., & Kurtz, J. Routledge. (2018)

Some recommended books: https://www.optimalbrainintegration.com/children-s-books

Also, yes, that's Alex's son trying to get her attention whispering "Mama!" Sorry :)

With the new reality of fire season and power shutoffs, the discussion of emergency preparedness is important. Dorothy and Alexandra Dutton talk with an OFS family, Annette and Dan McCormick, who had to evacuate their home due to the fire in Lafayette in October. They share their experience, what they learned, and what they will do differently -- and we hope their experience helps all of us be more prepared.

The holidays are a wonderful time to spend with family and friends, and to introduce your children to special traditions. Sometimes all of these new people, new expectations, and new foods are a bit overwhelming for young children, so what is a parent to do? Dorothy, Judy Haus (OFS Walnut Creek Director) and Alexandra Dutton (OFS Lafayette director) share ways to make the holidays more enjoyable to for everyone, relatives and children included!

We referenced this fantastic article from the Child Mind Institute: https://childmind.org/article/the-family-gathering-a-survival-guide/

Are you traveling with your children soon, or thinking about how to take a vacation with your little ones? Let us help you! Dorothy speaks with Alexandra Dutton, OFS Program Director, and Lisa Kallen from Alamo World Travel and Tours, about all the things to consider when traveling with children. From tips on flying, to tips on hotels, Lisa covers all the bases.

For more information about Alamo World Travel, please see their website: https://www.alamoworld.com

Do you have a dreaded doctor's visit coming up and you already know your child will scream like a banshee when getting a shot? We are here to help! Dorothy speaks with Rachel Turtledove and Alexandra Dutton on the best ways to prepare children for routine doctor's visits as well as more serious ones. Rachel and Alexandra both have children who have required special medical care and have tried many of these strategies to soothe their children. You'll be all ready for your child's flu shot after listening to this episode!

The new school year is under way, and if you're having a hard time saying goodbye at drop off at preschool or daycare, this podcast is for you! Dorothy is joined by Judy Haus and Alexandra Dutton, and they share some strategies to help ease the pain of saying goodbye. The most important rule: Never sneak out!