Where Learning Begins

Step outside and discover how nature supports children’s growth, curiosity, and well-being. In this episode of Where Learning Begins, Alexandra Loos and Christine Aiken welcome Rina Zamperon from Mass Audubon to explore the emotional, cognitive, physical, and social benefits of outdoor learning. From snowy play and neighborhood walks to rocks, sticks, wildlife, and child-led discoveries, Rina shares practical ways families and educators can make meaningful connections with nature—wherever they live and in every season.

In this episode of Where Learning Begins, Alexandra Loos and Christine Aiken explore how sign language can support communication, connection, and inclusion in early childhood classrooms. They are joined by Lora Heller, founder of Baby Fingers, whose expertise in music, deaf education, and early language development helps families and educators see sign language as a joyful, practical tool for empowering young children. If you have ever wondered how children can express big needs before they have the words, this conversation offers inspiring stories, simple starting points, and a powerful reminder that communication begins long before speech.

Supporting new parents is about more than answering questions — it’s about building trust, offering reassurance, and helping families feel less alone during one of life’s biggest transitions.

In this episode of Where Learning Begins, hosts Alexandra Loos and Christine Aiken welcome Sarah Stanger, co-founder of Prospera and a clinical and developmental psychologist, for a thoughtful conversation about early parenthood, postpartum emotions, and the important role educators and caregivers play in supporting families.

Sarah shares insight into the anxiety, guilt, intrusive thoughts, and uncertainty many new parents experience, while offering practical ways to reframe those feelings with compassion and confidence. The conversation also explores how early childhood educators can partner with families during transitions like starting childcare, returning to work, and navigating emotional drop-offs.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or caregiver, this episode offers meaningful reminders that support, connection, and small moments of reassurance can make a lasting difference.

Listen in for a conversation about parenthood, mental health, childcare transitions, and the power of helping families feel seen, supported, and understood.

Episode Description: In this episode of Where Learning Begins, hosts Alexandra Loos and Christine Aiken are joined by Rachel Waff, Early Learning Environments and Inclusion Lead at Becker’s School Supplies, to explore Supporting Families Through Neurodiversity in Early Childhood. Together, they discuss strengths‑based language, partnering with families, and practical ways educators can celebrate progress and create inclusive, sensory‑supportive learning spaces where every child can thrive.

Today's first episode is called Finding Our Village, Working Parents in Early Education. We're exploring how parenting and professional life intertwine and how the idea of it takes a village has grown and shifted in today's world.

There was a time when your village was built in, grandparents down the street, neighbors who knew your kids by name, and a shared sense of responsibility. But today, that village often looks different. It might be coworkers who help with pickup, chosen family who show up when it counts, group chats that keep us sane, or the educators who become part of your child and your family story. We are your hosts, Alexandra Loos and Christine Aiken, both experienced educators in the field of early childhood as well as working parents.

And today we're joined by Christie Pinheiro, CP to ss, our chief operating officer and a fellow working parent. Together we'll talk about how we've built our own villages, what those communities have taught us, and how they've shaped our careers in early education.