Dr. Deb Zupito Most parents never get to see what a preschool classroom looks like once the day is fully underway. If you could peek inside an hour after the morning begins, you would likely see children proudly creating colorful masterpieces, someone carefully building an impressive block tower, a teacher comforting a child who needed a little extra reassurance, while another patiently helps tiny hands learn to zip a jacket. Music drifts through the room. Children chatter wi

Why the Simplest Summer Moments May Be Shaping Your Child's Brain the Most Dr. Deb Zupito There is something magical about a popsicle on a hot summer afternoon. It begins perfectly frozen, bright, colorful, and full of possibility. Children race outside with excitement, taking big bites before the first drop lands on their hands. Then, almost without warning, it begins to melt. No matter how carefully you try to slow it down, summer sunshine always wins. Childhood melts away

Dr. Deb Zupito The cubbies are cleaned out and ready for summer. The walls are bare, waiting for the masterpieces that will soon take their place. New routines are settling in, sunscreen is being applied, outdoor water play is returning, and anticipation is building. As educators, we know these small changes signal something special. Summer has arrived, bringing with it endless opportunities for exploration, discovery, friendship, and fun. While the school year may have ended

Dr. Deb Zupito As another preschool year comes to a close, our hearts are full. There is something incredibly special about being a preschool educator. We are given a front row seat to some of the most important years of a child's life. We watch children arrive with wide eyes and nervous smiles, and over the course of a year, we witness remarkable growth. We see confidence emerge, friendships form, language blossom, and independence take root. We celebrate first successes, co

Dr. Deb Zupito One of the most common things preschool educators hear is: “Well, they don’t do that at home.” And honestly, most of the time, we believe you. But here is the thing, preschool is not home. Not even close. At home, your child may have familiar routines, fewer transitions, preferred foods, quieter spaces, more flexibility, one on one attention, and significantly less social demand. Preschool, on the other hand, is an entirely different developmental experience. I

Dr. Deb Zupito Parenting preschoolers can feel equal parts beautiful, exhausting, hilarious, and humbling, sometimes all before 8:00 AM, when no one has found the missing shoe. The preschool years are not simply a stage to "get through." They are one of the most significant periods of brain development in a child's life. During these early years, children are laying the foundations for emotional regulation, communication, problem-solving, relationships, confidence, resilience