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. Imagine being...

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, and lifelong...

Dr. Deb Zupito Now that Teacher Appreciation Week has passed, I keep finding myself reflecting on the people who make the heart of our school beat every single day. Because appreciation for educators should never be limited to one week on the calendar. Especially in early childhood education. Our teachers do work that is deeply important, incredibly skilled, and often unseen by the outside world. They are not simply managing classrooms or filling a child’s day. They are helping shape how...