Old Firehouse School Chat

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 realtor and OFS Mill Valley parent Emily Schaffer (Engel and Volkar) 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

Children are often drawn to animals, and having a relationship with an animal teaches responsibility, love, and compassion. Join Alexandra Dutton as she speaks with OFS Bayview program director Jackie Buhl and Laura Hislop from Jessica's Haven, a small dog rescue center. They share why it is important for everyone, but especially children, to connect with animals, and most importantly, how to do so safely! Learn more about Jessica's Haven: https://jessicashaven.com/

We often say: children can control only three things, and one of them is eating. (Can you guess the other two?). Join Judy Haus as she talks with author and educator Emilie Dupont about how to make mealtimes less stressful and more enjoyable. When we understand the children's development and how it impacts how they may approach food, we may be able to avoid the power struggle! Emilie's book is full of great tips: Meaningful Mealtimes: Practical Strategies for All Young Eaters This is also another article Emilie penned on the same topic: https://blog.brookespublishing.com/9-practices-for-enriching-mealtimes-in-early-learning-settings/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHGDl5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHQFxaJe3osLG48gUEh81LO-QFp4B9a4yJ-qg8ugtWlGW0hgUAMD0fqmy5Q_aem_LhzZEc17ndkbhstGOfYdOQ

When are young children ready for competitive sports? Are sports good for children? Alexandra Dutton, Lafayette program director, talks with longtime baseball coach Monte Stott about parent involvement in children's sports, appropriate expectations, and why sports matter. You'll be surprised at what makes a child's experience a good one!

Relationships with our children are supposed to be easy -- right? Join Dorothy Stewart, Executive Director and Owner of Old Firehouse Schools and Alexandra Dutton, Program Director, talk with Aki Raymer of Parenting Paths. They discuss how building relationships with our children will actually decrease many power struggles and how understanding our own limitations and boundaries can help our children learn about theirs. Aki will be doing a parent workshop at our Bayview campus in San Rafael on Nov. 7th at 7 p.m. Register for that workshop here: https://forms.gle/1q8SZkSqonHvQHW57 You can learn more about Parenting Paths here: https://www.parentingpaths.com/

OFS Lafayette Program Director Alexandra Dutton talks with teacher Rachel Turtledove about something we have to think about much too often: when, if, and how to talk about difficult news events with young children. Whether we are worried about a recent school shooting or a fire that's burning too close to home, we are sending signals to our children about their world. Join them to hear about how to talk about these events in developmentally appropriate ways. Much of our advice comes from the helpful websites Common Sense Media and National Association of School Psychologists. For more resources, please check them out. (Apologies for the sound quality -- we are competing with our AC!)

When your child is 2, are they supposed to play well with others? What does it really mean when a 4 year old says to their friend, "You can't come to my birthday party!" Alexandra Dutton talks with Michele Bailey and Maylis Treuil, two veteran OFS teachers, about social skills and friendships from age 1-5. They explain the motivations behind children's behavior with peers and why friendships are a delicate balance at these young ages.

Join hosts Alexandra Dutton and Rachel Turtledove for a wonderful discussion with Todd Sarner, MFT, about how to deepen your relationship with your child. Todd shares ways to connect with a child after a separation (like being apart all day with work and school) as well as why some children will seemingly reject you or your overtures of support and love. His strategies focus on Attachment Theory, which is at the heart of Old Firehouse Schools. Together they share some of the day-to-day struggles parents may have about connecting with children, setting boundaries, and understanding their child's shifting needs. To learn more about Todd's work, visit: https://transformativeparenting.com/ https://www.youtube.com/transformativeparenting Other useful books/websites mentioned: https://www.simplicityparenting.com/ https://neufeldinstitute.org/resources/hold-on-to-your-kids-book/

Dorothy and Alex return to a topic from our first podcast: Anti-Bias Education. They talk with Shaquam Edwards, who is part of the early education faculty at the College of Marin. She discusses the role families can play in exploring culture, diversity, and equity. She shares activities families can do together to learn about each other, as well as developmentally appropriate ways to build bridges to learning about other cultures, celebrations, and traditions. Books mentioned: Anti-Bias Education by Louise Derman-Sparks https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/books/anti-bias-education You Can't Celebrate That by Nadia Jaboneta https://www.redleafpress.org/You-Cant-Celebrate-That-Navigating-the-Deep-Waters-of-Social-Justice-Teaching-P2497.aspx

Nature has always been a part of the educational experience at OFS, but our newest campus, OFS Bayview, will take that to a new level! Director Alexandra Dutton is joined by Laura Hislop of St. Luke's, where the Bayview campus is located. Together they talk with Dr. Dorothy Stewart and Bayview director Jackie Buhl about their vision to combine attachment and nature into curriculum that is sure to inspire any preschooler.