Where Learning Begins

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.