Old Firehouse School Chat

Fireside Chats on the Young Mind
  • 5.0 (11)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

What do all parents need to know? Listen to child development expert Dr. Dorothy Stewart, owner of Old Firehouse Schools, talk about your every day problems with children. With a variety of guest speakers, she tackles everything from potty training to kindergarten readiness.

  1. JAN 28

    Understanding Sleep

    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.

    36 min

  2. 12/18/2025

    The Icing on the Cake: Navigating the Journey to Kindergarten

    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.

    45 min

  3. 11/21/2025

    The Importance of Care - Discussion of Illuminating Care by Carol Garboden Murray

    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

    35 min

  4. 10/30/2025

    Vaccines with Dr. Robert Schechter

    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.

    22 min

  5. 09/22/2025

    Teaching Post-Pandemic: What Has Changed?

    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.

    22 min

  6. 07/24/2025

    The Power of "No": Why We Need to Set Boundaries with Young Children, Part 2

    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.

    17 min

  7. 07/09/2025

    The Power of No: Why We Need to Set Boundaries with Young Children, Part 1

    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!

    21 min

  8. 06/12/2025

    OFS goes to the California Academy of Sciences

    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.

    17 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

What do all parents need to know? Listen to child development expert Dr. Dorothy Stewart, owner of Old Firehouse Schools, talk about your every day problems with children. With a variety of guest speakers, she tackles everything from potty training to kindergarten readiness.

Information

  • Creator
    Fireside Chats on the Young Mind
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    69
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Old Firehouse School Chat