Preschool Application Fees are a Scam

You’ve found the perfect preschool. You tour, you love the vibe, your kid loves the play kitchen—and then they hit you with a $100 application fee. Non-refundable. Just to apply. You’re not alone. And you’re not overreacting. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience. It’s part of a larger system that makes families pay—literally—for the chanceContinue reading “Preschool Application Fees are a Scam”

“Gentle Parenting is for Gentle Kids”

Gentle Parenting is for Gentle Kids… Or Is It? Recently, a viral TikTok trend has been making the rounds, showing parents sarcastically demonstrating “gentle parenting” by passively asking their child to listen, being ignored, and then snapping—yelling or cursing to get the child’s attention. The underlying message? “Gentle parenting is for gentle kids”—and if yourContinue reading ““Gentle Parenting is for Gentle Kids””

The Quiet Collapse of Early Education: Why Staffing Shortages Matter

Preschools across the country are facing a severe staffing shortage that threatens the quality and availability of early childhood education. This problem predates the COVID-19 pandemic and has worsened in its aftermath, leaving many classrooms understaffed or even closed. The consequences extend beyond teachers – children lose critical early learning opportunities, and parents struggle toContinue reading “The Quiet Collapse of Early Education: Why Staffing Shortages Matter”

An Educator’s View on Deconstructing the Early Childhood Education System

“We teach Apple* Curriculum here, you can be as creative you want and we encourage all styles of teaching. That was the elevator speech I received during my interview when I asked the administrator about their Curriculum. I thought, Wow! This is the real deal, I never thought I would find a school that teachesContinue reading “An Educator’s View on Deconstructing the Early Childhood Education System”

The Need for Occupational Therapy

Take Away The Walls would like to celebrate OT month by introducing Megan Lambert OTR to the educational forum. I interview Megan where we discuss why children struggle sitting still, the change in outdoor playground equipment and how its changing child development, and things to look for if a child needs OT support. Melanie Ingram:Continue reading “The Need for Occupational Therapy”

Behavior Intervention in Educational Environments

In this article I am showcasing Courtney Anderson, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), where we discuss a bit about her career path, increase of maladaptive behavior since the start of the pandemic, and behavior intervention in the classroom. Melanie Ingram: Hi Courtney, I just wanted to start by saying thank you and for joiningContinue reading “Behavior Intervention in Educational Environments”

My Favorite Podcasts and other news too…

This week I’ve had an opportunity to be actively involved with the NAEYC Public Policy Forum this week advocating for early childcare and educators. If you want to know more about the NAEYC Public Policy Forum, please refer to the NAEYC website: https://www.naeyc.org/events/policy-forum Here are some of my favorite podcasts that keep me uplifted, inspired,Continue reading “My Favorite Podcasts and other news too…”

Big Emotions in a Micromanaged World

The Decline of Social Emotional Skills, Part One “Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary.” – Fred Rogers Mr. Fred Rogers has been on the rise in Hollywood the past few years.Continue reading “Big Emotions in a Micromanaged World”