Where Learning Begins

About Where Learning Begins

Welcome to Where Learning Begins, a podcast for parents, educators, and anyone passionate about early childhood education. Each week, we explore the real stories, challenges, and triumphs of raising and educating young children. This is more than a podcast. It's a support network for those shaping the earliest years of life, from navigating sleep schedules and lesson plans to building your village and coordinating work and family. We're here to connect, reflect, and grow together. We'll dive into the big questions and everyday small moments that matter most in early education. Child development, emotional wellness, inclusive classrooms, working parenthood, and the power of community. Because when we share our experiences, we strengthen the foundation of learning for our children and for ourselves. Whether you're guiding little ones through their first steps of their first day of schools, this podcast is for you. Together we'll explore how to nurture children, ourselves, with intention, community, and care.

Publisher

Babilou US

Category

education · kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Feb 2026

Latest episode

2 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

6 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Nov 2026

   All transformative work begins with the self

   In this episode of Where Learning Begins, hosts Alexandra Loos and Christine Aiken welcome lifelong educator, speaker, and coach Rick Rood for a thoughtful conversation about why meaningful change begins with the self. Rick shares practical insights on adult self-regulation, self-awareness, and the powerful influence educators and caregivers have on children. Together, they explore how adults can help children understand and express their emotions, respond rather than react during challenging moments, recognize personal triggers, and create intentional pauses throughout the day. Listeners will leave with simple, actionable strategies—including the “choice moment,” the release meditation technique, and the importance of caring for yourself so you can fully support others. This episode is a meaningful reminder that every interaction, word, and response creates a ripple—and that educators truly are helping to shape the future.

2. 

   5 Oct 2026

   Rooted in Nature: How the Outdoors Shapes our Children

   Step outside and discover how nature supports children’s growth, curiosity, and well-being. In this episode of Where Learning Begins, Alexandra Loos and Christine Aiken welcome Rina Zampieron from Mass Audubon to explore the emotional, cognitive, physical, and social benefits of outdoor learning. From snowy play and neighborhood walks to rocks, sticks, wildlife, and child-led discoveries, Rina shares practical ways families and educators can make meaningful connections with nature—wherever they live and in every season.

3. 

   1 Sept 2026

   The Benefits of Sign Language in Early Childhood: Empowering Communication from the Start

   In this episode of Where Learning Begins, Alexandra Loos and Christine Aiken explore how sign language can support communication, connection, and inclusion in early childhood classrooms. They are joined by Lora Heller, founder of Baby Fingers, whose expertise in music, deaf education, and early language development helps families and educators see sign language as a joyful, practical tool for empowering young children. If you have ever wondered how children can express big needs before they have the words, this conversation offers inspiring stories, simple starting points, and a powerful reminder that communication begins long before speech.

4. 

   3 Aug 2026

   Supporting New Parents

   Supporting new parents is about more than answering questions — it’s about building trust, offering reassurance, and helping families feel less alone during one of life’s biggest transitions. In this episode of Where Learning Begins, hosts Alexandra Loos and Christine Aiken welcome Sarah Stanger, co-founder of Prospera and a clinical and developmental psychologist, for a thoughtful conversation about early parenthood, postpartum emotions, and the important role educators and caregivers play in supporting families. Sarah shares insight into the anxiety, guilt, intrusive thoughts, and uncertainty many new parents experience, while offering practical ways to reframe those feelings with compassion and confidence. The conversation also explores how early childhood educators can partner with families during transitions like starting childcare, returning to work, and navigating emotional drop-offs. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or caregiver, this episode offers meaningful reminders that support, connection, and small moments of reassurance can make a lasting difference. Listen in for a conversation about parenthood, mental health, childcare transitions, and the power of helping families feel seen, supported, and understood.

5. 

   26 Mar 2026

   Supporting Families Through Neurodiversity in Early Childhood

   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.

6. 

   6 Feb 2026

   Finding Our Village, Working Parents in Early Education

   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.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Contact Where Learning Begins

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.