Celebrating the Extraordinary Life of Pam Boulton: A Force for Good in the Early Childhood Field
Perfection is impossible, but excellence is achievable. Excellence is doing the very best you know how at this moment, and remaining committed to continuous learning and changing what you do based on what you discover. – Pam Boulton When the sad news reached us of the passing of Pam Boulton last week after living a […]
We Can’t Do It Alone: Listening to Children, Listening to One Another
On October 8, 2025 we explored the many ways we as adults are listening to one another, including listening for how we are listening to children. Listening to Children: Children have the right to be both seen and heard. It is through listening to children that we discover how they experience their rights, and how […]
Technology in Early Childhood and Education
On September 24, 2025 we came together to reconnect and restart our conversation on technology in early childhood and education. We imagined how learning environments for young children might evolve in the 21st century—through new tools, creative practices, and inspiring innovations that support both teachers and children. Along the way, new questions and perspectives emerged, […]
Including Children with Special Needs: More Stories to Inspire Inclusion
Your stories are the voices of children! On September 10, 2025 we gathered to continue our Inclusion Stories Project. Two compelling inclusion success stories, from South Africa and Kenya, as well as stories you brought to the Café were shared. We all have had experiences with the barriers for fostering inclusion; it is hard work, […]
Empowering Eco-heroes: We hear you!
On July 30, 2025 we were joined by members of the Working Group on Climate Change and Young Children for a provoking discussion about the next generation of Earth Eco-Heroes. Before the conversation, the group posed questions to groups of children from Malaysia, Pakistan and USA of their awareness, experiences, knowledge and thoughts regarding climate […]
Policy and the Space, the Impact of Advocacy on Children’s Learning Environments
Oh July 9, 2025 we joined expert designers, authors and ECE advocates, Michelle Pratt from New Shoots, New Zealand, and Lukas Ritson, from Wearthy, Australia for a conversation on how early childhood education (ECE) policies in New Zealand impact the design of schools and emphasize a child’s right to access quality outdoor spaces. Michelle, Lukas, […]
What did we learn from our parents?
On June 25, 2025 we reflected on lessons that have shaped who we are and how we live our lives. Café attendees shared important lessons they learned from a significant elder in their life.
The Rise of the Populist Right and its Impact on Children and Marginalized Communities
Oligarchy, authoritarianism, populism, and polarization aren’t just words in the news; they mean something concrete in our efforts to shape policies that enable children and their families to flourish. On May 21, 2025 we gathered for a discussion of what these words mean, how they impact our families, and how we can move forward in […]
Transforming Young Lives: Your Role in Making a Difference
On May 7, 2025 we joined in WoFo Global Café for a stimulating conversation with Ronald Ssentuuwa, Elsa Chahin and other members of the World Forum Working Group for the Rights of Children in Children’s Homes. We shared stories and strategies for serving the needs of all children, especially those living in alternative care situations. […]
Designing Spaces for Young Children who are Currently Refugees
On April 23, 2025, we were joined by Mike Lindstrom with the team from Ashley McGraw Architects, and others for a conversation about innovative approaches to delivering early childhood education (ECE) services for refugees. SPYNKA and Ashley McGraw Architects have collaborated on a pilot project for a mobile child care center designed specifically for Ukrainian […]