To work with young children is to expect the unexpected, yet often big questions are asked or statements are made at the most unexpected time. Children’s literature offers a natural way to begin these big conversations with children. In this webinar, Dr. Lauren will help parents and educators explore how to use their children’s curiosity paired with literature to authentically drive deeper learning and to create a powerful bridge to build strong trusting relationships with young children. When children’s questions are properly nurtured and met with opportunities to learn more, a growth mindset and a confidence in the child to see themselves as smart, capable, trusted learners is established.

Dr. Lauren Loquasto is an expert in early childhood education. She currently serves as the Chief Academic Officer for Goddard Systems Inc. In this leadership role, Lauren continues to shape the premier educational programming and proprietary curriculum for the Goddard system of over 660 schools. In her prior role, Lauren held the position of vice president of early childhood education for Primrose School Franchising Company, where she supported curriculum development, implementation, and evaluation. Prior to that she led the early childhood education department for a private education company, authoring their proprietary early childhood curriculum and leading professional development creation and delivery.

Lauren has worked at every level of early childhood education. While she began her formal career teaching at the university level, she has prior experience teaching within preschools, consulting and serving as a support professional for children with autism, and serving as an embedded instructional coach for preschool teachers. She has worked as a school principal for multiple schools and remains actively involved as a voice for early childhood education in various professional associations. When not working, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and cheering on her sons in sports. She lives with her husband and family in Roswell, Georgia, near Atlanta.