Small Brave Steps
Helping you raise confident, capable learners one step at a time—with clarity, compassion, and two decades of early childhood expertise
Our Why and How
When we think about school readiness, we often zero in on reading levels or counting skills. But real success in school isn’t just academic—it’s about how well a child can manage the entire experience of a school day.
Can they sit and focus? Bounce back from a mistake? Wait their turn? Join a game at recess? Ask for help when they need it?
These aren’t just life skills—they’re learning skills. They help children stay regulated, engaged, and open to new ideas. Without them, it’s hard for kids to access or absorb what’s being taught. In other words, these skills prime children to do their best learning.
For over two decades, I’ve taught children and supported families, helping kids build not only cognitive skills but also the emotional, social, and physical foundations they need to navigate school with confidence.
Through my parent coaching, workshops and classes, I guide caregivers to understand what’s really being asked of their child in a classroom—and how to nurture those foundational skills at home in developmentally appropriate, powerful ways.
Because when a child is regulated, resilient, and ready, their learning isn’t just possible—their learning flourishes.
What We Know
Early childhood educators define school readiness across domains of self-competency and self-regulation, rather than solely academic skills.
According to the Encyclopedia of Child Development, "an American survey of kindergarten teachers showed that teachers identified ready children as those who are physically healthy, well rested and well fed; able to communicate needs, wants and thoughts verbally; and curious and enthusiastic in approaching new activities.
Parents, in contrast, typically define readiness in terms of academic abilities, such as the ability to count or knowing the alphabet." The National Association for the Education of Young Children notes that "Readiness doesn’t mean just knowing the academic basics. It means a child has a willing attitude and confidence in the process of learning: a healthy state of mind."
School Readiness Fallacy
School Readiness Reality
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Early childhood educators find a decrease in school readiness:
We've learned from renowned early childhood organization Zero to Three that "teachers, pediatricians, and early childhood experts report that many children now entering school lack age-appropriate skills like holding a pencil, identifying shapes or managing emotions...[but] with the right interventions and support, young children can be set up for lifelong success."