Processing During Challenging Times

Processing During Challenging Times

I used to think that there were thoughts that needed to be filed under a mental cabinet called “the things I will never say or think about ever again”. I used to think that if I were to say some of my thoughts out loud, they would take their own form, create little legs, run away and cause chaos everywhere. […]

We Are in Mourning

We Are in Mourning

Preface: This blog is a reflection of the conversation educators in River Room at Hilltop had with their 3-5 year olds when news broke that the remains of 215 Indigenous children were found.  Acknowledgements: I want to start by honoring and thanking Queen Anne’s Program Supervisor, Theresa (she/her), an Indigenous womxn from the Crow Nation, whom in a conversation last […]

Seattle Preschool Program

Seattle Preschool Program

Hilltop set to become a Seattle Preschool Provider  Hilltop will join over 120 providers in providing high-quality, affordable preschool to children across the City of Seattle.  Seattle, WA – Published on Mar 9th, 2021 – Hilltop Children’s Center and Educator Institute has been accepted into the Seattle Preschool Program (SPP). Hilltop, a reggio-inspired preschool, afterschool program, and early learning professional […]

Language is a Construct

Language is a Construct

It wasn’t only until 1990 that the United States adopted the Native Americans Language Act. That means for the last 400+ years prior to that, not only did we try to eradicate Indigenous identity or culture, but we had policies and systems in place that was meant to erase their language…  Language is something we often take for granted. But with […]

Risk-taking and Social Activism (Part 1)

Risk-taking and Social Activism (Part 1)

This is a two-part series about fostering social activism in young children. In Part 1, Hilltop educator Lauren Mayo (she/her) shares some of her own experiences learning about injustice and activism as a young child. She challenges readers to reflect on the ways that they are taking risks with their own children – at home or in classroom settings – […]

White America (Almost) Stole My Soul

White America (Almost) Stole My Soul

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.1″] “Which part of you do you leave at the door in order to survive?” – Michael Browne (he/him), Community Engagement Manager at Hilltop  This question has made an impact in the way I think about my own identity. The first time I heard it out loud was on […]

Colores y Emociones

Colores y Emociones

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.2″] Looking to introduce a new language during your home days? Or perhaps you’re looking for ways to support your child’s language development skills? Here’s one way Jill, Spanish Teacher at Hilltop, uses colors and emotions to support children’s language acquisition in the classroom and everyday life! The language […]

Can Kids Go to Jail?

Can Kids Go to Jail?

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.2″] Children are naturally curious about things that we adults sometimes have a challenging time wrapping our minds around. And children sometimes feel even more curious as our own discomfort grows. Recently, despite my own discomfort, I decided to engage with a subject that stirs distressing feelings for me: […]

Literacy Ideas for Home

Literacy Ideas for Home

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.6″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” use_border_color=”off”] Literacy is more than just learning how to read. It consist of reading, writing, creating, and other forms of emergent markings that represents their thoughts and ideas. Children as young as 2 years old begin to imitate the act […]

Learning Stories Conference 2021

Learning Stories Conference 2021

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.5.1″] SALSA TAPS HILLTOP AS NEXT CONFERENCE HOST Seattle, WA has been selected to welcome the 3rd annual Learning Stories Conference in June 2021 Seattle, WA – Published on July 21st, 2020 – Hilltop Children’s Center and Educator Institute has been named the host of the 3rd […]