About Us

A young boy and a young girl are sitting outdoors among pumpkins and pumpkins, engaging in a playful, affectionate interaction. The boy is smiling and looking down at the girl, who is reaching out to touch his chest. The scene appears to be autumnal with pumpkins and fall foliage in the background.

Every child develops in their own unique way and in their own time. Rather than forcing growth or striving for perfection, we create the conditions where children—and the adults who love them—can flourish naturally.

Mission

Alongside Childhood Collective exists to deepen the way we understand and support children by bringing families, educators, and communities together around a shared respect for childhood.

We believe parents are experts on their families, educators bring invaluable knowledge of children and learning, and child development gives us a lens for understanding what children are communicating and capable of. By bringing these perspectives together, we create space for curiosity, connection, and thoughtful reflection rather than correction.

Our mission is to work alongside the adults who shape childhood—honoring their values, strengthening their confidence, and creating environments and relationships where children and the people who care for them can grow together.

We believe...

Children are capable and competent. They deserve to be seen, trusted, and respected as active participants in their own development.
Parents are experts on their families. Our role is not to prescribe a “right” way to parent, but to bring our developmental knowledge alongside yours.
Behavior is communication. We look beyond what a child is doing to understand the development, needs, emotions, and experiences underneath.
Development cannot be rushed. Children deserve the time and space to unfold according to their individual developmental journey.
Relationships are the foundation. Connection, trust, and mutual respect create the conditions in which children and adults can thrive.
Play is essential to childhood. Children learn, experiment, take risks, build relationships, and make sense of their world through meaningful, self-directed play.
Families and educators grow alongside children. Childhood invites adults to reflect, learn, adapt, and grow—not simply teach or manage.
Supporting childhood is collective work. When families, educators, schools, and communities work alongside one another, we create environments where children—and the people who care for them—can flourish.

Close-up of a woman with curly brown hair smiling outdoors, wearing a black and white patterned top.

Meet the Founder

I'm Virginia, founder of Alongside Childhood Collective, an early childhood educator, student, and mother of two.

For more than 14 years, I've dedicated my career to understanding children—not just how they learn, but how they grow, connect, and thrive. I hold an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education, have earned Colorado's Early Childhood Director Qualification and a Level 6 credential through the Colorado Professional Development Information System (PDIS), and have spent the last eight years serving as both a Program Director and a mother. As a lifelong learner, curious about families and development, I’m also a student, studying Human Development and Family Studies at Metropolitan State University of Denver.

These roles have given me the unique opportunity to experience childhood from multiple perspectives. I've partnered with hundreds of families, coached and mentored educators, led early childhood programs, and navigated the joys and challenges of parenting my own children. Through it all, I've developed a deep understanding of both the early childhood and elementary years and the importance of supporting the adults who guide children every day.

My professional foundation is rooted in play education, with a strong emphasis on outdoor learning and honoring children's natural curiosity. Throughout my career, I've witnessed firsthand how children flourish when they are given the freedom to explore, take healthy risks, build meaningful relationships, and learn through play.

At the heart of my work is a simple belief: children don't need to be fixed or controlled—they need to be understood, from birth. My goal is to help families move beyond behavior management and toward deeper connection, confidence, and trust, creating relationships where both children and parents can flourish.

At Alongside, we create the conditions for children—and the adults alongside them—to grow and thrive.

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Respect

Every child deserves to be seen, heard, and valued.

We believe children are whole, capable human beings from the very beginning. By approaching them with dignity, empathy, and genuine respect, we build relationships rooted in trust rather than control.

Two young boys sitting among orange pumpkins outdoors on a sunny day, with a clear blue sky and fields in the background.

Connection

Relationships are at the heart of growth.

Strong relationships create the foundation for learning, cooperation, and resilience. We help families strengthen connection through everyday interactions, knowing that children thrive when they feel safe, understood, and deeply loved.

A young child wearing a colorful baseball cap and a turquoise shirt, smiling while holding a bouquet of pink, yellow, and purple flowers outdoors.

Curiosity

Understanding begins with wonder.

Instead of asking, "How do I stop this behavior?" we ask, "What is my child trying to tell me?" Curiosity helps us move beyond frustration and respond with compassion, creating space for meaningful growth.

A young boy with wet hair, smiling and laughing while swimming in the ocean or a large body of water, wearing a red and blue swim shirt.

Capability

Children are naturally driven to learn and grow.

We trust children's innate competence and believe they flourish when given opportunities to participate, problem-solve, and contribute. Our role is not to do for children what they can do for themselves, but to support them as they develop confidence and independence.

A young child in an orange shirt and patterned sun hat is playing on sandy beach, digging in the sand with their hands.

Partnership

Parenting is something we grow through together.

You don't have to navigate parenting alone. Whether you're facing everyday challenges or big life transitions, we're here to walk alongside you with encouragement, practical guidance, and unwavering support.

A young boy with blond hair in a blue shirt, wearing a blue cap backward, smiling and waving, being embraced by an adult woman with curly hair, who is smiling and holding flowers.

Growth

Families flourish when connection is nurtured.

Growth isn't about perfection—it's about learning, repairing, and evolving together. We celebrate progress over perfection and believe every family has the capacity to grow with intention, compassion, and confidence.

What Sets Us Apart

Every child, family, and school is unique, and so is our approach. At Alongside, we don’t prescribe, correct, or offer one-size-fits-all solutions. We bring a developmental lens alongside your knowledge of your child, family, or classroom—creating a true partnership rooted in curiosity, respect, and connection.

We Meet You Where You Are

Whether you're navigating toddler tantrums, school transitions, parent burnout, or simply hoping to strengthen your relationship with your child, we'll begin with your family's story. Our work starts by understanding your experiences, values, and challenges—without judgment—and building from there.

Individualized Support for Your Family

No two children—or families—are the same. Together, we'll identify meaningful goals that reflect your child's temperament, your family's values, and the kind of relationship you want to cultivate. Every coaching plan is personalized, practical, and designed to fit your everyday life.

A Developmental Lens, Not a Behavioral One

Children's behavior is communication. Rather than focusing on quick fixes or behavior management, we help you understand what's happening beneath the surface through the lens of child development. When parents understand why children behave the way they do, they can respond with confidence, compassion, and connection—creating lasting change that supports the whole child.