Practical & science-based resources for families
Everything you need
to support your child.
From curated books and sensory recipes to podcasts and community fundraisers — a hub for the whole family, updated by our teaching team.
Books for caretakers
Reading that helps you understand your child.
Books on child development, play, emotional wellness, parenting, the Reggio philosophy.
The Whole Brain Child
Daniel J. Siegel
Simplicity Parenting
Kim John Payne
The Anxious Generation
Jonathan Haidt
Secrets of the Baby Whisperer
Tracy Hogg
Baby Knows Best
Deborah C. Solomon
Free to Learn
Peter Gray
Good Inside
Dr. Becky Kennedy
Raising Your Spirited Child
Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
Mindset
Dr. Carol S. Dweck
Books for children
Channels & podcasts
Expert voices we trust and recommend.
We've gathered our favorite podcasts, YouTube channels, and Instagram accounts covering sensory development, parenting, and early childhood brain science. All from voices we genuinely believe in.
SENSORY & EMOTIONAL REGULARION
OT Holly
Run by Holly, a pediatric occupational therapist and mother, this platform offers practical guidance on navigating parenting challenges like picky eating, tantrums, and developmental milestones - along with toy and activity recommendations for learning through play.
Courtney English OT
aim to provide expert insights, resources, and inspiration in the field of occupational therapy. With a special emphasis on sensory integration, child development, and practical strategies for supporting children and families, the platform offers a blend of professional guidance and engaging content. Whether sharing therapeutic techniques, discussing key milestones, or promoting inclusivity and growth, Courtney English OT is a valuable resource for you.
She offers lots of freebies too!
PARENTING
Janet Lansbury's
website and "Unruffled" podcast focus on respectful parenting, offering guidance rooted in the RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) philosophy. She emphasizes fostering trust, independence, and emotional connection by viewing children as capable individuals. Through articles, Q&A sessions, and episodes of her "Unruffled" podcast, Lansbury provides practical advice on topics like discipline, emotional regulation, setting boundaries, and nurturing a secure parent-child relationship. Her work is aimed at empowering parents to approach challenges with clarity, empathy, and confidence while respecting their child’s unique development.
Listen to an episode on Developmental Myths and 'Strict is Loving'
A conversation
between Dr. Andrew Huberman and Dr. Becky Kennedy in the podcast episode: 'Protocols for parenting and Improving Relationships', where the two scientists discuss practical strategies for raising emotionally healthy, resilient kids, along with effective alternatives to traditional reward-and-punishment methods that foster valuable skills and deepen the parent-child connection.
BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
If you'd like to learn more about how a baby's brain develops, we recommend a beautifully made series called 'Babies' on Netflix. It's a documentary series exploring the science behind a baby's first year of life, covering milestones like brain development, bonding, movement, sleep, and language. Through personal stories and groundbreaking research, it reveals the remarkable ways infants grow, adapt, and connect with the world around them.
Sensory tools & recipes
Fundraisers & donations
OUR PARTNERS AND IN-SCHOOL INITIATIVES
TOT COT
We love the urban infant's 'Tot Cot'! We are an “Ambassador School” for this type of bed roll so, if you purchase from the site with our code, you will get 15% off your order and Free Shipping! CODE:SLEEPER0517
The mats fit small and large nap cots, they're durable, cozy, easy to transport, wash, and dry!
name bubbles labels
Losing something your child cherishes can be tough—for both of you! Taking a simple step like labeling their belongings can make a big difference. Labels help ensure their things are easy to recognize and get back to the right place, sparing you the stress of mix-ups or accidental swaps. It’s a small habit that brings much peace of mind! Use code: SAVE20 for 20% off your purchase.
We love the quality and variety provided by name bubbles!
FORCE OF NATURE
Our school uses Force of Nature as an all-round cleaning solution. Force of Nature is a cleaning solution that uses a simple process to turn water, salt, and vinegar into a powerful cleaner and disinfectant. Through electrolysis, it creates hypochlorous acid, an effective agent that kills 99.9% of germs, including bacteria and viruses. It’s a chemical-free option that’s safe for people, pets, and the environment.
DONATIONS
We accept donations all year round, however we have a very limited space for bulk donations. If you have clothing or toys you'd like to donate, please contact one of our Admin Staff to see what the school might be currently in need of. Whatever we can not use will be dropped off at the Pregnancy and Parenting Support of San Luis Obispo- a local non-profit organization supporting families to ensure they have everything they need for the arrival of their baby.
Please visit our School Wishlist to see what we are always happy to have an extra of!
PAST EVENTS
2nd Annual Silent Art Auction
Friday, March 6th 2026
Our 2nd Annual Silent Art Auction was a joyful celebration of creativity and community. Thanks to the generosity of our families, local businesses, and supporters, we raised $5,000 to support our program and community partners.
From the total raised, $1,250 was donated to Lumina Alliance, a local nonprofit that provides critical support to individuals and families affected by sexual and intimate partner violence. Another $1,250 was allocated to our school’s Emergency Fund to help families in our community when unexpected needs arise.
The remaining $2,500 will support our program directly by helping cover the cost of sending lead teachers to the California Association for the Education of Young Children conference, updating our outdoor classroom spaces, and investing in high-quality art materials for meaningful classroom projects.
In our program, art is much more than an activity—it is a language. Through drawing, painting, sculpting, and creating, children express their ideas, emotions, and understanding of the world. Art allows them to communicate their inner thoughts, explore concepts, and process experiences in ways that words alone cannot. By investing in rich, open-ended art materials and experiences, we support children’s creativity, critical thinking, and their ability to share their unique perspectives.
We are deeply grateful to our young artists, the families who created beautiful classroom baskets, and the many local businesses who generously donated items to the auction: Greengate Ranch & Vineyard (who hosted the vent), Al Lago Wines, Wallflower Salon, Change Collective, California Sauna Club, SLO Ranch Market & Deli, Todo Bueno Cal-Mex Grill, Aura Skin Lounge, Jamba Juice, East West Natural Medicine Center, The luffa Farm, Negranti Cremery & Coffee, The Pad Climbing Gym, Trader Joe's, Lapis Luna wines, McConnell's Fine Ice Creams, SLO Children's Museum, Battle Axe Throwing, Sichuan Kitchen SLO, Ostrich Land, Mirror's Edge Photography, Scentsy by Sahnnon, Talley Farms, Sinsheimer PTA, Park Lane Jewelry by Stacy, Len Collective, Savannah Carmassi, Monarch Books, Cool-tura Mexicana-Melina Torres, NoVo Restaurant, Tactical by Fluid, SLO Brew Rock/Rod & Hammer, Haguen Family, Amy Marlan Photography, Kerns Family Racing, Open Air Flowers, author Emily Renk, Sky Zone Trampoline Park, Inari Tea & Art Experiences, Shannon Awtry-DiVicario.
Your support helps nurture creativity, strengthen our community, and enrich the learning environment for all of our children.
Woodstocks Pizza & Bright Life
August 14, 2025
Raising funds for an Emergency Scholarship Fund- an emergency one time financial support for families in our community.
Clothing & Toy Exchange
Friday, December 5th, 2025
This special event is all about community, sustainability, and giving — a chance to refresh your kids’ wardrobes for the new season, find holiday gifts for families in need, and support our school at the same time.
We’ll be accepting gently used children’s clothing (newborn–age 12) and toys in good condition (manipulatives, ride-on toys, puzzles, and books. No stuffies, highchairs, or strollers, please).
When it’s time to donate, please bring items clean and sorted by age to help us keep things easy and organized for everyone.
🎟️ donation-based entry per shopper (you choose the amount!) - take home as many items as you need while helping fund our school programs and activities!
Let’s come together to make this a joyful, meaningful exchange for all.
Wishlists
Pea Pods
Mudpies
Sprouts
Rainbows
Poppyseeds
Raindrops
School Wishlist
BLPS BLOG
Ideas, inspiration, and
insights from our teachers.
Dive into topics covering play-based learning, sensory development, family wellness, seasonal activities, and the Reggio approach — updated regularly by the BLPS team.
Want to see a resource on a specific topic? We value your feedback! Let us know what would be most helpful for your family.