When the first Little School was founded in 2005, its mission has been evident since the very start: to foster an environment where teachers are cared for, giving their all to shape a thriving generation of tomorrow. 20 years and two additional facilities later, this philosophy still translates to every interaction. Reflecting on their personal journeys and the importance of breaking the educational status quo, Cindy Barreto, Lynne Kellund, Josselyn Recinos, and Alexandra Lozano share what makes every Little School so special.
The Management Team at The Little Schools. From Left to Right: Lynne Kellund, Josselyn Recinos, Alexandra Lozano, Holly Gold, & Cindy Barreto. Photography by Amy Perl
Cindy, the successor of the first co-director of The Little Schools, Adrie, a lifelong educator with experience in private, corporate, and state-funded schools, joined the Little Schools team after unexpectedly meeting Holly Gold, the founder, at an event. Today, the Director at College Avenue, who oversees enrollment and hiring at all locations, her Little Schools journey started from an instant connection. On the other hand, Lynne, Director of Parent Connections, has transitioned to the Little School way after decades of working in traditional preschool settings. When she saw an ad for the one of The Little Schools (Rockridge Little School) 8 years ago, she researched Holly and her method thoroughly, realizing that this environment was meant for her.
Born and raised in San Francisco, Josselyn started teaching in 2013. After moving to the East Bay, she applied to Rockridge Little School. When she bonded with Erika, the former Director, over their Salvadorian roots, she knew that the position as Berkeley Little School’s Director was perfect for her. Meanwhile, the team at Broadway Little School is led by Alexandra. About to celebrate her 11th anniversary at the Little Schools, her story started from Cindy’s recommendation.
Q: Though all of your journeys are so different, it seems that the one commonality is the word bonded. Whether over your love for children or shared passions, what is it that made you feel truly bonded to the Little Schools?
Cindy: It reminds me of the way a family is built. Everyone has their roles and personalities, but it’s non-hierarchical. Everyone matters equally.
Lynne: Adding onto that, it’s important to recognize the role the school itself has played here. Whenever someone new joins, Holly makes sure we bond in a really profound way. We’re more than colleagues; over the years, we’ve truly formed a sisterhood of educators that feels just like family.
I can imagine that this non-hierarchical mindset translates to how children are treated. What differences have you noticed between the Little Schools and other preschools?
Cindy: We look at one another and the children the same way – as a whole person. I’m not just a director, I’m someone with my own quirks and passions, and so is everyone who works here. We’re not only allowed but encouraged to bring our full characters into the classroom. That’s why my lessons so often turn into baking sessions!
Josselyn: We all have unique skills and backgrounds, and the Little Schools really let them shine. For me, this is achieved through Spanish language circles and Spanish-speaking neighborhood walks. By having these organic conversations with children, I can honor my roots while teaching them a new language.
Alexandra: I’ve always felt like my talent lies in mentoring others. Whether it’s coworkers, children, or parents seeking guidance, I simply thrive under pressure. It’s incredibly rewarding to be recognized and appreciated for who you are as a person, not just as a preschool teacher and director.
The Management Team at The Little Schools. Photography by Amy Perl
It’s quite clear that everyone at the Little Schools brings different backgrounds, skills, and passions to the table. Do you think that this unique blend affects the way children are taught?
Cindy: From my experience, other schools are very rigid in their curriculum. Everything is pre-planned, and both teachers and students must follow this structure. If January is all about means of transport, different spur-of-the-moment ideas are dismissed. But this spontaneity is one of the most beautiful parts of education. For us, it’s about creating a great and educational experience together, without stifling guidelines.
Alexandra: At the Little Schools, the teacher-student ratio is significantly lower than other preschools. With one teacher per six or fewer students, the bonds we form are more personalized. We’re not just there to supervise; our role extends to getting to know the children we spend every day with and helping them discover their unique strengths.
Lynne: I think what best describes this philosophy is the freedom to be with children.
Josselyn: That’s exactly what it is; we’re on their level, engaging with them and having genuine conversations. This should be the norm everywhere, but sadly, it feels like a privilege.
Doesn’t it all go back to the teachers, making sure they’re taken care of?
Cindy: Effective teaching has to come from the heart, but we have to be realistic. Drained educators won’t be able to convey their knowledge and values in the right way. I’ve never worked at a school that offered full medical benefits, fully-paid holidays, and a salary high enough to afford a house. It’s an environment of mutual care, and it shows.
Lynne: Another thing is, teachers who aren’t taken care of struggle to form strong relationships with children, let alone the parents. Since I started in education, I made it my mission to help parents feel connected to every school I worked at, and I was so glad when I found out that the Little Schools share this sentiment. At the end of the day, every parent wants to feel like their children are loved, safe, and cared for, and building these relationships really puts their minds at ease.
Josselyn: Alexandra and I can speak from firsthand experiences, as we put our own children through the Little Schools. When my son first started, Holly made the transition as smooth as possible. He had a full scholarship, the support of teachers I knew and trusted, and genuinely loved waking up for school every day.
Alexandra: Both of my kids have been to the Little Schools, and it’s been the most amazing experience. My daughter started during COVID, and even amidst the pandemic, I knew that she was safe. It was so reassuring to know that my children were shaped by people who shared my values.
Operating in such a unique framework must be incredibly rewarding, but I’d love to hear about some of the challenges you have faced.
Cindy: The biggest challenge is rooted in the very fact that the Little Schools way is so rare in our field. There is a lot of unlearning for new educators. To know how to focus on inspiring, not simply teaching, is definitely a complex process. Most of us have been brought up in quite rigid environments, and breaking deeply ingrained patterns is never easy. We’ve seen a lot of ups and downs, and we don’t always get it right. But that’s the beautiful thing about the Little Schools: whether you’re a child, parent, or teacher, it’s okay to make mistakes.
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