July 20, 2023 with The Pretend City Team and Carla Ward
Involving Parents in Play
Just when you think you’ve figured out all the possible career paths for an Early Childhood Educator, along comes Pretend City. It is literally a mini city intentionally designed to support children and their families in play. In this episode, the education managers of Pretend City talk all about their organization, the programs they run and how they support the children and their families. Check out the episode and by the end you will probably be looking for spaces in your area to build your own Pretend City. The concept is amazing and the support that Pretend City offers is next level! You will be so inspired!
The Pretend City Team
Pretend City Children’s Museum
Pretend City Children’s Museum is designed for children to learn how the world works while engaging their curiosities and imaginations. The museum is a child-size interconnected city that balances rich educational learning experiences with boundless fun, and where children can try on real-world roles and let their creativity rule. Located in Orange County, California, Pretend City’s mission is to build better brains and to ensure that each child is ready for school success by providing real-life learning experiences that children need to develop essential foundational learning skills. Pretend City will be celebrating their 14th birthday this August!
Mariesa Acosta, Education Manager-Special Programs
Mariesa Acosta has been in non-profit education since 2010, and began her journey with Pretend City in the summer of 2021. Mariesa received her BS in Environmental Chemistry from UCSD and continues to provide a STEAM lens on all the work in our museum. Mariesa is an advocate of inclusive education and leads Pretend City’s work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, working with community leaders on our DEI advisory committee to ensure a holistic reflection of the community within our museum.
Carly Snyder, Education Manager-Child Development and Outreach
Carly Snyder began her career in 2008 at a play-based preschool in Irvine, California. She worked with infants and toddlers for thirteen years, leading the infant classroom for eight years. Carly graduated from Pacific Oaks College with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and development. She is very passionate about working with families to help them better understand their child’s development and the importance of the earliest years. Carly leads all the monthly programs at Pretend City including Neurodivergent Family Nights and conducts free developmental screenings.
Lauren Geiger, Education Manager-Early Childhood Programs
Lauren Geiger, M.A. Ed. Has been in the field of early childhood education working with children and families in diverse communities throughout California for about 12 years. She has her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education and a Masters in Education with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education. Throughout her career she has supported children and families, aspiring educators, spoken at multiple conferences educating the public and has worked to uplift high quality early education. Her expertise are outdoor education, play and mentorship!