Let's Talk Early Learning is exactly what it sounds like: a welcoming, informal peer space where Oakland's early learning professionals can breathe, connect, and grow together. Held monthly during the school year, sessions are facilitated by three dedicated early childhood educators, Ivonne Garcia, Brittany Philpart, and Annette Wright, whose leadership and experience make every conversation feel grounded and real. Between 25 and 75 early learning professionals join Let’s Talk online in the evening after spending the day in classrooms, family child care homes, and child care centers across the city and in Alameda County. Many return month after month. 

The facilitators choose topics that are top of mind for early childhood educators. Over the years, these have ranged from navigating vaccines during the pandemic, to easing families back into child care as restrictions lifted, to ensuring inclusion practices succeed in the classroom. But the real heart of Let's Talk is the moment when someone says, "Have you tried this?" or "I've had the same thing happen in my classroom," and suddenly, everyone feels a little less alone.
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Annette Wright, Pre-K Teacher for Oakland Unified School District and the longest-serving co- facilitator, said it best back in 2021 when the program launched, and her words still ring true today: "Teachers need other teachers. This is not a job that can be done alone. Collaboration and friendship are vital in keeping teachers informed and happy."

Since those early days, Let's Talk has continued to evolve. We now offer professional development hours for sessions and, in 2022, expanded to include a Spanish-speaking small group led by Ivonne Garcia. The program has also grown beyond peer support. Educators involved in Let’s Talk have contributed policy recommendations for Measure C implementation and provided input into community initiatives, most recently with the Oakland Literacy Coalition for the Oakland is a Reading Town campaign.

When educators feel supported, seen, and connected, children feel it too. Strong relationships are at the heart of early learning, and Let’s Talk Early Learning continues to nurture those relationships, one monthly session at a time.

​In April 2026, OSSS convened partners at one of Oakland’s oldest cultural institutions to continue conversations about the important role community spaces can play in supporting young children and families. The visit built on conversations from our March Task Force Meeting, where we explored ways to deepen connections between Oakland’s early learning and cultural communities.

The site visit brought together approximately 15 OSSS partners and provided a firsthand look at how Children’s Fairyland intentionally designs experiences for children 0-5 and their families. The afternoon began with food and refreshments, followed by welcoming remarks and an introduction to the park from CEO Kimberly Miller. After a brief Q&A, Senior Director of Education Vicky Chen led a thoughtful guided tour throughout the 10-acre park. Participants learned about Fairyland’s 75-year history and witnessed how children are encouraged to create, imagine, and play within this magical fantasy world. 

In alignment with its commitment to equity and access, the park offers affordable admission, with financial support enabling more than 4,000 low-income families to attend free each year. First 5 Alameda County contributes to this expanded access by providing funding for Magic Key memberships and admission tickets to Children’s Fairyland to help ensure that cultural learning, exploration, and play are available to families across Alameda County. 

We look forward to continuing this important work and strengthening partnerships with institutions across the city to expand access to joyful, culturally rooted early learning experiences for all children and families.