A Different Kind of Reflection
Usually at this time of year, I sit down to write my preschool graduation reflection—gathering thoughts as I prepare to head downtown to pick up flowers, ready to celebrate another joyful end to the school year. But this year, I find myself writing something very different.
To be completely honest, for the first time since I arrived in the United States 38 years ago, I have felt afraid to speak. Afraid as a woman. As an immigrant. As someone who has always raised her voice—for the rights of children, for women, for the LGBTQ+ community, for immigrants, for diversity, equity, and inclusion, for justice. It hasn’t felt safe. But I’ve realized that I can’t stay silent. I wasn’t brought up that way.
I was raised to believe that every person matters. That all people deserve love and compassion. That every mother wants her child to be safe. That every parent wants to come home from work to their loved ones. That everyone wants to feel they belong. Every child who goes to school shouldn’t have to worry that someone in their family, or someone they love might not be there when they return home.
Over the past month, I’ve watched in disbelief as immigrant families—people who are working hard, raising children, and contributing to their communities—have been targeted and vilified. These are our friends, our neighbors, our family members. They are the people we pass on the street every day—the backbone and heart of this city. They are part of what makes Los Angeles so diverse, so beautiful, so extraordinary.
Everyone—regardless of immigration status—has the right to live and thrive in a safe, inclusive, and welcoming world.
It’s devastating to see fear growing in our city and in our neighborhoods. But I know we are not helpless. We all have a voice.
When despair and helplessness begin to creep in, I remind myself why I teach—and why I created Branches. I think about our children, our teachers, our parents, and the community we’ve built together. And I remember that how we teach and what we teach truly makes a difference.
This is why, more than 30 years ago, when I encountered the Reggio Emilia approach, I knew I had found the path I wanted to walk. Reggio was born out of the devastation of fascism, when the women of a small town in Italy came together to rebuild their community. They believed the future began with democracy—and that democracy began in early childhood education.
So now, in this moment of fear and uncertainty, I take a deep breath—and I turn toward the children.
From Reggio, I’ve learned that when you create a place that values imagination, you make room to dream a world of new possibilities.
When children are taught to recognize and celebrate the beauty in all kinds of diversity, they build deep and lasting relationships.
They begin to see connection instead of difference—possibility instead of fear.
At Branches, we welcome differences. No matter where you come from, no matter who you are, your story belongs here.
These differences expand the way we see the world and open up a landscape of new ideas and perspectives.
We value compassion. We teach kindness. We build communities of belonging.
We work together to build tables where everyone has a place—not walls.
When children are raised in an environment that holds these values close, they carry them with them wherever they go.
They shine that light into the world—especially in the darkest of times.
And so, at Branches, we choose to keep showing up.
We choose to focus on the children. On our teachers. On our families.
On the kind of world we want to build—one moment, one story, one classroom at a time.
This is a reflection not just on a school year, but on who we are. On what we believe. On how we move forward—together.
Please know that we are deeply committed to continuing to create a beautiful, nurturing, and safe space for the children—and for our whole community.
But we need your ongoing support. And we are here to support you, too.
Here’s where we need your support:
Please stay aware of your surroundings when arriving or leaving school. When using the entry code, make sure you know who is entering with you.
Our children need steady, sturdy adults. When they’re present, please keep the TV free from news, limit time on social media, and avoid sharing disturbing news on the phone. (They hear everything!)
Most of all, they need us to see them, be with them, listen to them, and continue to learn, play, and grow alongside them.
Here’s how we can support you:
Resources to Share:
CHIRLA – Know Your Rights
If someone you know has been detained by ICE, document everything and call CHIRLA’s Immigrant Assistance Line:
1-888-624-4752
Congressman Simon’s Immigration Rights Guide https://simon.house.gov/services/immigration-know-your-rights
Please take a moment to review these resources and share them with anyone who might benefit.
If you know of other helpful resources, don’t hesitate to share them—we’ll gladly help circulate them to others in our community.
Sending you all so much love and deep gratitude. I am so thankful to be part of this extraordinary community of Early Childhood educators and wonderful families.
With love,
Patricia and the Branches team
Reggio Inspirations 