Early childhood champion and mom Lindsey Vicoria is in the thick of the preschool years. From her home in Dormont, Vicoria and her husband, James, are raising their 4-year-old daughter, Blaire, with a deep appreciation for the magic (and messiness) of early childhood. A fierce advocate for young learners, Lindsey Vicoria brings an intentionality to both her work and parenting, believing those early years lay the foundation for confidence and lifelong learning.
This interview was edited for length and clarity.
What fuels your passion for early childhood education, especially at this stage in your career?
My passion is both personal and professional. My family relies on child care as our “paid village.” We live three hours plus from our families. Therefore, we rely on early childhood educators not just to support our daughter’s learning, but to care for her with intention, patience and love while we work. Seeing the impact of high-quality child care on my own family has shaped the way I show up in this work. It’s what motivates me to keep advocating for a workforce system that values early educators and recognizes how foundational child care is to many families’ lives.
What gaps or challenges do you see in early childhood education right now, particularly for working families?
Child care is so expensive that many caregivers, especially women, face a tough choice: to leave the workforce or pay overwhelming costs. At the same time, early childhood educators, who provide essential care and learning, are often underpaid and undervalued. Fixing this system requires real public investment.
How do you prioritize your own well-being while juggling professional responsibilities and motherhood?
Recognizing that no one is actually “doing it all” perfectly 100% of the time has helped shift my perspective. I’m grateful to work for an employer that truly values family life and understands the value in flexibility. There are seasons where it’s easier than others to prioritize my own well-being, and I continue to focus on doing the best I can do and give myself grace.
If you could tell parents of young children one thing you wish everyone knew about early childhood development, what would it be?
Children’s behavior is often communication, not “misbehavior.” Showing up for them with care and patience every day makes the biggest difference. Modeling and teaching them emotional regulation strategies is one of the best things to do for a child’s development.
What do you hope your daughter learns from watching you as both a parent and an advocate?
I hope she observes kindness and sees that standing up for what’s right matters. I want her to see that small acts of caring for others makes the world a softer place.
Carrie Woodard is a National Certified Counselor, National Certified School Counselor and a Pittsburgh mama of two.
FAMILY FAVORITES:
Weekend Activity: Exploring our neighborhood! Our perfect weekend starts with walking to get a latte at Espresso a Mano (Dormont), followed by pursuing our favorite stores on Potomac Avenue: Dandelion Kids, Forage Vintage Goods and Beyond Bedtime Books.
Family Movie: We love Disney’s “Zootopia” right now.
Family Restaurant: Moonlit Burgers (Dormont) is always our go-to!
