The Heart and Mind Family Workshop FAQ

If you’re looking for a calm, clear, educator-guided way to choose a school that aligns with your child and your family values, you’re in the right place.

Who is this workshop geared toward?

This workshop is designed for families who want clarity and confidence as they explore school options for their child. It’s especially helpful for families with toddlers, preschoolers, and children entering kindergarten through early elementary, as well as those considering a school change in early elementary grades.

Think of it like those baby sleep or toddler development classes that help you feel calm and prepared—only this time, it’s about navigating school choice. While many of the ideas also apply to preschool decisions, the main focus is on finding the right early elementary experience, especially kindergarten. Whether your child is a toddler, in preschool, or approaching kindergarten, getting this information early helps you understand Arizona’s school landscape and make confident, informed school choices.

When is the best time to attend?

The earlier, the better! Families with toddlers or preschoolers gain the most from starting early, giving themselves time to understand Arizona’s school choice process and explore schools without stress. Even if kindergarten still feels far away, learning how the system works now allows you to make calm, thoughtful choices later.

Parents also find the workshop helpful when:

• They’re beginning to research schools (even a couple years advance)

• They’re preparing for tours for the upcoming fall (educator tip: this is the time of year you do this!)

• They’re narrowing down their list and comparing environments

• They’re considering whether their current school is the right fit

Starting early means fewer rushed decisions and more confidence in every step of the journey.

Will you tell me what the “best” schools are?

In short, no—and that’s a good thing.

The “best” school isn’t the same for every child or family. Instead of handing you a list, my role is to help you build the skills and confidence to evaluate schools through a thoughtful, repeatable framework.

School environments, programs, and leadership can shift over time. But when you know what to look for—and what truly matters for your child and family—you’re able to make aligned, informed decisions for preschool, elementary school, and every transition that comes after.

How is the workshop delivered?

The Family Workshop is an on-demand, self-paced experience that guides you through the entire Heart & Mind Framework with clarity and ease. It includes:

• 10, focused modules you can watch anytime

• Downloadable guided notes to help you reflect, organize your thinking, and apply the framework to your child and family

• A comprehensive set of school-tour questions designed by an experienced educator so you know exactly what to look for and what to ask

• Tools you can return to throughout your entire school search

You’ll have everything you need to move through school choice with confidence and calm.

What will I walk away with?

You’ll walk away with a clear, repeatable framework for making thoughtful school decisions—one you can use now and for years to come.

Families will finish the workshop feeling calm, informed, and confident—ready to approach the school search with clarity and purpose.

Can I get personalized guidance for my family?

Coming soon! One-on-one consultations will build on everything you learn in the workshop, offering space to reflect more deeply on your child, your family’s values, and the school environments that best align with both. I’m looking forward to supporting families in this more personalized way soon—email me to be added to the interest list for upcoming consultation openings.

shannon@heartandmindschoolconsulting.com