Anthony J. Shacar, Clinical Psychologist

06/24/2026

Play is a biological need, not a luxury.

When we protect time for free play, we protect a child’s spirit — and their ability to think, create, and grow.

✨✨ Mark your calendars! ✨

RIE Foundations: Theory and Observation with Ruth Anne Hammond
🗓 July 10-13 (in person) plus three Wednesdays online
⏰ 9:00AM-5:00 PM PT

We’d love to welcome you - whether you’re just learning about RIE or already part of our community 🤍

06/14/2026

One day, we’ll look back and wonder
why the most important work - parenting,
was ever treated as anything less.

The future grows
in the hands of those who parent.

✨✨ Mark your calendars! ✨

1. Q&A workshop: Curious about co-op preschools? with Jocelyn Robertson
🗓 June 12 (in person) & June 16 (online)
⏰ 7:00-8:30 pm PT

2. Before Baby™ Course (Hybrid ) with Ida Reid
🗓 June 13 -15
⏰ Friday 5:30 – 7:30 pm (Online)
Saturday 3 – 7 pm (In Person Hollywood)
Sunday 10 am – 3 pm (Online)

3. Open House (in Pasadena) with Kira Solomatova
Come visit our space, meet us, and experience the environment in person.
🗓 Sunday, June 14
⏰ 3:30 – 5:00 PM

4. RIE Foundations: Theory and Observation with Ruth Anne Hammond
🗓 July 10-13 (in person) plus three Wednesdays online
⏰ 9:00 AM-5:00 PM PT

We’d love to welcome you - whether you’re just learning about RIE or already part of our community 🤍

04/25/2026

Private equity companies are turning autism treatment into a multi-billion dollar industry, sold as behavior management. Many providers (myself included) believe that autism is not a behavior to manage, but a neurodivergent brain that should be appreciated, accommodated, and nurtured.

04/06/2026

What if doing less changes everything?

04/06/2026

This is why I'm an Infant Mental Health Specialist!

Babies remember. They just remember it differently. We remember in our brains, and they remember in their bodies.
— Meghan Schmelzer

We talk a lot about mental health these days. But we rarely talk about babies.

Mental health starts early, even before birth.

From the very beginning, babies are building their foundation. Every interaction. Every response. Every experience, good or hard, shapes their future. Learn more and get involved: https://bit.ly/40ETQdq

03/27/2026

Babies are born ready to connect and fall in love.

From day one, they’re scanning faces, memorizing voices, and bonding with their caregivers. These early relationships build secure attachment, the foundation for learning, trust, emotional regulation and relationships throughout life.

Babies can also form attachments with multiple caregivers, including early childhood educators and other trusted adults. It’s one of the many reasons early childhood professionals play such an important role in helping build a strong foundation for life.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4rOESNj

03/27/2026

Play is not optional.
— Teacher Tom

Join us at the 36th Annual RIE® Infant-Toddler Conference.

Nature’s Path for Play: Creating Conditions for Authentic Playfulness
🗓 March 27–28, 2026