Sonia Yoshizawa

Sonia Akiko Yoshizawa, PhD, is the Assistant Director and Pedagogista at a Reggio-inspired preschool in Southern California. With over 30 years of experience in early childhood education, she brings a wealth of expertise in constructivist learning and research-based practice. Dr. Yoshizawa earned her PhD in Early Childhood Education from East Tennessee State University, where her work was influenced by Dr. Rebecca Isbell, a leader in early childhood creativity and advocacy. She holds a MAE from University of Northern Iowa, where her foundation and philosophy were shaped by Piagetian scholar Dr. Rheta DeVries and her colleagues.

Dr. Yoshizawa has co-authored three books: Nurturing Creativity: An Essential Mindset for Young Children’s Learning (NAEYC), STEM Learning with Young Children: Inquiry Teaching with Ramps and Pathways (Teachers College Press), and Investigating STEM with Infants and Toddlers (Teachers College Press). In addition to her current leadership role, she has taught at state universities and presents nationally and internationally on inspiring topics related to creativity, learning environments, STEAM, and early childhood inquiry.