Interview with Alissa Guthrie, Co-Owner
Mudpies and Lullabies has been a mainstay in Bend for a long time. What is the history of the school?
Yes, Mudpies and Lullabies has been a mainstay of early childhood education in Bend for almost 30 years! Founded by Anne Williams on the belief that children learn best through play, it continues to lay the foundation for young students through experiential learning. In 2024, the school was purchased by sisters in-law, Alissa & Amy Guthrie, both with long standing ties to the community and decades of experience in education. Having been a parent of the school for the past 20 years, I am committed to keeping the rich traditions of the school alive.
How has early childhood education changed over the years? How are kids showing up these days?
Over the past decade, societal priorities have shifted in the field of early childhood education from purely academic readiness toward social-emotional development and executive functioning. Skills like empathy, self-regulation and collaboration are now seen as essential components to a well-balanced student. Every child arrives at school with varying degrees of academic readiness. Instead of expecting them to follow the same continuum and develop at the same rate, individualized preschool experiences set each child up for success by allowing teachers to meet students exactly where they are.
What sets your preschool apart from the rest?
Our school has always been and continues to be an extension of the family. We pride ourselves with fostering a tight knit community that supports one another and believes that together, we are stronger. We encourage our families to become involved – whether it’s as a volunteer in the classroom, a special event helper, a classroom substitute or just by participating in one of our many annual events.
What are some of your favorite moments at Mudpies and Lullabies?
One of our most treasured events at Mudpies is the Mother’s Day Celebration. Children make paper hats, serve punch out of fancy bowls, use lace tablecloths and write silly anecdotes about their moms. Without a doubt, every mom in our school, past or present, keeps this memory at the top of their list.
This article appears in Bend Nest Summer 2025.
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