Understanding and Supporting Children's Behavior: Tips From a Behavioral Support Educator in Child Care

Summary:

In this conversation, Kelly interviews Heather Hughes, a former teacher and current behavioral specialist, about her journey in working with young children and their families. Heather discusses the importance of setting appropriate expectations for children based on their developmental age and the negative impact of unrealistic expectations. She shares a story about a child in her kindergarten class who struggled with sitting still and how she used a behavior modification technique to help him self-regulate. Heather emphasizes the need for teachers to be mindful of their words and actions, as children are highly perceptive and can internalize negative labels.

Takeaways:

• Setting appropriate expectations for children based on their developmental age is crucial to avoid setting them up for failure.
• Behavior is a form of communication, and it is important to understand the underlying reasons behind a child's behavior.
• Tracking and analyzing behavior patterns can provide insights into the frequency and triggers of certain behaviors.
• Teachers should be mindful of their words and actions, as children are highly perceptive and can internalize negative labels.
• Classroom observations can help identify areas where teachers may need support and provide opportunities for constructive feedback and improvement.