PH-10-challenging-behavior-family-expectations
FAMILY EXPECTATIONS + RESPONSIBILITIES Communicate proactively about behavioral or developmental concerns. Participate in meetings and planning with openness and partnership. Pick up your child promptly if a safety-related incident occurs. Treat staff with respect and collaborate constructively. If the actions suggested above under “Responding” do not succeed, the educator may: Separate the child from the […]
PH-10-challenging-behavior-unsafe-disruptive-behavior
UNSAFE/DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR When behavior poses a safety risk If a child’s behavior becomes dangerous or disruptive to others and cannot be safely managed in the moment, we may ask for the child to be picked up early or suggest a temporary reduction in their schedule. These decisions are made with care and are always discussed […]
PH-10-challenging-behavior-stages-of-support-intervention
STAGES OF SUPPORT/INTERVENTION We know that big feelings and tough moments are a natural part of early childhood. Sometimes, even with thoughtful support from our educators, a child may continue to struggle with behaviors that make it hard for them—and the other children around them—to fully engage and thrive in the classroom. When a child […]
PH-10-challenging-behavior-prohibited-practices
PROHIBITED PRACTICES First Circle is in keeping with the Department of Early Education and Care in the belief that behavioral control is neither logical nor appropriate for children. We strictly prohibit any of the following practices: Any form of physical punishment or abusive treatment, including hitting, spanking, slapping, grabbing, shaking, threats, humiliation, derogatory remarks, or […]
PH-10-challenging-behavior
CHALLENGING BEHAVIOR Very young children use behavior to communicate their needs and feelings, establish important connections with the people around them, and learn about the world and how the world responds to them. Developmentally, young children will often use aggression, defiance and other behaviors as they work to build skills in the domains of flexibility, […]
PH-10-methodology-communicating
COMMUNICATING Working in close partnership with parents to address children’s difficulties at home and at the program, developing shared understanding to develop consistency between home and child care; Observing and documenting children’s behavior; Meeting with parents, keeping them informed of their children’s behaviors, and documenting parent discussions;
PH-10-methodology-responding
RESPONDING Redirecting children toward positive activities and acceptable alternatives. Guiding problem-solving by reinforcing rules and encouraging peaceful expression of feelings. Teaching natural consequences and coping strategies like taking a break. Recognizing when to intervene or ignore minor misbehavior. Helping children develop conflict resolution skills with support as needed.
PH-10-methodology-preparing
PREPARING Setting clear, age-appropriate, and consistent expectations. Involving children in rule-making when appropriate. Reinforcing and modeling positive behavior. Providing ample transition warnings.
PH-10-methodology-planning
PLANNING Understanding each child’s background, temperament, and responses to different situations (via the All About Me form). Designing the environment with clear expectations, appropriate materials, and engaging spaces to foster independence. Structuring a daily schedule that minimizes boredom, waiting, and rushed transitions. Establishing routines that allow children to relax and enjoy activities at their own […]
PH-10-methodology-intro
METHODOLOGY First Circle educators respond to challenging behavior according to the individual child and situation. Child guidance methods applied always provide children with support, and are intended to teach them to build self-control. Although no single methodology or technique will work with every child every time, the four key components for our child guidance policy […]