Podcast

In this podcast, we will begin a series on the sensitive topic of how to share developmental concerns with families. The first steps in talking to families about a developmental red flag is to have objective, nonjudgmental observations and recordings that can give them an accurate developmental picture. This is foundational to a successful conversation and will help allay some of your anxiousness as you approach families with your concerns.

In part two of this series on developmental concerns, we will define what a red flag means as we observe a child’s development. Is it one behavior or a cluster of behaviors? In addition, we will discuss the impact culture may have on developmental milestones as we consider red flags for developmental concerns. Our inclusion consultant, Priscilla Weigel, will share examples from her work with young children.

In this series on developmental concerns, we begin by looking at typical developmental milestones as guideposts for understanding how children develop their social, emotional, language, physical, and cognitive skills. Why is this important to the early childhood practitioner? What do we need to know in order to provide developmentally appropriate care?

In this podcast, Cindy Croft and Priscilla Weigel discuss the struggle that can sometimes arise between the early educator and a child in finding the balance between limit setting and power struggle. Some children can literally ‘run’ the program—how does this happen and how does the staff regain control? Priscilla shares some real life examples that can help shift the balance again.

In this concluding podcast on play concerns, we will look at some of the reasons a child might be ‘forgotten’ by his peers or even rebuffed when trying to join in play. Inclusion consultant Priscilla Weigel will share tools for the early educator to help the group include one another and build an atmosphere of acceptance.

Do you have children in your program who are reluctant to join others in play, or perhaps aren’t invited to join in because they seem too aloof? All children need one another to learn social competencies and to graduate to more complex social skills. So what can be done? We will discuss some scenarios for why a child might have these play issues and some strategies for easing anxiety and helping children connect with one another.