Podcast

In the first part of our series on Infant and Toddler Development Cindy Croft and Priscilla Weigel discuss critical milestones in an infant’s fine and gross motor development. Our hosts discuss common things to look for at the stages of 3 months through 1 year and highlight some concerns that would require further investigation. We will also talk about the ways child care providers and parents can encourage physical development at this important age.

Cindy Croft and Priscilla Weigel wrap up this four part podcast series with Martha Moriarty and Mary Beth Kelley of the Learning Disabilities Association of Minnesota by discussing useful inclusion strategies for children who may have behavioral characteristics of ADHD or learning disabilities. Mary Beth shares many of the ways a setting can be adapted to meet the learning needs of all children and especially support those who struggle with language or attention.

In the first part of a two-part series on praise and effective encouragement for young children, Cindy Croft and Priscilla Weigel will examine why it is important to use words that encourage a sense of accomplishment and competence in children. Why do we praise children? What makes for effective interchanges? Please listen for tips and tools for talking with your children.

Cindy Croft and Priscilla Weigel lay out a three-pronged approach for setting staff up for success when it comes to children’s behavior challenges. We know that children experiment with behaviors as a way to grow and learn so preparing for what will inevitably occur is a good tool in preventing staff anxiety when issues arise. We will talk about Plan, Prepare, and Support!

In the conclusion of our series on daily activities in child care programs, we will talk about the benefits to children with and without disabilities that come from meal time. This is another area of the day when challenging behaviors can take our focus from what we are trying to accomplish like community-building, sharing, emotional regulation and other skills. What can you do when a child eats more slowly than their peers? What about a child who takes someone else’s food? Listen to this lively discussion of the important part of the day.

There are many areas of programming where challenging behaviors occur. Group or circle time is often an activity where children can struggle to stay tuned in and adults can be frustrated by not meeting their goals for it. Listen to this podcasts for creative ideas on how to accomplish your goals with group time by thinking outside the box.