Look at the Whole Child to Solve Behavior Challenges

Children cannot always articulate their feelings, and their frustrations often show up as behavior challenges. Before a solution to behavior issues can be found, teachers must work to find the cause of the negative behavior. Put yourself in a child’s place, and see what his/her behavior might be telling you.

If I child shows:

Anger, defiance, refusal to participate...it might mean...I’m not able to do what you are asking—I have a delay in my brain/body.

Lack of attention to charts, books, big group activities...it might mean...Everything is blur to me, my brain is not seeing what you are telling me—I have a vision acuity or perception problem.

Not listening, not following directions, not responding to questions correctly...it might mean...I may not be able to hear you clearly-I have a language processing problem.

Hitting, shoving, taking items...it might mean...I cannot make my wants/needs known. Others cannot understand my words-I have a speech problem.

Self play, no friends, fear, outbursts, crying, attention seeking...it might mean...My heart is hurt, my emotions are not stable-I need a lot of extra TLC.

Refusal to do drawing, writing, cutting, or gluing...it might mean...I can’t do what you are asking me-I have a fine motor deficit.

Poor eater, eats too much, eats too fast, takes others food, picky eater...it might mean...My tummy REALLY does hurt everyday-I have anxiety, I’m hungry, I have hidden food allergies, or I just don’t feel right when I eat that food.

Cuss words, inappropriate sexual behavior, talking about sex, gestures...it might mean...Someone is sexually abusing me, I see things at home in real life or on TV that I shouldn’t see.

Doesn’t like outside play, doesn’t join in games, doesn’t use playground equipment...it might mean...My gross motor skills are not where they should be, I cannot keep up with my friends, or I cannot do what others can.

In constant motion, rough with others, intensely likes/dislikes touch, removing shoes or clothing, needs things in his/her hands a lot...it might mean...I have sensory issues—my body is telling me to do this behavior to quiet my senses—My body reacts differently than others.

Looking for the causes of behavior challenges can lead you to a solution and make the day much brighter for you and for the child. Sometimes the child may need more help than you alone can give. Some resources in your community might include: Family Services Division, doctors, counselors, psychologists, Child Abuse Hotline (In Missouri, 800-392-3738), First Steps, speech services, occupational therapists, Midwest Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Missouri School for the Deaf/Blind, and Workshop on Wheels CCR&R.

Written by Sarah Williams, Inclusion Specialist

We're on the Web! Are You?

You don’t have to be a technology whiz to effectively use the internet to promote your child care business and to keep parents informed.

The internet can be a fabulous tool for marketing your program, and websites don’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, many valuable sites, known as social media sites, are free! They are also easy to set up, and can be updated regularly to keep families informed about what their children do each day at child care.

Facebook is more than a way to keep in touch with friends. You can also create a profile for your child care program. Just create a new account, and invite families to become “friends” of your program. Families who choose to can receive updates you post as often as you like.

Share notes about upcoming events or daily activities. You can post photos of children in action throughout the day, and you can even upload videos if you choose (be sure you have a signed photo/video release from families before posting any images).

If you are concerned about privacy, never fear! You have the final say about who can see anything you post on Facebook. Under the “Account” button, click on “privacy settings” and make sure only “friends” can see your profile, pictures, and updates.

A great way to post more detailed updates regularly is through a blog. You can create a free blog site for your program using Blogger. Just click on “Create a blog” and follow the steps to choose a title, select from pre-made layouts, and get started creating your first post. (This blog uses Blogger, and our layouts are free templates from Leelou Blogs.)

Blogs are easy to update, and you can write longer, more detailed descriptions than on Facebook or Twitter. You can also post as many photos as you’d like so that families can feel in touch with their children all day long. Families who “follow” your blog can comment on posts and let you know their thoughts. Your blog can also be set so that only people approved by you can see what you post. Under “settings,” click on “permissions” to make the blog private.

You can also choose to include general information about your program on your blog’s home page, and consider the blog site your business website.

Twitter is another way to keep families informed about your program, and this site is also free. Twitter limits posts to 140 characters, so you’ll have to be brief! But one advantage is that parents can receive Twitter updates on their cell phones, and they’ll know instantly if their child is finger painting or digging in the sandbox today.

Find UCM Workshop on Wheels Child Care Resource and Referral online:
Website: www.ucmo.edu/workshop
Blog: http://workshoponwheels.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/UCMWOW

Written by Janet Robison, Training Coordinator