Reimagine Childhood – Details, episodes & analysis

Diane Goyette, is a Child Development Specialist with over 30 years of early education experience, teaching children in public school, university laboratories, faith-based preschools, and child care programs.  She has taught adults as an adjunct professor and as the owner of Early Childhood Specialties, she develops and presents training and provides consulting for early childhood professionals.   She holds a master’s degree in Child Development and a Lifetime Texas Educator Certificate for Pre-K and Kindergarten.  Diane is especially passionate about the important role of relationships, fostering children’s social and emotional development, and helping teachers work with children who exhibit challenging behavior.

 We’ve got a great conversation ahead for you on helping children build self-regulation skills.  In this episode, Diane discusses her four Cs framework for emotional support in children. The framework is based on the work of several experts and focuses on providing children with the support they need when they are upset or distressed. The first C is Connection, emphasizing the importance of building a caring relationship with children. The second C is Calming, which involves helping children find strategies to calm down when they are upset. The third C is Compassion, which involves showing empathy and a desire to help relieve the child's discomfort. The fourth C in her framework is Capacity, which is the building of self-regulation and resilience. Together, we will discuss the need for adults to provide support and nurture for all children, especially those exhibiting challenging behavior.

Diane has done so much research around this topic of helping children when they are exhibiting BIG emotions. I hope you’ll use this framework as another tool in your toolbelt this school year. 

Diane's company - Early Childhood Specialties - https://www.earlychildhoodspecialties.com/

Early Childhood Specialties Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/earlychildhoodspecialties/

The EEPWorm website - http://www.eepworm.com/

EEPworm instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eepworm/

As always, we would love to connect with you on Instagram and on Facebook

Dr. Sharon R. Jackson is a life-long early childhood advocate and a seasoned professional with experience in local, state, and national presentations throughout her career. She is an encourager by nature…From a background that includes public schools, military childcare centers, faith-based organizations, and for-profit settings, her experience is not only wide-ranging but also deeply grounded in appropriate practice and respect for young children. Dr. Jackson has held positions of leadership in her community and in the organizations in which she has been employed. She earned her PhD from Texas A&M University and is currently a professor of early childhood education at Blinn College in College Station.

Today, we’re talking about the importance of the environment as the third teacher – the philosophy that spaces can significantly influence development and learning. Sharon will emphasize just how important the environment is–It’s not just physical objects like books and toys; it also includes the emotional well-being of the children. While we discuss the third teacher that originated from the Reggio philosophy, we will also talk about the role of parents as the child's first teacher. We’re also going to chat about the adult in the classroom as the second teacher. Second teachers have the important job of giving comfort, consistency, and connection in creating a supportive social-emotional environment for young children. Together, we’ll discuss the benefits of a well-laid-out environment, such as promoting learning, language development, and creativity, as well as building children's confidence! We will address the challenges of creating an appropriate environment, including the pressure to focus on academics and parental expectations.

Recognizing the needed respect for children in the stage that they are in, being who they are, rather than pushing and rushing them toward some other agenda is so valuable. What a difference that mindset shift could make in creating environments for the children in our care. I hope this episode makes you pause for a moment and think about your classroom environment a little differently. And I hope you’ll “get on your knees at the door” and consider the children’s perspective and also…God’s perspective on this adventure in early childhood. 

Dr. Jackson's article on Environments

Curating Play - https://curatingplay.com/

Early Essentials - https://earlyessentials.org/

As always, we would love to connect with you on Instagram and on Facebook

 Today, I get to have a conversation with Sharon Burnett.  Sharon is a publisher and co-founder of two early childhood companies, most currently – CELEBRATE Successful Early Learning. The company creates supplemental big books, little books, music, and digital e-Stories based on a foundation of FUN and SUCCESS for our youngest learners. You might recognize the “Sing and Read” books like “Apple Annie”, “Benjamin Bunny” from years past! Sharon works with educators in the areas of Infant, Toddler, Threes, Pre-K, and Kindergarten within school districts, Head Start agencies, and Child Care organizations both nationally and internationally. Her knowledge and expertise in early childhood provide a cornerstone in the foundational years to enhance best practices for our youngest children.

In this podcast episode, Sharon Burnett discusses the current state of early learning classrooms, highlighting the stress, anxiety, and extreme behaviors that both children and adults are experiencing. She attributes these issues to the changing world and society, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Burnett emphasizes the importance of reconnecting, communicating, and creating enjoyable learning environments. She also discusses the significance of music in early learning, citing research that shows its positive effects on reducing anxiety, increasing vocabulary, and promoting fluency and language development. She goes on to encourage educators to incorporate more music into their classrooms and to recognize the value of fun and joy in early childhood education. 

Where are you using music to make your day more FUN? I really hope it’s not just relegated to your music class, but that you are using fun songs – either recorded or just made up on your own to bring joy, laughter, and connection to your classroom. SO much research tells us that music is good for the brain and for the soul. If you read our newsletter or follow us on social media, you’ll often here me saying that it’s time to add in another “dance party” to your day!  Truly, music, movement and laughter change the atmosphere of every environment. Don’t skimp on it!  See you next time! 

You can find Sharon’s website HERE and follow Celebrate Successful Early Learning on social media HERE 

As always, we would love to connect with you on Instagram HERE and on Facebook HERE.

I have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Beverly Alford on today’s episode of Reimagine Childhood.  Beverly is a staunch advocate for meaningful play. An Associate Professor of Early Childhood, her focus is on children, ages birth through age seven years. She is particularly fascinated by how young children develop in play-based, non-traditional education settings, as well as the effects of standardized learning practices on young children. Her background in early childhood is varied and extensive, rich in experiences within both the public and private sectors.  

In this podcast episode, Beverly and I discuss the importance of noise in the classroom and the need for children to have opportunities to be loud and expressive. We emphasize the value of play and the negative effects of stifling children's natural exuberance. Beverly goes on to suggest creating a balance between quiet and noisy activities in the classroom and encourages teachers to observe and listen to children's play. We also discuss the societal pressure on parents to keep their children quiet and well-behaved in public places. Beverly and I make a point to encourage a shift in mindset to support childhood and make an effort to understand children's individual needs. We suggest that the adults should model appropriate behavior and create a rhythm of noise levels in the classroom to help the students understand and follow when a noise-level transition needs to be made. Beverly concluded by reminding us all to prioritize play and outdoor time and to recognize the individuality and pace of children's learning. 

I was reminded today that children learn best through meaningful play and play is often noisy! There are definitely times that require a bit of restraint but I wonder sometimes if we could back off a little bit and allow children to fully experience their environment – even in their noise level!  Have you ever just stopped…actually paused everything to LISTEN to your classroom?  I’m going to challenge you to do that this week – stop, stand still, and just listen to your classroom – do you hear life-giving laughter, conversation, and FUN?  What conversations did you overhear?  What arguments or conflicts did you hear?  Did you hear singing or humming?  Did you hear laughter and giggles, or crying and sniffling?  I hope that the next time you feel like your classroom is SO LOUD…that you’ll pause for a moment and just listen.  Most likely, that pause will cause the noise level in your classroom to naturally decrease as the children wonder why you’re so still!  

You can connect with Beverly through her website, Curating Play, and her Instagram

You might also like this short article on the value of noise in the classroom.

As always, we would love to connect with you on Instagram HERE and on Facebook HERE.

Today on Reimagine Childhood, I have the privilege of chatting with Dr. Pam Rinn.  Pam is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice with Acorn Counseling Education Services.  She has over 25 years of experience helping families with young children and adolescents navigate their life course.  Dr. Rinn spent almost two decades as the Program Director of Camp Fire First Texas, providing leadership and support to early education programs and other youth programs.  She has a BS in Child Development, an MS in Human Development and Family Studies, and a PhD in Family Therapy.  She is passionate about helping children and those who love them to reach their full potential.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Pam discusses brain states and the impact they have on emotions and actions. She explains Dr. Dan Siegel's research on brain states and introduces the hand model of the brain. The brain is divided into three parts: the thinking part (frontal lobe), the limbic system (emotional memories), and the brainstem (fight or flight response). Dr. Pam emphasizes the importance of regulating brain states and offers strategies for calming the brain, such as deep breathing, sensory activities, and self-soothing techniques. She also discusses the polyvagal system, which regulates organ systems and plays a role in the brain-gut connection. She highlights the significance of co-regulation and attachment in supporting a healthy polyvagal system. She goes on to encourage adults to be observers, noticers, acknowledgers, and empowerers to create a positive and supportive environment for children.

Some overall highlights: we’ve got to dig deep to look for the underlying reason for behavior – I loved her HALT acronym – is a child HUNGRY, ANGRY, LONELY, or TIRED? Once those questions are answered and needs met, THEN we can dig into other behavior! That goes for me and you – the adults – as well! I know I don’t always act right when I’m HUNGRY OR TIRED for sure!! Another is how interconnected our bodies are with our brains. An elevated heart rate or shallow breathing in our bodies can signal to our brains that we need to fight or freeze, putting us in a red or blue zone where we cannot learn. Learning those signs in the children in our classrooms could be a game-changer!

You can find Dr. Pam in her private practice at Acorn Counseling Education Services.

As always, we would love to connect with you on Instagram HERE and on Facebook HERE.

My guest on today’s episode is Debbie Jones.  Debbie is the lead trainer and owner of Confident Director, a company that provides coaching, consulting, training, networking, and online courses.  She enjoys guiding directors and teachers to reach their unique potential in their professional roles.  She has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education working with faith-based and secular programs. Debbie received her Bachelor of Arts from Howard Payne University and she holds a Texas director certificate. 

In this episode, Debbie discusses the concept of risky play and its importance in childhood development. Risky play refers to allowing children to engage in activities that involve some level of risk, such as climbing, exploring, and problem-solving. She emphasizes the need to trust children and their abilities, allowing them to make decisions and learn from their experiences. She also highlights the benefits of risky play, including increased self-confidence, problem-solving skills, and awareness of their surroundings. Debbie suggests that educators should create a "yes environment" that promotes risky play and encourages children to take appropriate risks. She also advises teachers to observe and notice children's interests and abilities, and to provide opportunities for them to engage in risky play in a safe and supervised manner. Overall, Debbie emphasizes the importance of trusting children and allowing them to take risks to foster their development and build their confidence and problem-solving skills.

Are there a couple of traditional rules in your classroom that you’re willing to step away from for a few days?  I want to encourage you to remember that young children rarely take risks beyond what they are capable of if we trust them!  The next time a child takes a risk that makes you gasp….stop yourself to adjust for a split second before yelling STOPPPP or “BE CAREFUL” and take a breath.  Be ready to support them but don’t stop them. See what happens. My guess is that you’ll be celebrating their success at doing something that required bravery and courage!

You can access Debbie’s website HERE.

As always, we would love to connect with you on Instagram HERE and on Facebook HERE.

My guest today is Faith Rivera. Faith has worked with a variety of programs supporting children, youth, and young adults through nonprofits, faith-based organizations, universities, and health care over the last decade. Faith is passionate about ensuring families have access to the resources and services they need to raise their children well and for service providers to have the support to offer families the best quality services. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences with a concentration in Family and Community and a Masters of Education in Higher Education with a concentration in Student Affairs Administration – both from the University of North Texas. She is also the founder of Alo Civitas Consulting, a company committed to improving maternal and child health.

In this podcast episode, Monica and Faith discuss the importance of early childhood mental health. They explain that early childhood mental health refers to children's ability to regulate and express their emotions, form relationships, and understand their place in the world. In this conversation, Faith emphasizes the significance of building a strong attachment between children and their caregivers from day one, as this helps children feel loved and secure. They also discuss the role of infant and toddler teachers in supporting infant mental health and emphasize the importance of meeting children's basic needs and providing a nurturing environment. Faith goes on to suggest practical strategies for educators and parents, such as making parents feel valued and involved, creating opportunities for children to regulate their emotions, and incorporating outdoor play and sensory experiences. The conversation highlights the impact of technology on children's mental health and emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interactions and emotional connections. The episode concludes with a reminder to appreciate and enjoy the small moments in early childhood.

It’s amazing to think that we have so much influence over the healthy development of the children in our care.  How you show up consistently in your classroom really does impact the mental and emotional health of your students! Don’t be overwhelmed though. None of us are perfect. None of us show up as our best selves every single day. God has a way of working through our shortcomings and filling in gaps in ways we could never even imagine. But I hope this episode reminds you of the importance of those small daily interactions with your students.  Spending a few extra moments when you’re changing a diaper to tell a child that he is precious to you and precious to God builds strong neural connections that aid them in future relationships!  It’s not just about getting their little bottoms clean and moving on to the next thing. Taking a deep breath and calming yourself when a child pushes your buttons models self-regulation for a child! That’s a skill we want all children to learn.

You can access Faith’s website HERE.

As always, we would love to connect with you on Instagram HERE and on Facebook HERE.

For over 30 years, Kathy's passion has been early childhood education. She has an education degree from Texas Tech University and taught for Coppell ISD and Hurst Euless Bedford ISD right here in the Dallas/Fort Worth area before starting her true love of teaching and directing weekday early childhood programs. She led a faith-based school in Fort Worth for several years and recently shifted her day-to-day life to provide consulting, training, and mentoring.

In this podcast episode, Kathy discusses the importance of building a school family and the impact it has on early childhood development. She defines a school family as a place where children feel loved, cared for, and safe, emphasizing the role of relationships in brain development and learning. Kathy suggests creating a safe and loving environment in the classroom, where children have important roles and responsibilities. She also highlights the significance of routines and intentional connections in fostering a sense of safety and community. With this, she shares practical strategies such as job assignments, recognition of acts of kindness, and a calm corner for children to regulate their emotions. Overall, she emphasizes the importance of creating a positive and nurturing environment that supports the social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children. 

If this concept is new to you, it may seem a bit overwhelming. Let me encourage you…you don’t have to change everything you’re doing in your classroom today. Pick one thing – maybe you want to try adding a personalized greeting to your day.  Or maybe you just want to add some classroom jobs so every child helps your classroom function every day.  Or maybe you just want to start using the “family” terminology as you talk to your students to help yourself and them shift your mindset into a community mindset.  God has created us for community.  He is the ultimate family-builder as He invites us to be a part of His family!

Kathy’s email is kathy@wymers.com

As always, we would love to connect with you on Instagram HERE and on Facebook HERE.

Today, our guest on Reimagine Childhood is Tiffany Crow, a Behavior Analyst. Tiffany's expertise also extends to providing behavioral training and consultations across various domains, including school districts, religious organizations, and nonprofit entities. As the Clinical Supervisor of an ABA Clinic, she offers essential behavior strategies to both staff and families through Telehealth services. She holds a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and is passionate about empowering educators to help their students be successful.

In this podcast episode, Monica and Tiffany discuss behavior management strategies for challenging behaviors in the classroom. They introduce the concept of a "behavior suitcase" as a mental image for selecting and implementing strategies. The importance of building strong relationships with students and trying basic strategies before moving on to more advanced ones is emphasized and they continue by discussing strategies to address behaviors related to attention-seeking, escaping tasks, seeking access to tangible items, and sensory needs. Monica and Tiffany provide great examples of antecedent and consequence strategies for each behavior type and offer tips for avoiding common pitfalls. They also stress the importance of consistency and patience when implementing behavior management strategies. Monica and Tiffany conclude by reminding listeners that teaching children appropriate social behaviors is a game-changer that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Sometimes you just have to stay stuck in the stink and do better next time and also…consistency is key. We’re praying for you as you love and care for these children and help them to learn socially appropriate ways to have their needs met.  

Let us know how we can help you!

Tiffany’s email address is tiffanycrow.bcba@gmail.com and the downloadable PDF with charts of strategies for antecedent and consequence adjustments is located HERE.

As always, we would love to connect with you on Instagram HERE and on Facebook HERE.

Our guest today, Evelyn Knight, is driven by a mission to ensure every child receives the love they deserve. As an experienced childcare center owner with over 25 years in preschool education, she provides coaching and mentoring to ECE directors and owners. She currently stands as the visionary CEO of Child Care Business Professionals and hosts The Childcare Business Coach Podcast. Inspired by 1 John 4:7-9, Evelyn dedicates herself to nurturing a brighter future for children everywhere.

During today’s episode, Evelyn tackles the all-too-familiar struggle of time management. She discusses how many leaders, especially in early childhood education, grapple with time management and delegation, often believing they lack the time necessary to accomplish their tasks. Evelyn challenges this mindset, emphasizing that it's not about having insufficient time but rather about managing it effectively, and she shares practical strategies for effective time management, empowering leaders to make the most of every moment and reclaim hours previously lost to unproductive habits. 

You can connect with Evelyn on Instagram HERE and listen to her podcast HERE.

If you think you need to do a time audit, download THIS TIME TRACKER and take the first step to taking control of your time.

As always, we would love to connect with you on Instagram HERE and on Facebook HERE.