Prevention is the best intervention. Just as behaviour can affect all aspects of a learning environment, all the aspects of a learning environment can be structured to promote positive behaviour (NAEYC). This session will cover the continuum that involves universal supports for all children that include building strong relationships and providing a high-quality environment that encourages positive behaviour from learning activities to transitions and materials and opportunities available during free play.

Communicating with families about concerns about their child’s behaviour is one of the hardest things you need to do. You might worry that you will damage your relationship with parent(s), put an extra burden on a struggling family, or put the child at risk for excessive punishment or harm. These are often valid concerns; nevertheless, you have an obligation to keep families informed about their child’s progress and well-being. Communication is key to creating family partnerships. Family members must feel comfortable asking questions, seeking information, and raising concerns about their child’s care, well-being, and development. Families may need support as much as their child does. Barbara Kaiser is the co-author of Challenging Behavior in Young Children. She has taught at Acadia University and at Concordia University and College Marie-Victorin. In addition to presenting workshops and keynote speeches on challenging behaviour throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and Europe, Barbara has acted as chief consultant for Facing the Challenge, an instructional DVD based on Challenging Behaviour in Young Children (Devereux Center for Resilient Children), and a workshop, What Do You Do With the Mad That you Feel for Mr. Rogers’ Family Communications, Inc. Barbara founded and was the director of two child care centres and an after-school program. A master’s degree in educational administration from McGill University gives her a firm theoretical foundation, but above all her perspective is practical, realistic, and compassionate, stemming from decades of working with children, families, and teachers.