Children on the Spectrum: The Prepared Environment and Prepared Adult (NEW)
What is Autism? How is the language we use important? Explore how to use your power of observation and curiosity to support children on the spectrum and utilize what is in a Montessori classroom to assist in success within the classroom community. Reflect on how to remain understanding and confident in your work with children on the spectrum.
Core Knowledge Category: Special Needs, Set Two.
OCCD Set Two approved for live, virtual and asynchronous credit. Recordings are available to view and learn at your own pace.
Embracing Calm: Strategies for Managing Anxiety in the Classroom
Anxiety manifests in a variety of ways in young children. Learn how the brain activates to protect the individual, how to recognize the symptoms, and know when to recommend to families to seek extended mental health support which may include IFSP development and planning. Explore ways to implement inclusive and anxiety-informed care. Increase knowledge about this mental health struggle, gain empathy, and insight with ideas on how we can impact and soothe anxiety and adapt our approach so that children with anxiety can feel confident, safe and secure.
Core Knowledge Category: Special Needs, Set One.
Proprioception & Vestibular Needs in Early Childhood & School-Age Classrooms
(MORE IN-DEPTH LONGER VERSION!)
The proprioceptive and vestibular senses can be difficult to address in a school environment. Critically examine ways to support a healthy sensory diet that successfully supports the entire community, including children with special needs in infant/toddler, preschool, and school-age classrooms. Observation is key. Modify tools of observation to suit the needs of your classroom.
Core Knowledge Category: Special Needs, Set Three.
Colors of Your Own Sensory Palette
Through active experiences with art materials and personal reflection, explore and examine your personal sensory sensitivities. Learn how this interfaces with the children with sensory issues in your classroom communities.
Core knowledge Categories: Personal, Professional & Leadership Development and Special Needs, Set Two.
Addressing Proprioception and Vestibular Needs in the Classroom: A Teacher's Toolkit
The Proprioceptive and Vestibular senses are often misunderstood and can be difficult to address in a school environment. How does this play out in the classroom? What is the underlying need of the child? Explore playful ways to support a healthy diet of movement and physical activity in ways that are supportive for the entire community. Play with challenges against gravity that help children develop core strength, practice balance, implement skillful self-regulation, and increase flexibility to adjust to typical sensory input.
Core Knowledge Category: Special Needs, Set Two.
Sensory Strategies in the Classroom
Learn the differences between auditory, visual, olfactory, gustatory, vestibular, tactile, interoceptive and proprioceptive senses. Recognize the sensory needs of children in your classroom, and explore ways to support the needs of children according to their individual sensory palette.
Core Knowledge Category: Special Needs and Observation & Assessment.
Deal With the Behavior, Not the Label
Children are often given a label, which may or may not be correct. Often the children that we work with are too young to even have a diagnosis placed upon them. Often a three year old is just being three, not developing into a case of oppositional defiant disorder. Participants will look at specific behavior patterns from the children in the classroom and learn to address specific behaviors to lead to a more successful, respectful and enriching community.
Core Knowledge Category: Special Needs.