Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Katie Hagan, Inclusion Specialist

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning 2 The Spirit of Playfulness Why Play is Important Adult-Child Interaction De-escalating Behavior Partners in Play Identify Classroom Strategies for Promoting Successful Relationships

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning 3 You are observing interactions of your lab students in the child care setting. What do you want to see?

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning 4 Why Play is Important? Exploratory Constructive Pretend or dramatic Games

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Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning 14 Caregivers take interest in the child’s play Caregivers enjoy the child’s actions and explorations Caregivers communicate warmth and respect Caregivers acknowledge the child’s feelings, from delight to frustration.

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning 15 Caregivers provide positive physical contact (hugging, holding) Caregivers give the child their full attention and respond readily to the child’s signals and approaches Caregivers talk with the child, tell the child what will happen next, encourage the child’s problem solving, and read to the child.

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning 16 Bystander Manager Co-Player

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning 17 As a child how did each scenario affect you? As the teacher which on felt the most comfortable?

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning 18 Relationships are More Than Interactions Relationships: Have emotional connections Endure over time Have special meaning between the two people Create memories and expectations in the minds of the people involved.

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning 19 Interactions: Each contact with a child is an interaction Can consist of physical contact, a gesture, facial expression, verbalizations An interaction is either negative, neutral or positive

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning 20 Benefits of Developing Meaningful, Responsive Relationships Children: Participate more Get along well with other children More friendly More flexible Engages more in complex play Better social skills More control over his emotions Exhibit less challenging and aggressive behavior

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning 21 Strategies for Promoting a Positive Classroom Environment Encourage children to participate in play Get down on the child’s level when talking to them Listen to what children say and expand upon their language Facilitate play by moving through the classroom during center time

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning 22 Guiding Children’s Behavior in Child Care Settings Keep rules simple Say what you mean Talk with children, not “at” them Set a good example Give clear, simple choices Show respect for children Use play activities to teach social skills

Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning 23 Multiple child:teacher interactions happen through the child care daily routine Interactions consist of physical contact, a gesture, facial expression, verbalizations Children who develop meaningful relationships, exhibit less challenging behaviors