In this episode, Jill Kuck shares her transformative journey from classroom teaching to diagnostics, highlighting the importance of community involvement and seeking help to meet the diverse needs of students. The discussion covers essential elements of early childhood behavior management, including setting clear behavior expectations, managing social interactions, and resolving conflicts.

Jill emphasizes the significance of early childhood development principles and the importance of monitoring concerning behaviors. The episode also focuses on empowering educators by prioritizing self-care and adopting a student-centered teaching approach, offering practical tips for creating a supportive atmosphere where both teachers and students can thrive.

Topics Discussed in This Episode

• [00:00:00] Introduction
• [00:02:06] How Jill personally connects to the topic of making sure all children's needs are met
• [00:03:12] Jill’s background and how she got to her current role
• [00:05:00] Shifting from teaching preschool to the role of a diagnostician
• [00:07:48] Special education language and definitions
• [00:08:56] Basic building blocks for meeting children’s needs
• [00:10:47] Setting boundaries in the classroom
• [00:13:23] When to start worrying about a child
• [00:15:52] Tracking behavior and language and learning challenges
• [00:19:30] Specific examples of recognizing a problem
• [00:21:01] What to say or not say when talking to parents
• [00:23:55] Who to reach out to to get support for a child
• [00:25:58] The referral and evaluation process
• [00:30:09] Avoiding discouragement and staying motivated to come back every day
• [00:32:33] Jill’s encouragement for educators

Resources

Kate Cline

Jill Kuck