Karen Rucker, M.S.

ECE Master Trainer

717-314-8368

Early Childhood Professional Development & Resources

Behavior Management

​​RespectingChildren.com

Interested in a topic not listed? Contact the instructor, Karen Rucker, regarding the possibility of customizing a session to address your center's specific professional development needs or to address a specific age group. For additional information, click the Contact tab or send an email to krucker@RespectingChildren.com or call 717-314-8368.

CAUTION! Sometimes Toddlers Bite (2 hrs / C2) Although biting is typical behavior for toddlers, it often leads to great anxiety in the classroom. This session will focus on some reasons toddlers bite; methods to prevent and/or reduce biting behaviors; and how to appropriately respond when biting occurs.  Includes what NOT to do.

​Temperament:  One Key to Understanding Children (2 hrs / C1)  We are all born with a natural temperament - some of us are flexible, some cautious, and some feisty.  Sometimes what we perceive as challenging behavior is really a clash in temperament.  Learn about the components of the nine temperament traits that combine to create three basic temperament styles, and how this information can help you understand and better plan for the children in your care.   

Behind the Scenes:  Examining How Adults Contribute to Children's Challenging Behaviors (2 hrs / C2)  Often challenging behaviors are the product of multiple factors that may not be readily apparent, including the adults in the program!  Join us as we examine the bigger picture including developmentally appropriate behaviors, mistaken behaviors, unrealistic expectations, and imitation.  Small group activities, case studies and group discussions will be used in this professional development session.

​First, There Is No Magic Wand... Positive Behavior Guidance in the Preschool Classroom (2 hrs / C2)  Everybody wants the magic wand - the one "trick" that will resolve all challenging behaviors.  Newsflash! There is NO magic wand.  Positive behavior guidance strategies address individual child needs and incorporates a toolbox of techniques to prevent challenging behaviors while teaching children appropriate responses to situations.