Why do they do that (and what do I do)?

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HOURS AVAILABLE

Program incentive: Programs who have at least one staff member attend a minimum of three of the upcoming training sessions will receive 10 hours of In-Class Early Intervention support from Possibilities Northeast. The PNE staff will work with the teachers to help them take the skills they learned in these sessions and more deeply integrate them in the classroom. This training is expected to result in decreased behaviors and increased teacher confidence!

Session 1: We Live Inside a Body

Thursday, October 1, 2026 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Community Learning Center, Multipurpose Room B

As early childhood educators, you likely experience behaviors each day that challenge your patience and test your skills. But what is behind these behaviors? Get to the root of what is really going on by understanding what’s happening inside a child’s body, and how your body reacts. At “We Live Inside a Body,” the first in a series of FREE early intervention training, you will learn why it’s critical to create routines and environments to help children succeed.

Session 2: Rethinking Stress/The Fascinating Developing Brain

Thursday, October 29, 2026 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. DeKalb YMCA

By this time in our lives, we’ve all learned that stress is not good for our body or for our brains. So, can anything good come from stress? That’s the question we will be asking and answering in this workshop. We’ll begin this workshop by examining what we currently know about stress. We’ll discuss the types of stress, the effects on our physiology and behavior. And, then participants will be introduced to a new way to think about stress. There is an amazing mind-body connection that is beginning to be researched and identified. Let’s talk about it. Let’s find ways to harness this new way of thinking about stress. This workshop will conclude with practical, user-friendly strategies.

Session 3: Through the Lens of Sensory Processing

Thursday, November 19, 2026 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Steuben County Location

All behavior has meaning! Understanding the ways in which children take in, process, and respond to sensory information enables teachers to have an alternative lens through which to observe and interpret behavior, as well as to enhance their curriculum and environmental design. In this workshop participants will learn about the “lesser known” sensory systems, the interrelated components of sensory processing and the concepts of sensory modulation and sensory threshold. Time will also be spent discussing the possible meanings of specific behaviors and, more importantly, how to help the children who demonstrate these behaviors. The role of the stress response system will be introduced as a means to support alternative interpretations of behavior from a neuroscience perspective. The importance of cue reading will be examined as a window into understanding each child’s unique sensory-neurological profile. The day will conclude with an interactive discussion of the practical ways in which this information can be utilized in an educational setting. We will also discuss ways to analyze these modifications in order to know if they are working.

Session 4: Anatomy of a Meltdown

Thursday, December 10, 2026 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. LaGrange County Location

It’s easy to get overwhelmed, frustrated and even angry when a child is having a meltdown. This experience is hard for both the person having the meltdown, as well as for anyone present at the time. In this professional development session, we will begin with a brief review of the stress response system and an introduction to sensory processing. Building upon this information, participants will learn what happens to the body when feeling overwhelmed, under attack, hijacked and helpless. Three distinct stages of a meltdown will be described and discussed beginning with the identification of some triggers, signs and symptoms that may indicate a meltdown is starting. Appropriate prevention and intervention strategies at each stage will be provided and discussed. By understanding the anatomy of a meltdown everyone who cares for and/or works with young children with these types of challenges will be better equipped to understand what a child’s behavior might mean and offer help and support during these difficult times.

Session 5: Why do they do that and could it be me?

Thursday, January 21, 2026 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Community Learning Center, Multipurpose B

Have you ever found yourself asking the question, “Why do they do that?” Do you ever wonder why some of your best techniques work with some kids and not others? In this workshop, we will take the position that all behavior has meaning. And, that it is our job as adults who work with and/or care for young children to figure out what the child’s behavior is telling us. Participants will be introduced to a variety of ways to think about behaviors that are confusing and/or causing problems. We’ll specifically look at the role of emotions in development as well as environmental influences. Participants will be encouraged to understand the ways in which their own personality and temperaments may influence a child to behave in certain ways. There will be something in this workshop for everyone who knows, loves, or works with a child about whom you ask, “Why does he do that?” Come! We’ll laugh as we learn together.