Chapter 4 Issues in Early Childhood Behavior Management

Managing the Behavior of Young Children n Caregivers report behavior management is biggest challenge Appropriate social behaviors are positively correlated with academic performance Best time to teach appropriate behaviors is when children are young Behavior Management: Positive Applications for Teachers, 6 e – Zirpoli ISBN: 0137065221 4 -2 © 2012, 2008, 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Early Development of Behavior Newborn & Infancy - behavior related to physical condition & environment n develops secure attachments & stranger anxiety 1 -year-old – growth in language skills & begins to show interest in other children 2 -year-old – awareness of basic behaviors & quick to learn limits Behavior Management: Positive Applications for Teachers, 6 e – Zirpoli ISBN: 0137065221 4 -3 © 2012, 2008, 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Risk Factors for Young Children n Poverty – greatest single predictor of academic & social performance Persistent parental unemployment Single-parent families – increasing n n 1 in 5 single fathers now raising children Child maltreatment – 3 million cases in 2004 in U. S. n Significant physical, behavioral, & psychological consequences Behavior Management: Positive Applications for Teachers, 6 e – Zirpoli ISBN: 0137065221 4 -4 © 2012, 2008, 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Risk Factors for Young Children n Babies born premature and/or dysmature (low birth weight) n n Fetal alcohol syndrome n n 8. 3% of live births Significant deficits in verbal fluency Lead poisoning n Contributes to Developmental Delays & behavior difficulties Behavior Management: Positive Applications for Teachers, 6 e – Zirpoli ISBN: 0137065221 4 -5 © 2012, 2008, 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Effective Early Intervention n Need for early intervention n n Opportunity to develop social skills Variables associated with effective early intervention Implemented in early elementary years n Low caregiver-to-child ratio n Parental involvement - center-based and home-based services n Behavior Management: Positive Applications for Teachers, 6 e – Zirpoli ISBN: 0137065221 4 -6 © 2012, 2008, 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Positive Behavioral Supports n Establishing a caring and loving environment n n n Tell students you like them Set aside individual time Give children affection Behavior Management: Positive Applications for Teachers, 6 e – Zirpoli ISBN: 0137065221 4 -7 © 2012, 2008, 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Positive Behavioral Supports n Building self-esteem in young children n n n Allow & enable children to be competent Tell children about the good things they do Speak to children appropriately Teach children that mistakes are normal Allow children to have limited choices Let children know you value their opinions Behavior Management: Positive Applications for Teachers, 6 e – Zirpoli ISBN: 0137065221 4 -8 © 2012, 2008, 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Setting Concerns for Young Children n Social density n n Physical layout n n Provide safe, quiet areas Define space usage Appropriate use of materials n Provide guidance and developmentally appropriate Behavior Management: Positive Applications for Teachers, 6 e – Zirpoli ISBN: 0137065221 4 -9 © 2012, 2008, 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Setting Concerns n Effective scheduling n n Transitions n n Have routines & short time segments Provide cues prior to change Staffing qualifications and ratios n n Use trained professionals Varied ratios – younger the child – lower the ratio (e. g. infants– 1: 3; 4 yr olds– 1: 8) Behavior Management: Positive Applications for Teachers, 6 e – Zirpoli ISBN: 0137065221 4 -10 © 2012, 2008, 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Caregiver-Parent Relationships n Role of professional caregivers n n Facilitate positive and effective parent-child interactions Significant gains from encouraging parental involvement n Train parents how to communicate, interact with, and manage behavior of their preschool children Behavior Management: Positive Applications for Teachers, 6 e – Zirpoli ISBN: 0137065221 4 -11 © 2012, 2008, 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Summary n Variety of risk factors n n n Early opportunities Poverty Environmental influences Effective early intervention develops academic readiness & social skills Teachers should work collaboratively with parents Behavior Management: Positive Applications for Teachers, 6 e – Zirpoli ISBN: 0137065221 4 -12 © 2012, 2008, 2005 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved.