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CFS Staff Provide Training at Selected Early Childhood Programs in Hillsborough County

In many childhood programs, challenging behavior in young children is a significant issue. Early educators are reporting increasing numbers of children with challenging behavior and increasing frustration with the impact of those behaviors on their classrooms. To address their consistent requests for more training and classroom assistance on behavior management issues, the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County has provided funding for CFS staff to provide training at selected early childhood programs in Hillsborough County.

“This activity corresponds with the Board’s 2012 Strategic Plan area of School Readiness because it seeks to improve the quality of early childhood education and care environments,” said Lise Fox, PhD, Co-Director of the USF Early Childhood Program-Wide Positive Behavior Support Project.

The project will provide training and technical assistance for the implementation of a program-wide model of
Positive Behavior Support (PBS) for young children within selected community early childhood programs in Hillsborough County. It will offer teachers and families effective strategies for supporting children’s social development and addressing challenging behavior.

For early childhood program leaders who have you been looking for an effective way to support their children with challenging behavior and want to learn more about applying to participate in the USF Early Childhood Program-Wide PBS Project, a schedule of Community Awareness Meetings have been planned during the end of November. The application process will occur in 2 stages. The first stage includes attending the Community Awareness Meeting and completing the initial application. Stage 2 will involve selected site visits, interviews, completion of a Readiness Checklist, and program staff buy-in.

Once sites have been selected, CFS staff will work with them to develop a program leadership team that guides the implementation of a program-wide effort to enhance classroom practices, collaboration with families, program policies, and teaming practices. CFS staff, including Lise Fox, Rochelle Lentini, and technical assistance staff will provide training, technical assistance, implementation guidance, monthly workshops, and will also assist with providing individualized supports for children with the most significant challenging behavior.

For additional information, view the Community Awareness Meetings flyer, or contact
Rochelle Lentini for questions at 813-974-1455 or Lentini@fmhi.usf.edu.

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