PATHFINDER CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Positive Behavior Management Part 1 | Back to Basics

Target Audience: Teachers / Parents / Directors / ECE Programs

 This presentation gives participants an introduction to behavior management in the classroom environment. We’ll briefly go over various aspects of understanding why challenging

behaviors occur, and the skills to change them around to more appropriate ones. The workshop comes from a hybrid perspective from early

childhood education as well as applied behavior analysis.

Learning Objectives

• Learn about the functions of behavior (why they happen)

• Understand the ABC’s of behavior

• Develop skills to change challenging behaviors to more appropriate ones

• Share stories regarding difficulties with behavior management

• Learn how to change the culture of the classroom environment in a positive manner

Positive Behavior Management Part 2 | The Next Level

Target Audience: Teachers / Parents / Directors / ECE Programs

This presentation teaches the next level of behavior management in the classroom environment. We’ll briefly go over terms and strategies to

help recognize and modify problem behaviors. The workshop continues to use a hybrid perspective from early childhood education as well as applied behavior analysis.

Learning Objectives

• Learn about Replacement Behaviors

• Understand Antecedent Strategies

• Explore the Premack Principle

• Strengthen skills in Praising

• Develop Reactive Strategies

Incidental Teaching | Finding Teachable Moments in Everyday Play

Target Audience: Teachers / Parents / Directors / ECE Programs

This presentation explores how adults can harness naturally occurring interactions to build communication, social, and cognitive skills. Through

play-based learning, participants will learn to identify and maximize real-time opportunities for engagement and skill development. This highly

interactive session offers hands-on examples, modeling, and reflection to help professionals and parents guide children with intentionality.

Learning Objectives

• Identify teachable moments that occur naturally during play and daily routines

• Understand the benefits of child-led learning and adult facilitation

• Learn how to build communication, cognitive, and social-emotional skills during play

• Apply practical strategies to enhance spontaneous learning opportunities

• Recognize how incidental teaching supports inclusion and differentiated learning

Learning Through Music | How to Improve Circle Time

Target Audience: Teachers / Parents / Directors / ECE Programs

This high-energy, music-filled presentation helps educators and caregivers transform Circle Time into an engaging, purposeful learning experience.

Mr. Markus brings guitars, songs, and puppets to life — modeling how to use music to foster creativity, focus, and connection. Participants will explore how to build musical confidence and integrate rhythm and movement into everyday learning.

Learning Objectives

• Discuss the connections between music and early learning

• Understand how music shapes classroom culture and social-emotional development

• Learn how families can use music at home to strengthen learning bonds

• Participate in singing and movement activities that can be replicated in the classroom

• Explore the 5 Components of a Preschool Music Program

• Share ways to integrate music and movement across the curriculum

Learning to Play with Kids

Target Audience: Teachers / Parents / Directors / ECE Programs

This presentation highlights the value and purpose of play, teaching adults how to engage children intentionally through fun and natural interaction.

Participants will learn how to contrive learning opportunities, model appropriate play, and understand play as the foundation for development.

Learning Objectives

• Learn about child-initiated practices and play-based learning

• Understand reinforcement and how to create a culture of positive reinforcement

• Recognize play as a valued, self-motivating, freely chosen experience

• Learn the art of contriving opportunities for developmental growth

• Explore the concept of becoming a reinforcer by ‘being fun’

• Gain tips for successful play and engagement

• Learn how to teach play skills to children who lack them

How to Use Puppets in the Child Care Setting

Target Audience: Teachers / Parents / Directors / ECE Programs

This interactive presentation introduces participants to the exciting world of puppetry. From discussions on the benefits of using puppets to the mechanics of bringing them to life, participants will explore creative ways to integrate puppets into classroom learning. The best part? Everyone gets to use real, professional puppets!

Learning Objectives

• Discuss the benefits of using puppets in early learning environments

• Learn the basics of puppeteering techniques

• Understand how to incorporate puppets into various parts of the curriculum

• Explore ways to integrate puppets into the classroom culture and daily routines

Leading with the Heart | Building Compassionate Classrooms and Teams

Target Audience: Teachers / Parents / Directors / ECE Programs

Leadership in early childhood education is about connection, empathy, and authenticity. This inspiring session helps educators and leaders

develop heart-centered leadership practices that build trust, compassion, and collaboration. Participants will reflect, share, and plan actionable

steps to create caring, emotionally intelligent learning communities.

Learning Objectives

• Define heart-centered leadership and its relevance in early childhood education

• Identify personal and professional core values that drive leadership styles

• Understand how empathy and emotional intelligence impact classroom and team culture

• Develop strategies for positive communication and conflict resolution

• Build and sustain a culture of care that promotes connection and respect