Purpose
Family Interaction Training (FIT) Training is a set of three modules (ECE 104, 105, & 106) based on an evidence-based Centers for Disease Control (CDC) course. These courses provide information to help early care and education providers learn Key Concepts and Strategies of FIT. The modules and videos provide an overview of how to work with families on each of the strategies and how to apply these principles to your own early care and education setting. The goal of FIT is to share evidence-based practice that promotes positive behaviors in young children.
Module Objectives
- Describe how logical consequences can address problem behaviors.
- List the steps for the removal of privileges.
Keep in mind that working with any young child-whether an infant, a toddler, or a preschooler, requires empathy. Babies cry to communicate. Toddlers are impulsive. Preschoolers are learning to self-regulate, too. They need their caretakers and families to be empathetic. Try to understand what it is like to be little and to have big feelings. It is hard to put words on those feelings. Some children might have developmental delays affecting their ability to use words instead of expressing frustration with tantrums or other challenging behaviors.
Just like children need to self-regulate, the adults in their lives also need to self-regulate. When a child is “pushing your buttons”, take a breath. Responding with anger or roughness will only make the situation worse. You need to be a calm and steady influence to help the child feel safe. You can do so by acknowledging the child’s feelings. Next, tell them the rules for how to act when feeling that way. Be a safe space for them. Reconnect to the child after they calm down so the child knows that you are still there for them.
In Module 3, you will learn more about managing misbehaviors. All young children are learning appropriate behaviors. This is a normal part of their development. Patience with young learners is key! The lessons you learn in this module can be used in your classroom or family childcare home. You will also be able to share these same lessons to engage your families with good strategies they can use at home. Misbehavior is an adult perception of a child’s behavior. The child may be acting in a challenging way for a variety of reasons.