In Vanesha Keith’s Teddy Bear classroom at Dayton Christian Center, professional learning is already making a visible difference for toddlers. As a Lead Teacher, Vanesha is implementing Conscious Discipline strategies to intentionally support young children’s social-emotional development. Her classroom now includes a designated safe space where children, with teacher guidance, learn how to calm their bodies and emotions. Teachers model the four basic breathing techniques and introduce the five steps of self-regulation—I am, I calm, I feel, I choose, I solve—helping even very young learners begin to understand and practice self-regulation in a nurturing environment.
This classroom work is part of a broader, grant-supported effort called Therapeutic Child Care Hub, made possible by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth and facilitated by the Montgomery County Educational Service Center. Participating educators received a copy of What Happened to You? by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey and are engaging in ongoing learning focused on trauma-informed care. Through monthly discussions, teachers reflect on the reading and explore how these principles can be integrated into Tier One services at their sites, strengthening supportive practices for all children. We are grateful for this opportunity to bring focus and intentionality to this important topic.
