Category: News

For too long, compliance has been the only goal for children with developmental differences in education and society. In this blog post by Jenna Jefferies, she explores how teaching self-advocacy skills to neurodivergent and disabled children can empower them to communicate their needs and stand up for themselves. By presuming competence, explicitly teaching self-advocacy in early years settings, and creating spaces where children feel validated, educators can help shift societal attitudes from deficit-focused to celebratory-driven. Learn practical strategies for supporting children’s self-advocacy that will raise a generation confident in getting their needs met and create a more inclusive society that values neurodiversity.

Explore the meaning behind common educational phrases like ‘Belonging Strategies’ and ‘Trauma Informed’ while discovering how to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives. Early years educator Terri Mitchell challenges us to shift our perspective on challenging behaviors and view them through a trauma-informed lens. Drawing from her extensive experience and training in Trauma Informed Schools, she explains how early childhood experiences shape brain development and why understanding trauma and attachment is crucial for every educator. This insightful post offers practical guidance on becoming an emotionally available adult who can positively impact children’s life outcomes.