Teaching Philosophy

Build Connection

Connection starts with respect and taking a genuine interest in what lights a child up. Children talk when they are motivated. It is our job as their teachers to observe, wait and listen to what they are motivated by. It is within those opportunities that language and communication growth can occur. Following a child’s lead helps you understand them and helps the child feel seen and heard. The more they are seen and heard the more they will be willing and able to learn from you. When a child is interested in others and is able to watch and observe them, this opens all doors to learning language, communication, social interaction, and beyond.

Focus on Family

Parents are the expert on their child. When we listen carefully to the family’s perspective of their child’s strengths and their priorities for future growth, progress is quicker and longer lasting. Our ultimate goal is to empower parents through helping them better understand their child and how they learn, highlighting the things that they are already doing that fosters connection and to teach them strategies that they can use throughout daily routines to make those connections stronger. Connected child is dedicated to strengthening the bond between parent and child through practice with specific strategies that foster joint attention, play and communication in the child’s natural environment.

Understand the Deeper Why

Behavior is not a negative trait that needs to be corrected. Rather, it is a way that a child is communicating their needs to us. It is our job to figure out what they are communicating - the “deeper why”. Is this activity too boring for them?, To challenging?, Do they need a certain type of sensory input? A better way to communicate their needs? When we answer the why with the help of the child and family, we access the root of the challenge and therefore utilize a solution that will not just mask the behavior or force a child to act appropriately but rather, will promote lasting regulatory and communicative abilities.