Uncover the Roots of Challenging Behavior : Create Responsive Environments Where Young Children Thrive

Teach social skills and enrich classrooms to reduce problem behaviors and nurture growth.

When teachers create environments that teach skills rather than punish individual actions, they reduce behavior problems and nurture the growth of all learners. This book expertly guides early childhood teachers to analyze their classroom elements, routines, and responses to children. Much like gardeners who adjust soil, water, or fertilizer to help flowers bloom, educators of young children must look beyond challenging behaviors to what a child’s actions are communicating about her learning environment or home life. Digital content includes all forms from the book along with a PDF presentation. A free PLC/Book Study Guide for use with communities of practice is available at freespirit.com/PLC.

Michelle Salcedo, M.Ed., has worked in the field of early childhood for over thirty years, starting as a teacher’s helper in her younger brother’s center.

She has served as a teacher, director, trainer, and family educator in numerous childcare settings across Michigan, South Carolina, and Spain. Michelle has led the education initiatives of two of the largest childcare firms in the United States. 

Her articles on young children frequently appear in various electronic and print publications and she has traveled the country speaking at local, state, and national conferences. 

Currently, she is a content developer for a national early childhood training company. Michelle lives in Greenville, South Carolina.