Supporting Every Child: Our Team Approach to Behavior, Growth, and Inclusion
Hello friends!
Today, we are discussing a topic that is very close to our hearts. At The Melbourne Preschool, we believe every child deserves a nurturing, inclusive, and safe environment where they can grow, learn, and thrive. As part of that mission, we know that sometimes children need extra support—whether it's related to behavior, sensory needs, communication, or emotional regulation- and we’re here to help.
Why Do Behaviors Happen?
Behaviors are a form of communication, especially in young children. When children act out, it's often because they don’t yet have the tools to express how they feel, what they need, or what’s bothering them. Maybe they’re overwhelmed by noise, frustrated they can’t say what they mean, or unsure how to share a toy. And while a classroom full of friends can be full of joy, it may also be overstimulating or challenging for some children.
This is completely normal in early childhood—and it's something our experienced, qualified teachers are trained to navigate with calm, kindness, and skill.
What Happens When Behaviors Go Beyond Typical Preschool Challenges?
All preschooler learns, over time, that “hands are not for hitting” and that we keep ourselves and our friends safe. These early lessons are important! But some behaviors reflect deeper needs—whether sensory, developmental, or behavioral—and may require a more specialized approach. In those cases, we don't just react. We collaborate.
Our Team Approach to Supporting Diverse Needs
We’re proud to work closely with occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and behavior specialists across Brevard County—including programs like Space Coast Early Steps, as well as private providers. Whether a child is receiving services through ABA, RBT, speech, or behavior therapy, we welcome the involvement of these professionals in our classroom community. You may have even seen some of these specialists before in our center, as they observe group classroom behavior and work one-on-one with students while at school.
Together with families and therapists, we develop a supportive plan (an IEP or similar roadmap) that helps everyone stay on the same page—teachers, parents, and providers. These plans are crucial to understanding what works best for each child, and they help guide consistency between home and school.
What Helps Children Succeed?
The most important factor in supporting a child with additional needs is teamwork. When parents, teachers, and therapists communicate openly and honestly, we can create a stable, supportive structure that truly works. Consistency between home and school is key—and when it happens, we see children thrive!
We’ve worked with many wonderful children over the past decade who, with time, support, and collaboration, have adjusted beautifully to preschool life. We celebrate those successes—and we always remain committed to growing alongside each child.
What Research Says About Supporting Behavior in Preschool
🔍 Behavior = Communication
Experts at the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) remind us that all behavior has meaning—especially in the early years. Understanding behavior within the context of child development helps us respond with compassion and support.
🧠 The Sooner, the Better
According to the CDC’s Early Childhood Development guidelines, early identification and support are key. When we notice potential delays or challenges early on and work together, we give children the best chance to grow with confidence.
🤝 Teamwork Works
The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) recommends that families, teachers, and specialists work together as partners. When everyone shares insights and strategies, children with diverse needs have a better path to success.
At The Melbourne Preschool, we believe that with the right support and strong collaboration, every child can thrive. Our policies around behavior and individualized needs are thoughtful and consistent, and we take them seriously—because they help us create a safe, stable, and supportive space for all children.
We know that some families have had difficult experiences elsewhere, but we want you to know: we don’t believe in giving up on children. Instead, we work together—with families, therapists, and professionals—to build a plan that works.
If you'd like to learn more about our collaborative approach, we’d be happy to talk. Give us a call—we’re here to listen, support, and grow with you. 💛
Toodleoo!
☎️ (321) 255 - 7888
Academic Sources:
National Association for the Education of Young Children. (2020). Understanding and addressing challenging behavior. https://www.naeyc.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Learn the signs. Act early. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/index.html
Division for Early Childhood. (2014). DEC recommended practices in early intervention/early childhood special education. https://divisionearlychildhood.org