This course is designed to help you uncover the reasons behind children’s behaviors and provide you with the tools and strategies to respond in a supportive, child-centered way. Whether you are an educator, caregiver, or practitioner, this course will deepen your understanding of how behavior communicates unmet needs and how you can foster growth, connection, and emotional regulation.

At the heart of this course is the EATS framework—Escape, Attention, Tangible, Sensory—which categorizes the primary functions of behavior. Understanding these functions helps us shift our perspective from seeing behavior as “problematic” to viewing it as an important form of communication. Every action a child takes, from refusing a task to seeking comfort in repetitive movements, is an attempt to navigate their environment and meet their needs.

Behavior doesn’t occur in isolation; it is deeply rooted in a child’s developmental stage, emotional state, and environmental context. As we explore these functions, we’ll also delve into the factors that influence behavior—such as sensory processing, emotional regulation, and social dynamics—and discuss evidence-based approaches to meet those needs effectively. This knowledge will not only help you manage challenging behaviors but also enable you to build stronger, more meaningful connections with the children you work with.