Name: Connecting Before Correcting: Creative Strategies for Reaching Youth with Challenging Behaviors
Start: 2026-10-10T16:00:00-0600
End: 2026-10-10T17:00:00-0600

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

Connecting Before Correcting: Creative Strategies for Reaching Youth with Challenging Behaviors

LIMITED

Saturday October 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT

Ballroom 2

Limited Capacity seats available

Afterschool professionals and youth educators: managing challenging behaviors can often feel overwhelming, but connection is the key to transformation. In this interactive session, explore innovative, practical strategies designed to reach school-age youth when traditional behavior management falls short. Discover how relational approaches, creative de-escalation techniques, and intentional engagement can turn moments of friction into opportunities for growth. Walk away with an actionable toolkit of low-cost, high-impact strategies, real-world activity ideas, and practical resources you can implement immediately in your program. Join us to transform how you respond to complex behaviors and build lasting, positive connections with the youth you serve.

Speakers

JoAnna Hagen Manzanares

Director, Little Learners Charities Non Profit

JoAnna Hagen Manzanares holds a B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and a National Administrator Credential (NAC). With nearly 20 years dedicated to early childhood development, she serves as the Director of Little Learners Charities, the largest non-profit childcare... Read More →

Miranda Simmons

Assistant Director, Little Learners Charities Non Profit

Miranda Simmons serves as the Assistant Director at Little Learners Charities and works with the Children's Justice Center, bringing extensive expertise to early childhood support. She holds a National Administrator Credential (NAC), CDA credentials in Infant/Toddler, Preschool, and... Read More →

Saturday October 10, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm MDT
Ballroom 2

Prevention, Relationships and Interactions with Children and Youth

Program Serving Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8
NAA Core Knowledge Skills and.... Relationships and Interactions with Children and Youth
NAA Core Knowledge Skills & Co... Child/Youth Growth and Development

Jump Start 2026

JoAnna Hagen Manzanares

Miranda Simmons

Get help with the event

Jump Start 2026

JoAnna Hagen Manzanares

Miranda Simmons

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