How should adults provide attention to children in the PSC setting?

Providing attention to children in the Positive Support and Communication (PSC) setting is best accomplished through high-density attention, which includes verbal praise. This approach reinforces positive behaviors and fosters a supportive environment. High-density attention means actively engaging with the child, acknowledging their efforts, and celebrating small successes, which is crucial for building their self-esteem and motivation.

Verbal praise serves as a powerful tool in this context, as it not only encourages desired behaviors but also strengthens the adult-child relationship. When children receive positive reinforcement, they are more likely to repeat those behaviors, leading to improved outcomes in their development and learning.

In contrast, other methods, such as disciplinary actions, individual rewards, or minimal interaction, do not promote the same level of positive engagement and can inadvertently lead to misunderstandings or negative feelings. Disciplinary actions may create an environment of fear rather than support, while focusing solely on individual rewards or having minimal interaction may fail to nurture the overall relationship and engagement that children need.