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Why the Child Is Not the Problem: Building Adult Capacity to Respond to Challenging Behavior

When challenging behavior occurs, the response often focuses almost entirely on the child. A plan is created for the child, while the educator may receive little additional support, training, or guidance.

This virtual DCAEYC session will examine a different approach: strengthening the knowledge and competence of the adults working directly with young children.

Dr. Neal Horen and Shai Idelson of Georgetown University’s Thrive Center for Children, Families, and Communities will discuss what programs are reporting about challenging behaviors, what helps support both educators and children, and how infant and early childhood mental health consultation, or IECMHC, can strengthen practice across early learning environments.

The conversation will also explore the role of Georgetown’s national Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation and how programs can build consultation capacity, including when funding for a dedicated consultant is limited.

Dr. Neal Horen is a clinical psychologist who has focused on early childhood mental health for 20 years. He holds the Phyllis R. Magrab Endowed Chair at Georgetown University’s Thrive Center for Children, Families, and Communities and serves as Director of the Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation.

He has worked with all 50 states, as well as tribes, territories, and communities, to develop systems of care for young children and their families. He also co-directs the Head Start National Center on Health, Behavioral Health and Safety and leads Georgetown’s Early Childhood Mental Health Certificate programs.

Shai Idelson is a healthcare and technology entrepreneur who co-leads the Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation and serves as Innovation Director at Georgetown University’s Thrive Center.

He previously built and launched Fort Health, a pediatric mental health company focused on integrating behavioral health into primary care. His earlier work included developing new products and services with major organizations, including work related to teen mental health that led him into the healthcare field.

Participants will learn about:

What programs are experiencing related to challenging behaviorsApproaches that support educators and children, and approaches that fall shortWhat IECMHC is and the outcomes associated with consultationHow Georgetown’s Center of Excellence supports consultation capacityWhy developing consultant-level skills among staff can strengthen program practice

September 10, 2026

1:30 PM to 2:30 PM ET

Virtual via Zoom

Registration is required to receive the Zoom information.

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