Title: From Chaos to Clarity: The Role of Visuals in the Classroom
Date: June 5th, 2025
Time: 11am- 12pm CST/ 12pm- 1pm EST
Description: This interactive training is designed to empower early childhood educators with effective, evidence-based visual support strategies tailored for young children with developmental disabilities. Participants will explore a variety of tools—including choice boards, visual schedules, and emotion regulation charts—that can be seamlessly integrated into daily routines and classroom settings.
Through real-world examples and hands-on activities, educators will learn how to use visual supports to enhance communication for children who may be nonverbal or have limited language skills, helping them express their needs, preferences, and feelings more clearly. They will also discover ways to foster independence by breaking tasks into manageable steps and offering consistent visual cues that support self-guided learning. In addition, the training will focus on using visual tools to support emotional regulation, helping children identify, understand, and manage their emotions in constructive ways. By promoting predictability and structure, these strategies contribute to classroom environments that reduce anxiety, increase engagement, and encourage positive behavior.
Participants will leave with a toolkit of customizable, ready-to-implement resources and the confidence to apply them immediately in their own settings. This training is especially valuable for those working with young children who have a range of developmental needs.
*This training is catalogued with Train TN as a Health & Safety ECE licensure training in accordance with DHS Child Care regulations.
Presenter(s): Charlie Dugger, M.Ed., ECMH-E
I joined the AIMHiTN team in August 2024 as the Disability Inclusion Coordinator. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Education, Magna Cum Laude, and a Master of Education in Special Education, both from East Tennessee State University. My professional journey has focused on early childhood education, encompassing Part B services, school-aged preschool, and Part C services through Tennessee Early Intervention Services (TEIS), as well as educating elementary school-aged children. These experiences have equipped me with the tools and knowledge to better serve children and support their providers.
I am passionate about working with diverse student populations and believe that every child deserves the opportunity to connect with their peers and feel a sense of belonging. My role is to promote individual experiences, create safe spaces, and raise awareness about the importance of inclusion.
Outside of work, I enjoy being outdoors and staying active. I am a devoted Christian, wife, mother, daughter, and sister. Spending time with my family and making memories brings excitement and joy to my life. I feel truly blessed to be surrounded by love, laughter, and a strong sense of acceptance.