My name is Kori Lester, I am the Behavior Support Specialist for FGV Smart Start. This position provides support to Child Care Centers/classrooms that need assistance with challenging behaviors. Based on a Community Needs Assessment completed by Franklin Granville Vance Smart Start almost half of the child care teachers asked reported that challenging behaviors are one of the most difficult obstacles in teaching today. FGV Smart Start has chosen to use the Pyramid Model, which is an Evidence Based Program. The Pyramid Model is a social and emotional learning framework that when implemented to fidelity prevents challenging behaviors and promotes healthy social and emotional development in young children.

To better support children with challenging behaviors, FGV Smart Start offers a specialized referral service. This service is designed to assist child care centers and classrooms in managing and improving behavioral outcomes.