Deborah McNelis is the founder of Brain Insights, where the Neuro-Nurturing® model was developed, but she started her career as a kindergarten teacher. In an effort to have a broader impact, she created a community-based organization called Family Network and was the president of The Partners organization. She also coordinated an Even Start Family Literacy program and was an instructor for the early childhood associate degree at a technical college.
When research on early brain development started becoming available, Deborah worked for a state-wide advocacy agency to create awareness and support for children and families. She loves time in nature and can never pass up the opportunity to take a sunset photo!
In this session, Deborah McNelis discusses the importance of consistent and nurturing care for babies in their early childhood development. Deborah emphasizes the role of a key person (or key worker) who builds a relationship with the child and responds to their needs consistently. She explains that this consistency helps wire the baby’s brain in a positive way, promoting physical and mental health, overall well-being, and positive behaviour and learning.
We also discuss the importance of dispelling myths and misconceptions about brain development and nurturing. Deborah has created a booklet called “The First 60 Days” that addresses 22 myths and provides practical and easily implementable neuro nurturing knowledge.
One of the myths they discuss is the idea that responding to a crying baby will spoil them, which Deborah debunks by explaining that consistent nurturing responses are necessary for a baby’s development and do not spoil them.
Deborah has started the “First 60 Day Movement” and offers benefits for early childhood educators and practitioners, such as a monthly digital magazine, networking opportunities, and promotables to share insights on nurturing children.
Links:
https://deborahmcnelis.com/
https://www.braininsightsonline.com/
https://www.facebook.com/braininsights
https://twitter.com/braininsights
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahmcnelis/
A direct link to the booklet ‘The First 60 Days’: https://www.braininsightsonline.com/products/the-first-60-days-print-version
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Episode Includes
- Episode Certificate
