SMOOTH SAILING EARLY CHILDHOOD
UPDATE: The Smooth Sailing research team has developed “Smooth Sailing – Early Childhood,” professional development program for preschool and child-care educators working with children ages 3-5 with autism diagnoses or possible autism. The PD program is designed for early childhood educators who work with 3-5-year-old children in preschool, childcare, pre-K, or family-based care settings. The program is self-paced over four weeks, with ~ 2 hrs/wk of online didactic modules. Participants also receive one-on-one coaching via Zoom or phone on three occasions. Educators learn information about autism in early childhood from a neurodiversity-affirming lens. Educators also learn strategies for building positive relationships with young children on the autism spectrum, as well as tools for collaborating with caregivers and promoting peer inclusion.
After completion of our 2025-2026 program, the early childhood program is not currently enrolling. Please sign up for our newsletter at this link, follow our Facebook page, or visit our Resources webpage, for updates on our findings. For questions, please email smoothsailing.earlychildhood@gmail.com.
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I have so much gratitude for the program.
I am having a much smoother year with my autistic student because of all the great things I learned in the program.~ 1st grade general education teacher with over 10 years of experience
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As a teacher, I have had to repeatedly take trainings that present wonderful research based strategies, yet I do not see them working in the classwork. Having research-based strategies and information is great, but it was the combination with information that is helpful to teachers that was much more valuable.
~ 1st grade inclusion teacher with 20 or more years of experience
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I like the [coaching] feedback portion of the program. That stands out from other training programs. To get the most out of it, this feedback [from coaches] is so important.
~ 2nd grade general education teacher with under 10 years of teaching experience
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There was not a portion of the curriculum where I didn't learn something. …It is well organized and it was all a learning experience.
~ 2nd grade public school teacher with under 10 years of experience
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We are so happy that this program exists. Thank you to [the program staff] and everyone you work with.
~ parent of 1st grader whose teacher participated in Smooth Sailing
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This program has been extremely helpful in understanding how to reach autistic students and ways to communicate with them and build relationships.
~ 2nd grade teacher with under 10 years of experience
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The strategies are simple and that’s a good thing; that makes them more likely to be used.
~ participating teacher
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In a general education classroom, …it can be hard to connect with a student who might not connect in the same ways that every other student is connecting.
And so really having that opportunity to both build the relationship, which then is helpful when that student is upset or in a hard place, that's there to be a reassurance and to fall back on.~ participating teacher
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I'm really happy that I did it because I think it was very, well-- it's probably one of the best trainings I've had for autism in a long time.
~ 1st grade teacher with over 20 years of experience
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[These brief, one-on-one interactions] can really improve your relationship with this child, make your life easier. I know that we have very busy days, but everybody can find 3-5 minutes. There’s no materials needed, no preparation. It is such a simple strategy.
~ participating teacher
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The proven research makes me feel more comfortable using the techniques in my classroom.
~ 1st grade teacher with over 20 years of experience
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I really enjoyed my coaching sessions. I liked having the time to complete the modules, getting the feedback, reflecting and then having a conversation. It felt very natural and nonjudgmental as though we were both on the same page. I appreciated the support and guidance.
~ 1st grade teacher with over 10 years of experience
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This program has helped me to become extremely reflective about our [student-teacher relationship].
~ 1st grade teacher with under 10 years of experience
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The modules …are so good to help me reflect on what has worked and what hasn’t, as well as how even modest attempts can make an impact.
~ 2nd grade teacher with 20 or more years of experience
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I enjoyed the time I was able to reflect on past relationships with former students and my current student with autism. I feel that, while I may experience challenges in the classroom, there is always a way for me to improve, whether it be my body language or tone of voice.
I know that these strategies can be applied to all my students, which I know can foster a more positive and successful learning environment.~ 1st grade teacher with 10 or more years of experience
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I can’t speak highly enough about Time2Connect [one-on-one interactions].
This practice has actually become part of my daily practice as a teacher.~ 1st grade teacher with under 10 years of experience
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This information is great, I wish it would be taught more during teacher training programs or in school trainings.
~ 1st grade teacher with under 10 years of experience