Tackling the TCC Virus A New Crisis in Early Childhood Education

Prerna Richards CEO & Founder, Together We Grow

In recent months, it has become increasingly apparent that the field of early childhood education (ECE) is facing an unprecedented crisis. As educators, we find ourselves in what can only be described as an emergency room situation—our classrooms are in chaos, our teachers are overwhelmed, and our children are suffering the consequences. But what exactly has brought us to this point? After careful observation and analysis, I have identified a new “virus” spreading through our educational system: the TCC virus.

What is the TCC Virus?

TCC stands for Triggered Teachers, Control, and Compliance. These three elements have become the disease plaguing our classrooms, leading to a downward spiral of stress and ineffective teaching practices. Let’s break down each component:

Triggered Teachers

Educators are under immense pressure and stress, often finding themselves in a reactive state rather than a responsive one. When teachers are triggered, they operate from a survival brain, leading to knee-jerk reactions rather than thoughtful interactions. This stress is not only harmful to the educators but also spills over to the children, who are highly sensitive to the emotional states of the adults around them.

Control

In an attempt to manage their own stress, educators may resort to controlling behaviors. This means over-regulating play, movement, and even the classroom environment itself. While the intention is to create order, the result is often the opposite—children resist and push back against the rigid controls, leading to power struggles and further escalating the stress in the room.

Compliance

The heavy emphasis on compliance—forcing children to follow rules without question—has become another major issue. This focus on compliance over understanding and connection stifles creativity and autonomy in children, leading to frustration and behavioral issues. Children are essentially communicating their distress through their behavior, signaling that the current environment is not conducive to their learning and development.

The Emergency Room of ECE

Imagine our classrooms as the emergency room of a hospital. Our teachers and students are on gurneys in the hallway, waiting for care that hasn’t arrived yet. We are stuck in a survival mode, just trying to get through each day without any long-term solutions in sight. But just like in a real emergency room, we can’t stay in this state forever. We need to move beyond triage and start implementing a treatment plan that will bring our classrooms back to life.

The SEP Formula: A Treatment Plan for the TCC Virus

To combat the TCC virus, I’ve developed a treatment plan using the SEP formula—Sort, Emphasize, Prioritize. This approach focuses on addressing the root causes of the stress and restoring balance in the classroom.

Sort out Brain States

The first step is to understand the connection between brain states and behavior. By learning about brain development and how it affects behavior, educators can better identify whether a child is operating from a survival, emotional, or learning brain. This knowledge allows for appropriate responses that can help de-escalate situations rather than exacerbate them.

Emphasize Relationships

Building strong, positive relationships is crucial. We need to connect with our students before we can correct their behavior. Prioritizing kindness, love, firmness, and fairness (KLFF) is essential to creating an environment where children feel safe, valued, and understood.

Prioritize Boundaries and Consequences

Children thrive on clear boundaries and consistent consequences. While it’s important to be kind and loving, we must also be firm and assertive. This doesn’t mean being harsh; it means setting clear expectations and following through in a way that is respectful and supportive. Just as a flight attendant confidently instructs passengers on safety protocols, teachers must reclaim their authority in the classroom with confidence and clarity.

Moving Forward: Eradicating the TCC Virus

The TCC virus is a serious issue, but it is not insurmountable. By understanding its components and implementing the SEP formula, we can begin to heal our classrooms. It’s time for educators to reclaim their power, establish strong relationships with their students, and create a learning environment that is both structured and nurturing.

As we move forward, let’s spread the word about this new TCC virus and work together to eliminate it from our educational system. Our goal is to shift from a crisis mode to a thriving mode, where both teachers and students can experience the joy of learning without the burden of overwhelming stress.

Together, we can transform our classrooms and create a healthier, more positive learning experience for everyone involved. Let’s take the first step today by recognizing the TCC virus and committing to the SEP treatment plan. The future of our children depends on it.