Mind the Gap is dedicated to transforming early childhood classrooms. We train educators to build empathy-based, connection-over-compliance learning environments that strengthen emotional regulation in every child — especially those facing the greatest barriers.

From Reactive to Responsive: Empathy-Based Classroom Management for Early Educators

This six-hour course invites early educators to shift the question from “What is this child doing?” to “What is this child telling me?”

Through an empathy informed lens, participants explore the root causes of challenging behaviors, learn to identify early warning signs before disruption escalates, and build a personalized set of proactive strategies to create calmer, more connected classrooms where every child can learn and every educator can thrive. This course is designed for educators who are doing their best and want to feel more equipped, not more overwhelmed.

Building Caregiver Connections & Navigating Difficult Conversations

Building Caregiver Connections & Navigating Difficult Conversations is a six-hour professional development course designed for PreK–Grade 2 educators who want to build open, trusting partnerships with the caregivers of their students. Grounded in strengths-based communication and trauma-informed practice, this course equips educators with practical frameworks and ready-to-use language for initiating both everyday connection and high-stakes conversations about developmental concerns. Through interactive activities, real-world scripts, and structured role play, participants will leave with the skills and confidence to approach every caregiver — regardless of the topic — as a collaborative partner in their child's growth.

Building Bridges

Building Bridges is a six-hour professional development course designed for educators committed to engaging students and caregivers through a culturally responsive lens. Whether participation is self-directed or required by your learning community, every educator will leave feeling empowered to foster deeper understanding of classroom expectations — and equipped to honor the diverse cultural perspectives students bring to a shared learning space.

Through an experiential, story-based approach accessible to educators at all levels, participants build the cultural awareness and family communication skills that directly improve student outcomes and caregiver engagement. The course addresses the cultural frameworks and communication challenges common across diverse educator populations, with participants leaving with practical trust-building tools and a personal action plan ready for immediate classroom application.

In-person within 90 minutes of Boston. Travel and online options available.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.

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  • We offer a range of solutions designed to meet your needs—whether you're looking for in-person training or coaching or on-line options.

  • Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.

  • Our training are thoughtful and inclusive, helping educators build a tool box of strategies, but more importantly build the critical thinking and empathy-focused skills they need to make an immediate impact in the classroom.

  • You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.

  • We offer flexible pricing based on each organization’s needs. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a list of appropriate training or coaching options.

  • Jeannette Kahn has an outstanding ability to train and cultivate a welcoming, inclusive culture in early childhood settings. She fosters a true sense of belonging and collaboration, and helps shift mindsets so that staff feel empowered, supported, and part of a cohesive team rather than isolated in their roles. Her approach emphasizes capacity-building and sustainable change, creating environments where both children and adults thrive.

    — CEO, Pediatric Health Care Associates

  • Jeannette is not invasive in the classroom. She blends right in and supports with connection and kindness. Jeannette has been an asset to our program! / Jeannette is an amazing educator. She works with all the children. She provides fun, engaging activities and the children are always excited when she comes to the class. I have also learned fun activities from Jeannette. She is always prepared. She is also kind and friendly. / Jeannette is a very professional person who keeps children engaged. She always brings new activities and creative ideas to keep the children interested, learning and excited. / Jeannette does a lot of fun, easy exercises with the children to help in calming their body when they are feeling upset.

    —Multiple classroom educators from Gregg House participating in a hands-on classroom-based training

  • What stood out most was [Jeannette's] passion for child development and mentoring. Her enthusiasm is truly contagious. She made learning fun, engaging and meaningful, often drawing on real clinical experiences that made concepts more memorable and applicable.

    —Former trainee