Send us a text

This February, we’re diving Behind the Behavior with a powerful and timely conversation on inclusion, advocacy, and behavioral support. Join us as we welcome Dr. Melvin Middleton Jr., Behavioral Interventionist, author, and educational consultant, for an episode designed to inform, inspire, and equip educators, families, and leaders supporting individuals with disabilities.

From real-world behavior strategies to policy updates and insights, this episode brings together essential knowledge and heart-centered impact.

Episode Details:

1:25 – Inspirational Story
An inclusive organization creating belonging for families and individuals with disabilities—proof that inclusion transforms lives and communities.

3:47 – Dates to Remember (February)
Important awareness days, advocacy moments, and reminders connected to disability, education, and inclusion. Here are a few:

• Happy Valentine's Day
• Happy Chinese New Year
• Black History Month

6:21 – Essential News Update
February highlights from:

• Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
• PBS disability and inclusion coverage
• IDEA and special education policy updates
  📌 All Essential News links available at: www.edufaithconsulting.com
  
  

11:40 – Essential Knowledge with Dr. Melvin Middleton Jr.
A deep dive into the role of a Behavior Support Specialist, including:

• Supporting students with complex needs
• Collaboration with educators and families
• Creating sustainable, inclusive behavior systems

Words of Wisdom – 1:20
A powerful closing message from Dr. Nakia on purpose, persistence, and impact.

Featured Guest: Dr. Melvin Middleton Jr.

Behavioral Interventionist | Author | Educational Consultant

📧 Email: mel_middletonjr@hotmail.com

🌐 Website: www.drmelvinmiddletonjr.com

🔗 LinkedIn: Melvin Middleton Jr., Ed.D.
📚 Books: https://a.co/d/ivWTLBV

Dr. Middleton’s resources are available on the Announcements Page at Edufaith:
Contact & Professional Information

This month’s Edufaith Essentials Podcast is a reminder that advocacy is love in action. Through stories that inspire, news that informs, and expertise that empowers, we continue building spaces where every learner is valued and supported. Subscribe, share, and join the conversation.
Visit www.edufaithconsulting.com
for links, resources, and updates.

Support the show

www.edufaithconsulting.com
#getEssential #educational #educationpodcast #specialeducation #education

Send us a text

Happy New Year!!! Kick off 2026 with purpose, possibility, and impact on the Edufaith Essentials Podcast—where inspiration meets essential knowledge for parents, educators, and school leaders.

1:33 🎙️ Edufaith Inspirational Story – January Feature

We’re kicking off the year with an inspiring highlight from the Special Needs Christmas Formal, where everyone celebrates through dance, joy, dignity, and a true sense of belonging.

3:04 📅 January Dates to Remember Let’s celebrate January:

• MLK Day – Honoring service, leadership, and justice
• National Mentoring Month – Elevating the power of guidance and support
• Thank You Month – Celebrating educators, families, and community partners
• Shape Up U.S. Month – Promoting healthy habits for mind and body

4:36 📰 Inclusive News Highlights!

We will spotlight essential stories, including the celebration of 50 years of the IDEA. We'll also feature a state's strategy to support our dedicated special education teachers, along with other uplifting news from December! Stay tuned!

11:47📘 Essential Knowledge: New Year, New Behaviors
As we embrace the start of 2026, we will refresh our approach to behavior! In our ongoing commitment to fostering a Positive School Culture and village mindset, we’ll explore the vital role of Positive Behavior Supports. Join us as we journey through the history of Behavior Supports, its connection to IDEA and Section 504, and the significance of Functional Behavior Assessments.

We can’t wait to share valuable insights with parents, educators, and school leaders to enhance our learning environment together!

Join the Movement in 2026! Stream the Edufaith Essentials Podcast on all major platforms and watch on the Edufaith Essentials YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@edufaithessentialsandknowledge?si=2hwxRytTzlPjKpE0.

👉 Like, subscribe, and share as we #GetEssential in 2026
New year. New behaviors. New possibilities.

Support the show

www.edufaithconsulting.com
#getEssential #educational #educationpodcast #specialeducation #education

Send us a text

Get ready for a meaningful, empowering, and joy-filled December episode of Edufaith Essentials—your monthly source for inspiration, advocacy, and essential knowledge for educators, families, and leaders committed to inclusion.

✨ 1:46 — Edufaith Inspirational Message: “Spreading Holiday Hope: Sensory Santa Brings Joy to Children With Autism.”
We begin with a powerful story of hope and belonging as Sensory Santa events across the nation create calm, inclusive, sensory-friendly spaces so children with autism can fully experience the magic of the holidays.

📅 4:32 — Dates to Remember in December (See more at www.edufaithconsulting.com).
This month is full of celebrations, awareness days, and cultural observances that uplift community, inclusion, and human dignity:

• December 2 — Special Education Day
• December 10 — Human Rights Day
• December 25 — Christmas Day
• December 14–22, 2025 — Hanukkah
• December 26, 2025 – January 1, 2026 — Kwanzaa

These observances center on the values of inclusion, cultural awareness, and shared humanity.

📰 5:58 — Essential News: November/December Special Edition (Find the Links at www.edufaithconsulting.com) on the News and Announcements Page.

Stay informed with critical updates shaping the future of special education and disability rights:

• Special Education Services at Risk Under Federal Cuts
• Advocates Urge Parents to Keep Filing Disability-Rights Complaints
• Department of Education Restructuring Spares Special-Ed Office (OCR & OSEP)
• Plus additional key briefings from the U.S. Department of Education and Office for Civil Rights on IDEA, civil rights protections, and compliance.

These stories highlight both the challenges and the advocacy needed during a time of change.

📚 10:26 — Essential Knowledge: Rewinding 2025 & Looking Ahead (Story Links are located at www.edufaithconsulting.com) Announcements and News Page.

We close the year by reflecting on the Top Inclusive News Stories of 2025, spotlighting significant advancements, challenges, and celebrations impacting individuals with disabilities.

Then we shift to the future with 4 Trends to Watch in 2026, including:

The evolution of AI in schools and accessibility

Expansion of Transition Services and postsecondary pathways

Growth in Accessible Technology and Universal Design

Shifts in inclusive practices and educational leadership

🎙️ Join Dr. Nakia Anywhere You Listen!

Stream the December episode of Edufaith Essentials on all major podcast platforms or watch on the Edufaith Essentials YouTube Page.

Inspiration. Inclusion. Essential Understanding.
Tune in and close out the year empowered, informed, and ready for what’s ahead!

• Essential Tips and Knowledge:
• Essential Tips for Educators: http://bit.ly/3wMlMNn
• Essential Tips for Parents: https://bit.ly/3G7Lqkd
• Essential Tips for Special Education Leaders: https://amzn.to/3yCVufG
• Email: Edufaith4all@gmail.com

www.edufaithconsulting.com

Support the show

www.edufaithconsulting.com
#getEssential #educational #educationpodcast #specialeducation #education