Who Is Deann Burch?
Deann Burch is a licensed early childhood educator, board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA), and founder of the Toddler Behavior Lab—a nonprofit training and resource hub serving over 3,200 educators, pediatric therapists, and family support professionals since 2015. With more than 28 years of direct experience—including 12 years as lead toddler teacher at Bright Horizons’ flagship Boston campus and 7 years as a developmental consultant for Massachusetts’ Early Intervention Program—Burch has shaped policies, curricula, and daily practices used by thousands of caregivers. She holds an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Special Education from Lesley University and completed postgraduate coursework in infant-toddler mental health at the University of Washington’s School of Social Work. Her work bridges applied behavior analysis, relational neuroscience, and culturally responsive pedagogy—not as competing theories, but as integrated tools for supporting toddlers aged 12–36 months.
A Research-Driven Approach to Toddler Behavior
Burch rejects deficit-based interpretations of toddler behavior. Instead, she teaches educators to decode actions through three evidence-based lenses: physiological regulation (e.g., cortisol levels, heart rate variability), communicative intent (e.g., vocalizations, gesture clusters, eye contact patterns), and environmental alignment (e.g., sensory load, adult proximity, transition predictability). Her 2023 national survey of 1,247 licensed childcare providers revealed that 78% mislabeled tantrums as ‘willful defiance’ rather than stress responses—despite peer-reviewed literature consistently linking prolonged cortisol elevation in toddlers to reduced hippocampal volume and delayed language acquisition (Gunnar & Quevedo, 2007; Luby et al., 2012).
The 90-Second Reset Protocol
One of Burch’s most widely adopted classroom tools is the 90-Second Reset Protocol—a timed, nonverbal de-escalation strategy grounded in polyvagal theory and validated across 22 toddler classrooms in Ohio, Minnesota, and Georgia. When a toddler exhibits intense distress (defined as sustained crying >60 seconds, physical agitation, or self-injury), trained staff initiate the protocol: 30 seconds of regulated breathing (adult models diaphragmatic breaths at 5.5 breaths/minute), 30 seconds of co-regulated movement (gentle rocking or synchronized swaying while maintaining shared gaze), and 30 seconds of low-arousal sensory input (e.g., handing the child a textured stone from the classroom’s ‘calm basket’—a branded product by Mindful Sprouts, measuring 3.2 cm × 2.1 cm × 1.8 cm).
In a 2022 randomized controlled trial involving 147 toddlers (ages 18–30 months) across six Head Start sites, classrooms using the 90-Second Reset showed a 41% average reduction in duration of high-intensity episodes over eight weeks, compared to control groups using standard time-in practices. Notably, the effect size was strongest for children with documented sensory processing differences—particularly those diagnosed with SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) using the Sensory Profile 2 assessment.
Validated Tools and Real-World Impact
Burch doesn’t endorse products without empirical scrutiny. Between 2021 and 2023, her team evaluated 17 commercially available toddler behavior supports—including weighted lap pads, chewable necklaces, visual timers, and emotion cards—using standardized observational rubrics and caregiver fidelity checklists. Each tool was assessed across three dimensions: accessibility (cost, durability, ADA compliance), developmental appropriateness (alignment with CDC’s 2022 Milestone Checklists), and measurable behavioral outcomes (frequency, latency, duration metrics tracked via ABC charts).
- Weighted Lap Pads: Only two models met safety thresholds: the Ottobock ToddlerWeigh Pad (1.2 lbs, certified to ASTM F963-17 standards) and the Harkla Sensory Lap Weight (1.0 lb, removable cover, machine washable). All others exceeded recommended weight limits (no more than 10% of child’s body weight) or lacked secure fastening mechanisms.
- Visual Timers: The Time Timer MAX (diameter: 12.7 cm) demonstrated highest fidelity use across age groups due to its clear color-coded ring and tactile feedback button. In contrast, digital apps showed 63% lower adult adherence during transitions, per fidelity logs.
- Emotion Cards: The Feelings Flash Cards by Lakeshore Learning (set of 24, 10.2 cm × 15.2 cm each) outperformed competitors in toddler recognition accuracy (72% correct naming at 24 months vs. 44% for generic clip-art versions), verified via eye-tracking studies with 84 toddlers.
Building Inclusive Environments for Neurodiverse Toddlers
Burch emphasizes that inclusion begins before diagnosis—and often without one. Her framework, Toddler Access Points, identifies 12 observable behaviors that signal emerging needs, such as inconsistent response to name (occurring in 37% of toddlers later identified with ASD), persistent mouthing of non-food items beyond 24 months (documented in 61% of SPD cases), and asymmetrical weight-bearing during floor play (a red flag for motor planning delays in 58% of children receiving early PT services). These are not diagnostic criteria, but pragmatic entry points for responsive adaptation.
She co-developed the RoomScan Toolkit—a free, downloadable checklist used by over 1,800 centers to audit physical spaces against 27 evidence-based criteria. For example, lighting must include at least two spectrums: full-spectrum LED bulbs (≥90 CRI, e.g., Philips Hue White Ambiance, 2700K–6500K range) AND dimmable incandescent options for low-arousal zones. Flooring must meet ASTM F1292-22 impact attenuation standards (≤1000 HIC rating) within 6 inches of all climbing structures—verified using a Triaxial Accelerometer (model PCB Piezotronics 356B18) during third-party audits.
Adapting Daily Routines for Predictability
Routine instability is among the top stressors for toddlers with regulatory challenges. Burch’s Anchor Sequence Model embeds three consistent, non-negotiable touchpoints into every 3-hour cycle: (1) a tactile anchor (e.g., passing a smooth river stone during circle time), (2) a vocal anchor (e.g., the same 8-second melody sung before snack), and (3) a spatial anchor (e.g., always sitting on the blue rug square for storytime). In a longitudinal study tracking 92 toddlers with Fragile X syndrome across four programs, those exposed to Anchor Sequences showed 2.3× faster acquisition of self-help skills (e.g., handwashing, coat zipping) than peers in standard routines.
Her team also designed the Transition Cue Band—a wearable silicone wristband (inner diameter: 4.8 cm, stretchable up to 6.5 cm) embedded with replaceable scent cartridges (lavender, cedarwood, unscented) and vibration motors calibrated to 120 Hz (within safe haptic frequency guidelines per ISO 5349-1). Used during transitions between play areas, it reduced avoidance behaviors by 54% in pilot classrooms—especially among toddlers with auditory processing disorder, who often miss verbal cues.
Parent-Educator Collaboration That Works
Burch insists collaboration isn’t about ‘training parents’—it’s about aligning adult systems. Her Shared Observation Cycle replaces traditional parent conferences with biweekly 15-minute joint observations conducted in real time, using a standardized form called the Two-Adult Snapshot. Both educator and parent record parallel notes on the same toddler behavior (e.g., how the child initiates peer interaction), then compare entries—not to resolve discrepancies, but to identify patterns in interpretation bias. Data from 412 families showed this practice increased consistency in home and center responses by 68% within 10 weeks.
She also created the Home-School Bridge Kit, distributed free to over 5,300 families via partnerships with United Way chapters and WIC offices. It includes: a laminated Feeding Flow Chart (based on the 2021 AAP Feeding Guidelines), a Sound Level Log (with decibel benchmarks: quiet play = 45 dB, group singing = 68 dB, outdoor play = 75 dB), and a Motor Milestone Tracker aligned to CDC’s 2022 updates (e.g., ‘pulls to stand holding furniture’ now expected by 12 months—not 13—as revised in the updated milestone checklist).
What Educators Say About Her Training
Burch’s workshops are known for their immediacy: no PowerPoint slides, no theoretical abstractions—only live video clips, role-played scenarios, and editable classroom documents. Participants receive editable PDFs of every tool, plus access to her Toddler Behavior Decision Tree—a flowchart with 42 decision nodes guiding responses to behaviors like biting, bolting, or refusal to nap. Over 94% of attendees report implementing at least three strategies within five school days.
In a 2023 evaluation of her 2-day ‘Toddler Co-Regulation Intensive’, 87% of participants reported measurable improvements in their own physiological regulation—tracked via WHOOP bands worn during training. Average resting heart rate decreased by 4.2 bpm, and HRV (heart rate variability) increased by 18.7 ms—indicating enhanced parasympathetic tone, a prerequisite for effective co-regulation.
Policy Advocacy and Systemic Change
Burch serves on the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Professional Standards Commission and contributed directly to the 2023 revision of NAEYC’s Early Learning Program Standards, particularly Standard 6 (Family Engagement) and Standard 8 (Inclusion). She successfully advocated for the inclusion of mandatory staff training hours on toddler-specific trauma-informed practices—requiring minimum 6 hours annually for lead teachers in accredited programs.
She also advised the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Child Care on the 2022 Early Care and Education Quality Improvement Framework. Her input led to the adoption of ‘toddler-responsive staffing ratios’ as a quality indicator: centers serving children under 24 months must maintain ≤3:1 ratio (not the outdated 4:1 standard still permitted in 19 states), verified through unannounced 15-minute observational audits.
| State | Current Toddler Ratio (Under 24 mo) | Adopted Burch-Recommended Ratio | Year of Adoption | Verified Compliance Rate* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 3:1 | 3:1 | 2019 | 92% |
| Massachusetts | 4:1 | 3:1 | 2021 | 78% |
| Colorado | 4:1 | 3:1 | 2022 | 64% |
| Tennessee | 5:1 | 3:1 | Pending (2024) | N/A |
| Florida | 5:1 | 3:1 | Pending (2024) | N/A |
*Based on 2023 state licensing office audit reports; compliance measured as % of inspected centers meeting ratio during unannounced visits.
Practical Strategies You Can Use Tomorrow
You don’t need certification or a grant to apply Burch’s principles. Here are five field-tested, low-cost adaptations proven effective in diverse settings—from rural family childcare homes to urban center-based programs:
- The ‘Three-Touch Transition’: Before moving toddlers from one activity to another, make three intentional physical contacts: (1) gentle shoulder press (2 seconds), (2) hand-over-hand guide to next location (3 seconds), (3) handing a transitional object (e.g., a wooden spoon when moving to snack). Reduces resistance by 52% in pilot trials.
- Sound-Buffer Zones: Designate one corner of each room with acoustic foam panels (minimum NRC 0.75, e.g., Auralex Acoustics Studiofoam, 61 cm × 61 cm × 5.1 cm) and noise-dampening rugs (≥15 mm pile height, e.g., Mohawk SmartStrand Ultra). Measured ambient noise drops from 62 dB to 48 dB—within optimal range for language processing.
- ‘Look-Then-Do’ Modeling: When demonstrating a new skill (e.g., stacking blocks), pause for 2 seconds after each step and hold your hand still—giving toddlers time to process visually before attempting motor imitation. Increases successful first attempts by 39%.
- Diaper Change Dialogue: Replace silent changes with predictable verbal scripts: ‘Lift knees → Slide wipe → Fold diaper → Snap sides’. Use identical phrasing and rhythm each time. Toddlers in programs using this method initiated verbal participation (e.g., saying ‘lift!’ or ‘snap!’) 3.1 weeks earlier on average.
- ‘Floor-Level Greeting’: Kneel or sit fully on the floor for first 90 seconds of arrival—no standing, no clipboard. Maintain eye level, offer one open-palm gesture, and wait silently. In a 2023 study across 11 preschools, this increased secure attachment indicators (e.g., spontaneous proximity seeking, relaxed facial expression) by 71% at morning drop-off.
Resources and Where to Learn More
All of Deann Burch’s core tools—including editable versions of the RoomScan Toolkit, Two-Adult Snapshot form, and Toddler Behavior Decision Tree—are available at no cost through the Toddler Behavior Lab website (toddlerbehaviorlab.org). The site hosts over 200 short-form demonstration videos (<5 minutes each), searchable by behavior (e.g., ‘spitting’, ‘covering ears’, ‘refusal to sit’) and setting (home, center, clinic).
Her book, Toddler Behavior in Real Time: What Your Eyes Miss and Your Hands Can Change (Redleaf Press, 2022), features 47 annotated video transcripts, 12 reproducible observation guides, and fidelity checklists validated across 31 states. It has been adopted as required reading in 42 early childhood degree programs, including those at Bank Street College, Erikson Institute, and Portland State University.
Burch also leads the annual Toddler Co-Regulation Summit, now in its ninth year. Unlike conventional conferences, it offers zero keynotes—only small-group practicums, live coaching cycles, and cross-site data sharing. In 2023, summit participants collectively reduced use of restrictive practices (e.g., holding, seclusion) by 89% across 67 programs, verified by state licensing review teams.
Her commitment to equity extends beyond access: 100% of scholarship slots for her trainings are reserved for educators working in Title I-eligible programs or tribal early learning centers. Since 2020, 1,214 educators have received full tuition support—funded by grants from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Burch’s influence is visible in subtle but powerful ways: in the 3.5-inch-wide blue tape lines marking personal space on the floor of a Chicago Head Start classroom; in the lavender-scented wristbands worn by staff at a Navajo Nation childcare center; in the precise 5.5-breaths-per-minute cadence modeled during circle time in a bilingual program in San Antonio. These aren’t trends—they’re translations of science into human-scale action.
She reminds educators daily: ‘Toddlers don’t need us to fix them. They need us to notice what their bodies already know—and to respond with precision, patience, and unwavering respect.’ That philosophy, grounded in data, refined in classrooms, and scaled through policy, continues to reshape how thousands of adults show up for the smallest humans among us.
Her latest initiative, launched in January 2024, is the Toddler Voice Archive—a growing collection of 1,842 audio recordings (each 12–90 seconds long) capturing authentic toddler communication across 23 languages and 11 dialects. Every clip is time-stamped, context-tagged (e.g., ‘transition to outdoor play’, ‘post-nap reorientation’), and paired with adult response options rated for developmental appropriateness. It’s not a database of ‘correct’ answers—it’s a living library of how meaning emerges, moment by moment, between toddler and adult.
For early childhood educators, behavior consultants, and family support professionals, Deann Burch represents something rare: a practitioner whose rigor never eclipses her warmth, whose data never silences the child’s voice, and whose advocacy always begins at the level of the individual toddler—on the floor, in the moment, reaching for connection.
