Little Bits of TLC

Heather Volchko

Welcome to Little Bits of TLC hosted by Heather Volchko, the founder of Threshold Learning Consultancy and The TLC Network. In each episode, you’ll be challenged, entertained, and equipped - all in just a few minutes. You're invited to join conversations navigating the messy and magical seasons of school-based emotional, behavioral, and mental health services because there's always something going on around TLC! We're so glad you're here...

  1. One Size Doesn't Fit All: Designing Instruction for Diverse Learners

    4D AGO

    One Size Doesn't Fit All: Designing Instruction for Diverse Learners

    In this enlightening episode, Cass and Heather dive deep into the world of special education, specifically focusing on High Leverage Practice Number 13: Adapting Curriculum Tasks and Materials. The conversation unveils the nuanced and strategic approaches employed by educators to ensure that every student, regardless of their abilities, can achieve their learning goals. Heather, an experienced educator, shares her journey and methodologies, emphasizing the importance of creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning. Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network! Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth. Join Our Newsletter Stay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now! Follow Us on Social Media Connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms! Subscribe to Our Podcast Enjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Support Our Mission Love what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more. Send Us Your Feedback Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!

    34 min
  2. Setting the Course: Designing Instruction with Purpose

    MAR 23

    Setting the Course: Designing Instruction with Purpose

    In this episode, Chris joins Heather to explore High Leverage Practice Number 12, focusing on systematically designing instruction toward specific learning goals. They delve into the intricacies of crafting both programmatic and individual-focused educational strategies that enhance learning for students with disabilities. The conversation uncovers how intentionality and strategic planning can revolutionize educational outcomes. Chris passionately discusses the importance of intentional program design, stressing how educators must adopt a backward-engineering approach to effectively align instructional goals with student needs. As they navigate common challenges, such as juggling various educational priorities and combating burnout, Chris emphasizes the need for educators to collaborate closely with a team of specialists and community resources.  Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network! Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth. Join Our Newsletter Stay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now! Follow Us on Social Media Connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms! Subscribe to Our Podcast Enjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Support Our Mission Love what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more. Send Us Your Feedback Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!

    33 min
  3. Today, Tomorrow, and the Long Game: Setting the Right Goals for the Right Reasons

    MAR 16

    Today, Tomorrow, and the Long Game: Setting the Right Goals for the Right Reasons

    In this episode, we dive into the intricacies of identifying and prioritizing long-term and short-term learning goals for students with disabilities. Pat and Heather offer a rich discussion filled with insights into the collaboration between educators and specialists in tailoring educational experiences to meet diverse needs. The conversation emphasizes the importance of aligning IEP goals with grade-level standards and utilizing evidence-based practices to foster student success. Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network! Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth. Join Our Newsletter Stay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now! Follow Us on Social Media Connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms! Subscribe to Our Podcast Enjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Support Our Mission Love what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more. Send Us Your Feedback Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!

    30 min
  4. Functional Foundation: FBAs as a Guide

    MAR 9

    Functional Foundation: FBAs as a Guide

    In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of functional behavioral assessments (FBA) with special education expert Chris. A cornerstone in special education, FBAs are essential for understanding student behaviors and crafting individualized behavior support plans (BSP). Chris reveals through lively discussions how these comprehensive assessments are instrumental in determining the underlying functions of problematic behaviors and in devising interventions that align with students' needs. Engage with us as we explore this crucial topic and gain insights on effectively transforming student behavior. Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network! Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth. Join Our Newsletter Stay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now! Follow Us on Social Media Connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms! Subscribe to Our Podcast Enjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Support Our Mission Love what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more. Send Us Your Feedback Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!

    34 min
  5. Count Them In: Expanding Students' Social Skills

    MAR 2

    Count Them In: Expanding Students' Social Skills

    In this insightful episode, the discussion delves deep into the intricacies of teaching social behaviors within educational settings, particularly for students with disabilities. Lindsay, an expert in the field, sheds light on high-leverage practices for integrating social skill instruction into daily educational experiences, comprehensive data collection, and individualized education program (IEP) development. She emphasizes the necessity of not only teaching these skills in isolation but enabling students to apply them across various settings to ensure holistic development. Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network! Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth. Join Our Newsletter Stay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now! Follow Us on Social Media Connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms! Subscribe to Our Podcast Enjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Support Our Mission Love what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more. Send Us Your Feedback Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!

    32 min
  6. A Need To Be Seen: Recognizing Students for Their Success

    FEB 23

    A Need To Be Seen: Recognizing Students for Their Success

    In this insightful episode, we dive into the transformative power of providing positive and constructive feedback in educational settings. Joined by esteemed educator Cass, we explore how effective feedback can significantly enhance student motivation, engagement, and independence, driving both academic and behavioral improvements. Through real-life anecdotes and expert insights, Cass unveils practical strategies that teachers can adopt to promote a harmonious and empowering learning environment. Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network! Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth. Join Our Newsletter Stay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now! Follow Us on Social Media Connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms! Subscribe to Our Podcast Enjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Support Our Mission Love what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more. Send Us Your Feedback Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!

    33 min
  7. Practiced Persistence: Fostering a Consistent Environment that Functions for Everyone

    FEB 16

    Practiced Persistence: Fostering a Consistent Environment that Functions for Everyone

    In this episode, Veronica dives into High-Leverage Practice 7, exploring how educators can establish a consistent, organized, and respectful learning environment that supports both academic and social-emotional growth. She emphasizes the importance of building strong teacher-student relationships, creating predictable routines and schedules, and using positive reinforcement to motivate and engage learners. The conversation highlights practical strategies for balancing structure with flexibility, responding thoughtfully to student needs, and modeling consistency through both actions and mindset. Listeners gain insight into how clear expectations, culturally responsive practices, and proactive planning can reduce challenging behaviors and increase engagement. Veronica also offers guidance for new and experienced teachers on starting small, embedding fun and motivation, and gradually building a classroom environment that fosters trust, respect, and student success. This episode is a must-listen for educators seeking actionable approaches to creating classrooms where students feel supported, understood, and empowered to learn. Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network! Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth. Join Our Newsletter Stay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now! Follow Us on Social Media Connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms! Subscribe to Our Podcast Enjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Support Our Mission Love what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more. Send Us Your Feedback Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!

    29 min
  8. Seize the Data: Utilizing Assessment Data in Action

    FEB 9

    Seize the Data: Utilizing Assessment Data in Action

    In this episode, Heather and Marla explore High Leverage Practice #6 and how student assessment data is used to guide instructional decisions in special education. Marla shares how data collection is not a one-time task, but an ongoing, collaborative process that evolves as students’ needs change. The conversation highlights the role of multidisciplinary teams in analyzing behavioral, academic, and functional data to ensure instruction and supports are aligned with each student’s goals. Rather than following rigid systems or checklists, the team continuously revisits data to determine what is working, what needs adjustment, and how to move students forward. The episode also addresses the challenges of interpreting data across different perspectives and the importance of professional trust, reflection, and flexibility. Listeners will walk away with a clear understanding that effective data use is dynamic, student-centered, and most powerful when grounded in collaboration and continuous improvement. Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network! Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth. Join Our Newsletter Stay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now! Follow Us on Social Media Connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms! Subscribe to Our Podcast Enjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Support Our Mission Love what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more. Send Us Your Feedback Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at podcast@thresholdlearning.org — we’d love to hear from you!

    25 min

About

Welcome to Little Bits of TLC hosted by Heather Volchko, the founder of Threshold Learning Consultancy and The TLC Network. In each episode, you’ll be challenged, entertained, and equipped - all in just a few minutes. You're invited to join conversations navigating the messy and magical seasons of school-based emotional, behavioral, and mental health services because there's always something going on around TLC! We're so glad you're here...