Connections Matter (Online)

Course Number
OLConnectionsMatter3hrIDN
Overview
Connections Matter is a community-based initiative that explores how the connections we make in life profoundly impact our brain’s ability to grow and our own individual abilities to cope and thrive. This online session is designed to engage participants in a discussion around building caring connections with children and families to improve resiliency. Participants will gain a better understanding of how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) adversely affect brain development and health outcomes – and how caring connections serve as a primary buffer to the negative effects of trauma. The session includes action-planning and next steps for how to make a difference through trauma-informed care and implementation.
Objective

1.1 Understands typical and atypical development and multiple factors that influence development from conception through infancy and early childhood
1.1.g. Recognizes signs of resilience in the child and family and works with the family to strengthen protective factors
1.1.h. Understands the impact of stress and trauma on a child’s development and supports families in reducing children’s exposure to stress
1.1.i. Applies relationship-based practices and family-centered practices to support the family in reducing risks that may negatively affect child health and development
1.3 Encourages children's development of social and emotional skills 
1.3 d. Creates an environment and daily schedule that encourages trust and social interaction with other children and adults
1.3 l. Helps children value their ethnic and cultural traditions, while respecting the views and experiences of others
1.3 q. Provides families with information and strategies to promote social and emotional development
2.1 Respects families and is responsive to language, culture, family characteristics, needs, concerns, and priorities
2.1 e. Understands, acknowledges, and supports families with emotions associated with grief, loss, and coping with a child’s disability or challenges
2.1 g. Takes time to learn about families’ race, religion, home language, family structure, employment situation, other child care arrangements, as well as their values and beliefs about childhood, education, and intervention
2.1 h. Recognizes the impact of substance abuse, domestic violence, and mental illness within families
2.1 j. Responds sensitively to families’ concerns, ways of coping, and child-rearing practices
2.1 l. Engages in respectful, goal-oriented partnerships with families to promote parent-child relationships and family well-being
2.1 m. Recognizes the impact of family stress on child development and family function and works closely with the family to link them to appropriate community resources
2.2 Communicates regularly, respectfully, and effectively with families 
2.2 b. Values families and welcomes them into the classroom, program, or home setting
2.2 h. Ensures services meet the individual needs and strengths of each family
2.3 Provides families with opportunities to learn and develop skills to help children achieve desired outcomes within the program, at home, and in the community
2.3 b. Empowers families to find ways to support their children as they develop (i.e., planning, goal setting)
2.3 c. Promotes interaction between families and community
2.3 d. Encourages families to use services for children in the community (i.e., library, story time, field trips)
2.3 g. Implements strength-based, family-centered practices that engage families in meaningful decision-making opportunities
2.4 Helps connect families with needed resources and services
2.4 b. Provides opportunities for family-to-family gatherings and events
2.4 c. Supports and encourages families to identify and use a network of formal and informal supports (i.e., neighborhood groups, faith/spiritual communities, civic organizations, parent support groups)
2.4 d. Implements creative ways to provide families with support
2.4 f. Advocates for needed services and resources for families

Additional Information

General agenda:              

  • Welcome / Icebreaker (if time)
  • Review of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
  • Understanding Trauma
  • Understanding the Developing Brain
  • “Upstairs” and “Downstairs” Brain
  • Relationships, including Attachment
  • Resilience
  • Community Impact
  • Planning for Change
  • Proof of Learning/Evaluation
Course Hours
3.00

Scheduled Event(s) for this Course
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