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. We utilize an evidence-informed program, along with real-world and concrete examples, to demonstrate how ACEs adversely affect brain development and health outcomes – and how caring connections serve as a primary buffer in the negative effects of trauma. This is a face-to-face training. 

1.1 b. Recognizes the importance of fetal development and the connection to a child’s long-term health and development. 

1.1 c. Understands prenatal development and potential threats to the mother’s and baby’s health during the prenatal period.

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. 
1.1 j. Improves understanding of child growth and development through ongoing review of current research and observation of children. 
1.1 k. Utilizes knowledge of child development and multiple factors influencing development while observing expectant parents, infants/toddlers, young children, and/or families. 
1.1 l. Applies current knowledge and theories about specific developmental delays, developmental disabilities, and risk factors to advocate on behalf of young children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families.
2.1 d. Recognizes and acknowledges that culture, language, socioeconomic factors, support systems, and special needs may influence how families nurture their children. 
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 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 k. Shares community resources based on families’ needs, including information about developmental delays and disabilities. 
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.