Description: Within this presentation, we will discuss how children develop within the context of their primary relationships and the way in which our formative relationships contribute to the development of resiliency and vulnerability. By enriching a child’s relational opportunities, we can shift the trajectory of their development toward a life of physical and mental health. Together, we will consider the life-long impact of early life exposure to toxic stress and trauma, gain a deeper understanding of the immense protective value of attuned, supportive relationships, and identify practical ways to apply cutting-edge research from the fields of psychology and neuroscience to your daily work with young children and their families.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the course, participants will:

1.      Gain knowledge in the relational foundation of the mental health of young children

2.      Be able to describe the impact of exposure to trauma in early childhood via current research on brain development, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study, etc.

3.      Increase ability to hone in on the underlying relational, emotional, and developmental needs that contribute to behavioral challenges

4.      Be better able to advocate for mental health needs of young children in the child welfare system

Presenter: Zero to Three

Number of in-service credit hours: 1

***For CASA volunteers only***