Keeping the Child in Mind Workshop: How understanding a child’s inner world supports behavior and social and emotional development

The Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington (ECCS) will host a free workshop for childcare providers and teachers called “Keeping the Child in Mind: How understanding a child’s inner world supports behavior and social and emotional development” on August 30th. It will be presented by Susan Averna, PhD.

Getting advice on handling challenging behaviors and situations in the classroom and developing social and emotional competence is the ECCS’s top workshop request from childcare educators. This session will address these issues. The learning objectives are to:

- Understand how self-regulation (cognitive, behavioral, emotional and physical) develops and why some children have trouble regulating

- Learn why rewards and punishment are often ineffective toward enhancing learning or changing behavior in children

- Gain tools to address challenging behaviors such as aggression, inattention, and non-compliance

- Build capacity to read the mental states (emotion, intention, desires) of children

- Recognize your triggers and learn practices to promote positive relationships with challenging children

- Increase self-awareness and practice self-care to maintain wellness and reduce burnout

Doors open at 6:00 pm -- Presentation from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Childcare is not being offered for this workshop.

Certificates of attendance will be given to childcare providers.

This workshop is part of the ECCS’s Southington Community Well-Being Grant Initiative funded by the Bradley Henry Barnes & Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust at the Main Street Community Foundation.

About the Presenter, Susan Averna, PhD

Trained in developmental, educational, and counseling psychology, Dr. Averna has worked as a school mental health consultant, college professor, school counselor and athletic coach. She provides consultation and training to parents, caregivers, and educators. With an expertise in attachment and development, she provides caregivers and educators with tools to better serve the most vulnerable children, while supporting those doing this important work.