Module 1: The Image of the Child

It is an exciting time in the N.S. early childhood field! Our new curriculum framework is here, ready to be used in ECE settings around the province. Are you familiar with it, and the many ways in which it might be used? This module - Using Your Image of the Child in Your Daily Practice - will uncover the possibilities for using the first part of the Framework, and the "whys" of being able to use your Image of the Child in practical ways. Join us for this interactive session that will be the foundation for the rest of the Framework.

**this is a 2 evening online session, you must attend both in order to receive a certificate**

October 28th 6:30 PM-8:30PM

October 30th 6:30PM-8:30PM

Facilitators: Jane MacKenzie & LeaAnne Joudrie

To register click this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nscc-cumberland-capable-confident-curious-module-1-tickets-1037954629237?aff=oddtdtcreator

Date: Tuesday November 5, 2024 (6pm– 9pm) and Saturday November 9, 2024 (9am—12 noon) Cost: $75 Total PD hours: 6 hrs Location: ONLINE Presenters: Karen Carey & Colin Morrison

Description:  Children can show clear characteristics of anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as autism, at a very early age. And while signs can be present before age five, a diagnosis is rarely made in very young children. Even in older children, diagnoses should be made only with extreme caution, due to controversy around the notion of labeling and stigmatizing children. And because young children respond to and process emotional experiences and traumatic events in ways that are very different from adults and older children, understanding their needs and how best to support these challenged troubled young children becomes that much more challenging.
Science tells us that the foundations of sound mental health are built early in life, & that early experiences, including chil-dren’s relationships with parents, caregivers, relatives, teachers, combine & interact with biology to shape the architecture of the developing brain. Disruptions in this developmental process can impair a child’s capacities for learning & relating to others, with lifelong implications. Not addressing the mental health needs of young children can come with a heavy burden & high cost to society.
Objectives: Through this workshop we will explore the distinct traits of children with mental health, emotional & behav-ioural challenges & examine the unique ways they process emotional & traumatic events that set them apart from same age peers.. We will have a better understanding of young children’s mental health problems within the context of their families, homes, & communities & how it is directly related to the well being of their caregivers & communities. We will uncover new research in emotional & behavioural challenges & self regulation that may potentially provide helpful strategies & inter-ventions to address issues & allow troubled children to leave more healthy lives.

Presenter Biographies: Colin Morrison has over 20 years’ experience working with children, youth & families in the mental health field. Colin has served primarily as youth care worker & case coordinator for families & children in the Child & Family Day Treatment Program at the IWK. He has extensive experience in developing & implementing skill groups with children, particularly in the area of emotional regulation, & providing supportive counselling to families. Colin is cur-rently completing a Master of Social Worker degree at Dalhousie University, & is working on a thesis related to male child-hood sexual abuse, & the impacts of "toxic masculinity" on mens' help seeking behaviours. He has a keen interest in trauma focused therapy, attachment theory, mens' health, & issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.

Karen Carey has over 15 years’ experience working with children, youth & families as a social worker, youth care worker, case coordinator, in home support worker & direct care practitioner. Through evidence based & best practice methods, Karen is a strong advocate for the children, youth & families. Although Karen has strong roots in attachment theory, sys-tems theory, positive parenting, trauma & resilience; her personal philosophy is to promote mental, physical & emotional health/wellbeing though a solution focused & social learning model.
Together Colin & Karen have seen positive & long lasting benefits for children AND families when they are provided edu-cation, strategies, guidance, empathy & support. They see effective communication & open collaboration as the key ingredi-ents in supporting positive futures for the children & families under their care.

Date: Tuesday November 5, 2024 (6pm– 9pm) and Saturday November 9, 2024 (9am—12 noon) Cost: $75 Total PD hours: 6 hrs Location: ONLINE Presenters: Karen Carey & Colin Morrison

Description:  Children can show clear characteristics of anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as autism, at a very early age. And while signs can be present before age five, a diagnosis is rarely made in very young children. Even in older children, diagnoses should be made only with extreme caution, due to controversy around the notion of labeling and stigmatizing children. And because young children respond to and process emotional experiences and traumatic events in ways that are very different from adults and older children, understanding their needs and how best to support these challenged troubled young children becomes that much more challenging.
Science tells us that the foundations of sound mental health are built early in life, & that early experiences, including chil-dren’s relationships with parents, caregivers, relatives, teachers, combine & interact with biology to shape the architecture of the developing brain. Disruptions in this developmental process can impair a child’s capacities for learning & relating to others, with lifelong implications. Not addressing the mental health needs of young children can come with a heavy burden & high cost to society.
Objectives: Through this workshop we will explore the distinct traits of children with mental health, emotional & behav-ioural challenges & examine the unique ways they process emotional & traumatic events that set them apart from same age peers.. We will have a better understanding of young children’s mental health problems within the context of their families, homes, & communities & how it is directly related to the well being of their caregivers & communities. We will uncover new research in emotional & behavioural challenges & self regulation that may potentially provide helpful strategies & inter-ventions to address issues & allow troubled children to leave more healthy lives.

Presenter Biographies: Colin Morrison has over 20 years’ experience working with children, youth & families in the mental health field. Colin has served primarily as youth care worker & case coordinator for families & children in the Child & Family Day Treatment Program at the IWK. He has extensive experience in developing & implementing skill groups with children, particularly in the area of emotional regulation, & providing supportive counselling to families. Colin is cur-rently completing a Master of Social Worker degree at Dalhousie University, & is working on a thesis related to male child-hood sexual abuse, & the impacts of "toxic masculinity" on mens' help seeking behaviours. He has a keen interest in trauma focused therapy, attachment theory, mens' health, & issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.

Karen Carey has over 15 years’ experience working with children, youth & families as a social worker, youth care worker, case coordinator, in home support worker & direct care practitioner. Through evidence based & best practice methods, Karen is a strong advocate for the children, youth & families. Although Karen has strong roots in attachment theory, sys-tems theory, positive parenting, trauma & resilience; her personal philosophy is to promote mental, physical & emotional health/wellbeing though a solution focused & social learning model.
Together Colin & Karen have seen positive & long lasting benefits for children AND families when they are provided edu-cation, strategies, guidance, empathy & support. They see effective communication & open collaboration as the key ingredi-ents in supporting positive futures for the children & families under their care.