New interactive guidebook helps educators select courses and wellness skills
In January 2023, Resilient Georgia and the Center for Interrelational Science and Pediatrics received a Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Community (DECAL) Transformation Grant to launch the Infant and Early Childhood Professional Development Course and Guidebook. The goal of the initiative is to support the early childhood care and education workforce (ECCE) and to enhance social-emotional learning opportunities within early childhood settings.
The course curriculum is based on the latest science in early childhood development and integrates a practical, trauma-informed wellness intervention, the Community Resiliency Model (CRM) CRM was selected due to its evidence-base of increasing well-being and reducing stress in frontline professionals. CRM wellness skills are also developmentally appropriate to use with children for prevention or early intervention of behavioral challenges.
Course Curriculum:
● Wellness for Early Childhood Professionals
● Theoretical Framework for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
● Trauma and Memory
● The Brain & Autonomic Nervous System
● Community Resiliency (CRM) Workshop
● Promoting Healthy Relationships at Home and in the Classroom (course opening soon!)
Year One Milestones: (See graph and table below)
Since course enrollment opened in August 2023, 131 staff from 35 centers have enrolled in the course, reaching 12 Georgia counties. Out of 131 enrollees, 74 have completed at least one course. The Theoretical Framework for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health course boasts the highest completion rate at 95%, followed by Trauma and Memory at 93%, Wellness for Early Childhood Professionals at 91%, and The Brain & Autonomic Nervous System at 67%.
The three organizations with the highest enrollments are:
1. YMCA of Coastal Georgia
2. Holy Family Catholic Preschool
3. River Oaks Academy
Notably, YMCA Child Learning Centers of Georgia located in Chatham County enrolled 57 staff, Holy Family Catholic Preschool located in Cobb County enrolled 20 members, and staff from River Oaks Academy located in Cobb County take the lead with the most completed courses. Congratulations!
How to Get Involved:
Join Us in Supporting a Culture of Wellness for Early Childhood Education!
● Enroll in the course bundle for free by signing up here. All courses are approved for DECAL clock hours.
● Wondering which course to take first? Use our interactive Guidebook to select keywords that will help you pick the right courses and wellness skills based on your interests.
● Connect with the CRM community in Georgia through our online forum. Learn how people all over Georgia are bringing CRM to their homes and communities.
● If you have questions or are interested in a CRM Workshop for your staff, contact training@cispediatrics.com
Looking Ahead:
Plans are underway to sustain and expand this initiative to reach a greater number of Georgia counties. Stay connected with us through our websites as we continue our initiative to support the early childhood care and education workforce (ECCE) and to enhance social-emotional learning opportunities within early childhood settings.
"It was COMPLETELY amazing to learn ways to identify how emotions land on our bodies and how to exercise calmness. [The CRM Workshop] is a training EVERYONE should attend... you won't regret it! ❤"
*Course released January 2024
Authors:
Shimarith Wallace & Jamie Villalobos
Center for Interrelational Science and Pediatrics