Contributed by Chris Kelley

Over my 25 years as a trainer for early care and education professionals, I have learned as much from participants as (hopefully) they’ve learned from me. Probably the most important thing I’ve learned is that participants need to emotionally connect with the training topic. The content needs to not only have meaning for their real lives and real work, but it also needs to empower them in some way. Only then will participants transfer knowledge and skills to their daily experience.

The Devereux Early Childhood Assessment training that I’ve been privileged to share with teachers and mental health professionals for several years is one of those trainings that empowers us with meaningful ways to promote resilience in young children. The training dramatically illustrates how within-child protective factors help children “bounce back” from challenges to their social and emotional well-being. Everyone who works with young children know that social and emotional health lays the foundation for school and life success. Learning about the DECA assessment and planning program gives us real tools for making a difference.

Upcoming Training Dates:

March 1-2, 2010 2-Day DECA for Program Implementation Training – This training provides participants with knowledge and skills to enhance the implementation of the DECA Program.

March 3, 2010 1-Day DECA-C (Clinical) Training – This training will focus on using the DECA-Clinical as part of your DECA Program as well as its use as a standalone tool.

March 4-5, 2010 2-Day DECA Local Program Mentor Training – The Local Program Mentor Training will help prepare participants to return to their local programs and offer technical assistance and workshops as necessary on the DECA Program.

Get registered for our upcoming DECA Training