Understanding the Early Years of the Developing Brain

This session supports a foundational understanding of brain development is crucial for anyone who interacts with children, from parents to educators. And while brain science is extremely complex, there are pieces we can make very practical. This one-day foundational training will outline how the brain develops, what influences brain development in childhood, how the brain influences childhood behaviour, and what we can do to support healthy brain development. Whether you want to better support children in learning new skills, reduce challenging behaviour, or better understand your brain, this is the session for you. While the information in this workshop is designed to apply to children aged 0-12 years, it is also applicable to individuals of all ages.

“Know” Knowledge & Understanding

• ​Understand the basic neuroscience of early brain development and the impact of toxic stress.
• Recognize how early experiences shape lifelong patterns of regulation, attachment, and learning capacity in children.
• Identify the foundational role of safe, responsive caregiving in supporting healthy brain architecture and resilience.

“Do” Apply Skills & Practice

• Develop strategies and activities to promote healthy and secure relationships and support optimal brain development.
• Share experience and wisdom around how to support young children’s emotional regulation, co-regulation, and social connection.

“Be” Professional Growth & Transformation

• Cultivate a presence of compassion, seeing every interaction as an opportunity to shape a child’s brain for safety and possibility.​
• Embrace the role as co-regulators who model calm, curiosity, and connection to foster resilience in the children they serve.​
• Advocate for early years and committed to honouring the profound power of the developing brain.