FKCE Class Schedule
2024 Spring
Foster and Kinship Care Education Trainings
Spring Office Hours
MONDAY - THURSDAY 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
FRIDAY 8:00 am - 2:30 pm
Registration for trainings!
Please call 909-384-4457 or email fkce@valleycollege.edu
San Bernardino Valley College, as well as the entire community college community, continues to work tirelessly to help students, their families, resource parents, and kinship families get through this crisis as they play a critical role in our state's recovery. Working together and following safety guidelines and procedures, we can help keep our community healthy.
- vThe FKCE program will only be providing trainings online, with a few in-person classes, to resource parents and kinship caregivers through ZOOM and will require each participant to use a computer and/or phone and to have an email address to participate. (If you don't hae an email, please create one using yahoo.com or gmail.com) Each participant will need to download the ZOOM app on their computer and/or phone.
- Participants can register by calling 909-384-4457 or email fkce@valleycollege.edu confirmation will be sent to emails when done in a timely manner, weekdays 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Please only register for two (2) trainings at a time.
- Participants will be required to complete a registration form online, unless you have taken trainings in the last 90 days; EVERYONE needs to have an email address.
- Participants will receive certificates for attendance only when evaluations are completed, and attendance verified by the trainer; certificates will be emailed to participants by the Senior Student Services Technician.
- Participants not physically involved in the training or leaving early or joining the
meeting more than 10 minutes late (without specific approval by the trainer) will
NOT receive a certificate.
NO CHILDREN or PETS or other distractions are allowed in the training which should take place in a private area to maintain confidentiality. - Thanks for your patience during this challenging time.
Lucy Razo, FKCE Instructional Specialist
For general information regarding trainings, please call (909) 384-4457. All of the trainings listed in this schedule meet the criteria for San Bernardino County’s training for RFA (Resource Family Approval) pre and post trainings and for Los Angeles County’s Special Care Increment rate pre and post training. All training must be selected based on the individual needs of the foster/kinship child. Please discuss any additional training issues with your Children and Family Services (CFS) worker or the Specialized Care Facilitator as needed.
For Specialized Care Rate information for San Bernardino County, contact
TERRA DUNN at 909-891-3537
PLEASE CALL 909-384-4457 TO REGISTER FOR TRAININGS OR EMAIL fkce@valleycollege.edu
DISABILITY SERVICES: For disability-related reasonable accommodations, please contact the FKCE Program
office at (909) 384-4457 no later than two weeks prior to the date services are needed.
QUESTIONS: For further information, contact the
SBVC Foster & Kinship Care Education Program office:
San Bernardino Valley College - ADSS 202
701 South Mount Vernon Avenue, San Bernardino, CA 92410
909-384-4457
CLASES VIRTUALES EN ESPAÑOL
MIERCOLES, 10 DE ABRIL, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
LAS CICATICES DEL ABUSO SEXUAL COMO AYUDAR A NIÑOS Y ADOLESCENTES
Entrenador: Fernando Bolivar
Es importante entender la dinámica del abuso sexual en los niños y adolescentes, sus consequencias psicológicos, sociales y emocionedes. Es importante saber como ofrecer ayuda a estos niños que han sido traumatizados y prover un ambiente rico donde puedan recuperar.
SABADO, 13 DE ABRIL, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
TRABAJANDO CON NIÑOS MEDICAL FRAGILES
Entrenador: Lucy Razo
En esta clase los participantes discutirán porque es importante entender el desarrollo infantil en diversas pistas y las habilidades de función ejecutiva en los niños. También aprenderán sobre niños que son medicamente delicados, como determinar cuál medicamento es mejor para el niño con la consulta del médico. Fragilidad médica, retraso en el desarrollo, niños que han sufrido abuso, trastornos congénitos o golpe en el cerebro resultando del uso de medicamento.
LUNES, 15 DE ABRIL, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
LA NEUROSIS- DESCRIBIR REACCIONES MENTALES, EMOCIONALES O FÍSICAS QUE SON DRÁSTICAS E IRRACIONALES
Entrenador: Lucy Razo
Alguna persona que es neurótica sufre mucho. El concepto “neurosis” es sinónimo de “dolor emocional excesivo”. Este trae secuelas emocionales y conductuales. Las secuelas pueden ser de muchos tipos (ansiedades, depresiones, fobias, obsesiones, adiciones, agresividad, problemas de personalidad etc.)
MIERCOLES, 17 DE ABRIL, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
LAS CINCO NECESIDADES VITALES DE LOS NIÑOS
Entrenador: Fernando Bolivar
Esta clase se enfoca en el desarrollo de estrategias basadas en las cinco necesidades vitales de los niños con la meta de que puedan alcanzar estabilidad emocional y seguridad en la vida. Los padres ganaran conocimiento y habilidad para mejorar la conducta y salud mental de síes hijos.
MIERCOLES, 24 DE ABRIL, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
LA ANSIEDAD Y EL MIEDO EN LOS NIÑOS
Entrenador: Fernando Bolivar
El mundo de los niños está lleno de miedos y ansiedad. Esta clase se enfocará en las condiciones más comunes que están relacionadas con la ansiedad: ansiedad social, ansiedad generalizada, conducta obsesiva – compulsión y fobias. Los padres podrán entender más sobre la diagnosis, los síntomas y tratamiento de estas condiciones de ansiedad.
SABADO, 27 DE ABRIL, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
CURSO DE EDUCACIÓN 2: APOYAR TRANSICIONES EXITOSAS DE LA ESCUELA SECUNDARIA A LA UNIVERSIDAD
Entrenador: Jorge Razo
Este curso está diseñado para cuidadores con jóvenes de 11 ° a 12 ° grado o recién graduados de secundaria. Este curso ayudará a los cuidadores a comprender cómo apoyar a sus jóvenes para que hagan una transición sin problemas de la escuela secundaria a la universidad.
MIERCOLES, 1 DE MAYO, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
LOS TRES INGREDIENTES BASICOS PARA LOGRAR LA INTIMIDAD EMOCIONAL CON SUS NIÑOS: RESPETO, BUENA COMUNICACION Y EMPATIA
Entrenador: Fernando Bolivar
La clase se enfocara en la importancia de lograr una intimidad emocional y amistad con los niños. Su poderoso impacto en la conducta y actitudes.
SABADO, 6 DE MAYO, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
CREATING AN AFFIRMING HOME FOR LGBTQ+ YOUTH AS A FOSTER OR ADOPTIVE PARENT
Entrenador: Lucy Razo
LGBTQIA2S+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, asexual, Two-Spirit, or other gender or sexual identity) youth are overrepresented in foster care. LGBTQIA2S+ individuals and families have faced discrimination when seeking approval to become foster or adoptive parents, which limits the availability of families to support placements for LGBTQIA2S+ youth.
MIERCOLES, 8 DE MAYO, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
ESTRES, ANSIEDAD, ENOJO Y MIEDO. SON BUENAS O MALAS EMOCIONES?
Entrenador: Fernando Bolivar
Ayudar a desarrollar un sentido apropiedo en la expresión de estas emociones y producir respuestas asertivas.
SABADO, 25 DE MAYO, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
AYUDAR CON LA AUTOADMINISTRACIÓN DE MEDICAMENTOS PSICOTRÓPICOS
Entrenador: Lucy Razo
Padres de crienza aprenderan información importante para ayudar a los jóvenes en cuidado de crianza a tomar decisiones relacionadas con su salud mental, sus opciones de medicamentos importantes para su salud. Los participantes podrán nombrar al menos tres puntos clave en las leyes y regulaciones que rigen administración de medicamentos psicotrópicos a niños y jóvenes en hogares de guarda en California. Participantes podrán nombrar al menos uno de los principios básicos de la atención basada en el trauma como se relacionan con el uso de medicamentos psicotrópicos en hogares de acogida.
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CLASSES IN ENGLISH ON ZOOM UNLESS MARKED OTHERWISE
THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
LYING, CHEATING, STEALING, AND HOARDING FOOD
TRAINER: Wanda Cooper
A child’s history often gives us a better understanding of the child and her/his behaviors. A certain degree of these behaviors is normal, especially in the early years. These behaviors become very problematic when they are excessive and not addressed. Participants will learn to identify lying, cheating, stealing, and hoarding food behaviors. Participants will learn how to help children assert themselves to prevent these behaviors.
THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
ADVOCATING FOR THE CHILD IN MY CARE
TRAINER: Eric Thornton
How do I speak up for the child in my care? How much involvement should I incorporate from the child's birth parents? (Educational rights, parental rights etc.?) What are the rights of the child in my care? (SB89). Caregivers will be able to describe personal or family strengths and needs, in addition to making an informed commitment that seeks to secure the child's safety and well-being.
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
SLEEP! HOW TO GET THERE!
TRAINER: Vern Bradley
How much sleep do we need? What is the impact on our body and our brain? For some, sleep is a breeze and for others, it is a torture and a nightmare! This training will discuss sleep, and learn what sleep does for us as well, and ways to assist ourselves and our kids with falling asleep. Participants will learn scientific sound information regarding sleep and sleep needs. Participants will learn to identify barriers to sleep. Participants will learn a variety of simple tools to assist one to fall asleep.
SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION
TRAINER: Eric Thornton
Traditional parenting relies heavily on punitive measures to correct maladaptive behaviors. Although sometimes effective, the message the child receives could be interpreted as, "I get in trouble when trying to get my needs met." Caregivers/resource parents will learn to assess the meaning/function of the behavior and employ different types of positive parenting techniques to address the underlying need. Participants will leave with a tool belt when they encounter tough behaviors.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
JUST HOW IMPORTANT ARE THEIR NEEDS AND OUR NEEDS?
TRAINER: Vern Bradley
Having our needs met is not only a wonderful experience, but it is also critical to our physical and mental health. But what happens when we are not able to meet our needs and what do we do with the frustration? Believe it or not, the process is most likely very different for us as adults than it is for our kids. Well, it is supposed to be! This training will discuss ALL needs, ours and theirs. Participants will learn the basic needs of both adults and children. Participants will learn to read behavior to assess what needs the child is attempting to meet.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
THE COLORS OF GRIEF.. UNDERSTANDING CHILD’S JOURNEY THROUGH LOSS FROM BIRTH TO ADULTHOOD
TRAINER: Wanda Cooper
In this class, we will discuss “The Colors of Grief” by Janis A. Di Ciacco, PhD. We will explore strategies for supporting a grieving child to ensure a healthy passage into adulthood. Participants will learn how to work with children who have experienced grief. Participants will also gain insight into a child’s journey through loss during the key stages of development and how this may cause cognitive, emotional, and social difficulties.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
FEARLESS AND FIRM FATHERING
TRAINER: Dan Crain
Children learn fathering from their fathers and tend to father in the way they learned. This places foster children at a disadvantage since they learned negative fathering methods and received mixed messages of true fathering. From their physical interactions with their kids to their verbal assaults, bio fathers create a difficult climate for kids. These bio fathers taught abuse, intimidation, and conflict to these children. This class on fathering explores many facets of fathering including compassion, sensitivity, and firm but fair discipline. Attendees in class discuss positive fathering strategies.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
SELF INJURIOUS BEHAVIORS
TRAINER: Wanda Cooper
Children often exhibit self-harming behaviors inflicting pain and injury to their bodies. Many of these actions are deadly. Participants will learn why children hurt themselves and what they can do to help. Participants will learn the symptoms, causes, treatment for children that injure themselves and how to help them.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
LEAVING HOME, EMANCIPATION, BEGINS AT AGE THREE
TRAINER: Vern Bradley
Three is that stage of development when we move from being COUNTERdependent, rebellious, to INDEPENDENT. No, we are not ready to leave home, but the skills we learn during this period will plant the healthy and life-giving desire to do just that fifteen years down the road. Participants will learn simple scripts and dialogues to use with kids three years old and up. Participants will increase their consciousness of all the things they say that are extremely unhelpful.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
RESPONSIBILITY AND DISCIPLINE
TRAINER: Wandalyn Lane
I desire for my foster child to take responsibility for his/her actions and be accountable for his/her behavior; Stop blaming others. The participants will learn positive communication skills; polite requests, ‘I messages, and firm reminders, and will learn the responsibility equation and logical and natural consequences.
MONDAY, APRIL 22, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
CHEW AND SPIT: A NEW EATING DISORDER
TRAINER: Dan Crain
Children who experience severe neglect, sexual abuse, beatings, domestic violence, and other forms of child abuse from bio families, suffer trauma. These various traumas contribute to their low self-esteem. Many negative behaviors result from this type of upbringing. One of these behaviors can lead to a child not eating properly and developing an unhealthy perception of food leading to eating disorders. In this class, Resource Parents discuss various eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, and eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS) plus a new one, Chew and Spit.
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
YES, THERE IS A YES BRAIN!
TRAINER: Vern Bradley
There’s even a NO brain, so, for sure, we want to learn how to switch on the YES brain. We all have a YES brain. The yes brain is our thinking brain and is characteristically open, flexible, conscious, creative, and desires connection. It is the key and the door in. We will also learn about the NO brain, which can be defensive, angry, and focused solely on survival even when survival is not an issue. Participants will learn the major parts of our brain and their function. Participants will learn specific methods for responding to different parts of their kids’ brains to maximize their effectiveness as parents as well as ways to respond to the different parts of their brains to enhance their physical and mental health.
TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
PREVENTING TEEN PREGNANCIES
TRAINER: Wanda Cooper
“Births to younger teens pose the greatest risk of poor medical, social, and economic outcomes. Efforts to prevent teen childbearing need to focus on evidence-based approaches to delaying sexual activity and increasing use of the most effective methods of contraception for those teens who are sexually active.” - Dr. Tom Frieden (CDC, Director) Is this the answer? What can/should be done? Participants will discuss teen pregnancies and ways to prevent them. Participants will discuss teen pregnancies and ways to prevent them.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
ALCOHOLISM'S IMPACT ON THE FAMILY
TRAINER: Dan Crain
Alcoholism brings major trauma to many families and foster children all too often see this in theirs since it promotes physical abuse and domestic violence. Caregivers themselves may have seen the damage alcohol can cause. This class offers a candid look at this disease which ravages families and communities. Causes and effects are explored so that participants gain a better grasp of how to deal with this major societal problem. People are encouraged to attend this class to obtain more knowledge of how to handle this common family crisis.
THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
WHAT IS ODD? (OPPOSITIONAL DEFIANT DISORDER)
TRAINER: Wanda Cooper
All children are oppositional, especially when they are hungry, stressed, or upset. Children may talk back, argue, and defy any or all authority figures. However, openly uncooperative, unacceptable, hostile behavior becomes a concern when it is so frequent and consistent that it overshadows the behaviors of other children the same age and developmental level and when it affects the child’s social, family, and academic life. This class will discuss the condition of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Participants will learn the symptoms, causes, treatment, and outlook for this disorder in children.
FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
WHAT TO DO FOR OURSELVES WHEN WE FEEL POWERLESS AS A PARENT
TRAINER: Vern Bradley
We often feel powerless and then erroneously conclude that we are, when, in fact, our power is just waiting for us to recognize it and pick it up and try it on for size! Simply entertaining the thought, I AM POWERFUL can completely cancel out feeling powerless. Well, of course, like anything, this dance step takes practice! So come to the training and begin practicing. Participants will learn to connect with their source of power and magic within that can impact in a very life-giving way the children we serve. Participants will learn specific scripts to elicit cooperation and movement toward behavior change.
MONDAY, APRIL 29, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
BEDTIME ROUTINES CAN BE CHALLENGING FOR CHILDREN
TRAINER: Dan Crain
The bedtime routine is essential for assisting children in their resource home, especially for younger kids. The 5 Bs consist of taking a Bath, brushing their teeth, reading a Book, praying (something Biblical if appropriate), and Being honest. So, bathing teaches healthy hygiene, brushing teeth teaches good dental care, reading books teaches lifelong learning, praying assists in growing a self-spirituality, and being honest grows healthy self-esteem. The bedtime routine contains valuable teaching methods for caregivers. This class reinforces these values as the Bedtime routine is discussed.
TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
THE FOSTER PARENT AND SOCIAL WORKER ARE ON THE SAME TEAM
TRAINER: Vern Bradley
Ultimately, it is critical that we work together as a team. However, as long as some social workers insist upon being bosses, then we will have to define the relationship by asking important questions of the social worker before placement and then holding the social worker accountable for their answers. It is not a game. It is just about the foster parent being “all-growed-up” and the social worker knowing how to share leadership rather than being a boss. Participants will explore ways to end their identity of being at the mercy of the system. Participants will develop a list of reasonable and important questions to ensure the success and safety of placement.
TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
UNDERSTANDING SUICIDAL BEHAVIORS
TRAINER: Wanda Cooper
This class will help participants identify suicidal youth warning signs and explain the scope and magnitude of the problem. Participants will learn to identify youth who are at high risk. This class will also identify the elements for assessing suicide.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
RESOURCE PARENTS: WAYS TO MINIMIZE STRESS
TRAINER: Dan Crain
Caregivers raise children who have been in many placements, bear emotional scars, can't communicate, and show anger sometimes bordering on rage. Frustration, irritation, lack of respect and not being listened to are all stresses with which caregivers must contend. Their understanding, genuine concern, and compassion are all put to the test and can create toxic stress. And this is on top of everyday stressors, some of which can be positive or even tolerable. In this class, caregivers discuss their own experiences and learn how to manage their stressors, which can be Positive, Tolerable or Toxic.
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
CULTURE AND TRAUMA
TRAINER: Wanda Cooper
Children and adolescents can differ dramatically in their level of sexual knowledge according to the family and culture into which they were born and raised. These factors must be considered when providing services to these families. This class focuses on learning those differences and the many aspects that may occur cross-culturally. Participants will learn how trauma and culture differ in children’s sexual education and knowledge.
FRIDAY, MAY 3, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
ADOLESCENT BOYFRIENDS AND GIRLFRIENDS
TRAINER: Vern Bradley
Why don’t we kindly say, “I want to meet your boyfriend/girlfriend?” And why don’t we kindly say to our gay and lesbian foster kids, “I want to meet your boyfriend/girlfriend?” Why don’t we want to have the maximum influence we can have during this critical time in their lives when they are so desperately searching for acceptance and love? Participants will explore their hesitancy to involve themselves in this part of their foster youths’ lives. Participants will learn to separate their personal issues from providing support to their foster youth.
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
BUILDING COURAGE & SELF-ESTEEM
TRAINER: Wandalyn Lane
I have a loving and supportive home, but my child seems to self-sabotage, make excuses for poor behavior, and not accept the positive values that we try to instill in our child(ren). The participants will learn the importance of developing character and self-esteem and will understand consequences as a means of discipline and character development.
MONDAY, MAY 6, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
SMART PHONES CAN 'DUMB DOWN' CHILDREN
TRAINER: Dan Crain
Our society and culture have seen a dramatic increase in cell phone use but this growth has occurred especially in our childhood populations. Even 10-year-old children are insisting they have the absolute newest smartphone with facial recognition. Teens see this form of technology as essential to their daily lives. Unfortunately, this huge uptick use of mobile devices is also demonstrating a huge surge in teen depression and online bullying. This class will discuss smartphones dumbing down our kids and continue an ongoing conversation about this technology.
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
LGBTQ TEENS HAVE NEEDS LIKE ALL TEENS
TRAINER: Vern Bradley
We can offer teens or younger children a welcoming, unconditional loving acceptance, affection, guidance, support and advocacy, and an openness to learning their experience of themselves and life in general. It is very easy to do if we just see them as kids with the same dreams, desires, and needs that we also had when we were kids and teenagers. A person’s sexual orientation does NOT change any of this. Participants will learn to “see” their LGBTQ foster youth as “sexual beings” just like ourselves. Participants will learn a definition of human sexuality that transcends both gender and orientation.
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
FOSTER CARE TO ADOPTION…LIFELONG ISSUES
TRAINER: Wanda Cooper
Foster Care & Adoption is a lifelong, intergenerational process that unites the triad of birth families, adoptees, and adoptive families forever. Adoption, especially for adolescents, can lead to both great joy and tremendous pain. Recognizing the core issues in adoption is one intervention that can assist triad members and professionals working in adoption better to understand each other and the residual effects of the adoption experience. Participants will learn how to help children under their care understand adoption and its transition.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
PARENTING WITH PURPOSE: CREATING FAMILY ROUTINES
TRAINER: Dan Crain
Although the title of this class is a mouthful, what it states is very accurate. Regular routines for children who are not familiar with them build real responsibility in children. The morning routine, the bedtime routine, the school day routine, the 'go to church' routine if appropriate, the weekend routine, and the vacation routine, among others, assist in teaching children consistency and real decision-making skills. Besides growing their accountability awareness, these routines help children form healthy bonds and attachments with their resource families. Join this class where routine building is discussed.
THURSDAY, MAY 9, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
THE MOTHER’S ROLE IN THE FOSTER CHILD’S LIFE
TRAINER: Wanda Cooper
This class focuses on the role of a mother in a foster child’s life. We will define what a mother is and its importance in a child’s life. Participants will gain insight regarding mothering and why this is so important.
FRIDAY, MAY 10, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
CELEBRATING THEIR LIVES
TRAINER: Vern Bradley
Celebrating birthdays, holidays, and other significant moments, like graduation or sporting events, are just one piece of the bigger picture of celebrating life, and in particular, celebrating their life, an experience that many foster kids do not know much about. They tend not to see that their life is worth celebrating. So, the point here is not gifts and presents but birthday cakes and candles. The point is a celebrate and give them that experience that their life is worth a celebration. The celebration is not something to be earned! Participants will explore their notion of only receiving what they deserve. Participants will explore what celebrations mean in their own lives.
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
THEIR STORY: NUMBER ONE INGREDIENT TO HEALING
TRAINER: Vern Bradley
The simplest but most effective way for a child or an adult to heal trauma is to tell their story in ALL its gory details. Telling the story and perhaps even writing the story on the computer with pictures and music added is one of the simplest ways to move trauma into our memory so that we know the trauma is OVER. So come to this training to learn how to walk our children or teens through this marvelous healing process. It may open the door for us to heal our trauma! Participants will learn how our brain processes and protects us from trauma. Participants will learn how a narrative can shift the brain’s protective shield now that the trauma is over.
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
BUT I THOUGHT THERAPY WAS FOR CRAZY FOLKS!
TRAINER: Wanda Cooper
There are many stigmas associated with mental health therapy. What is mental health therapy? Does it work? How do you develop and maintain a good, healthy relationship with your child’s therapist? It is important to help children feel comfortable about therapy. In this class, we will discuss how therapy can be used to help discuss the underlying issues that impact the behaviors of children.
THURSDAY, MAY 16, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN
TRAINER: Wanda Cooper
All children have needs. Child Development refers to the biological, psychological, and emotional changes that take place between birth, the end of adolescence, and through adulthood. In this class, we will take a look at child development and its stages to understand the social, cognitive, emotional, and educational development of children like skills.
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
TRANSFORMING THEIR STORIES WITH OUR EARS
TRAINER: Vern Bradley
Perhaps the stories are just too gory, or there is a lot of sexual content that we just don’t want to hear. Maybe we cannot believe that their parents or family members would treat them so abusively, so we end up protecting these folks by keeping the stories off the record. Maybe we haven’t told our own story yet, so listening to theirs, triggers too much emotion for us. Whatever the reason, come to this training to learn how to leap over these hurdles and LISTEN! Participants will fearlessly explore their resistance to listening to their stories. Participants will fearlessly imagine what will happen to them when they begin listening with both ears and heart.
SATURDAY, MAY 18, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
IDENTITY AND INCLUSION
TRAINER: Eric Thornton
Foster-age children and youth (especially LGTBQ+ have a hard time finding their true identity. In some instances, these children run away from their placements, only to turn to drugs, prostitution, and other means; just to survive. Participants will learn skills that will help develop empathetic thought patterns, as well as "language and terminology" that will assist children in "feeling included."
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
WHY ARE WE AFRAID TO SPOIL A CHILD?
TRAINER: Vern Bradley
We might want to ask yet another question or two, like when is it possible to spoil a child and is there a time that it is okay to “spoil” a child? These are all critical questions, and we must know the answers to do a “bang-up” job walking our kids through the various developmental stages. This training will set up some roadmaps for ourselves. Participants will learn the needs associated with the four stages of development from birth to 12 years old. Participants will explore their childhood to discover if there are any roadblocks to meeting children’s needs during these developmental stages.
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
DO YOU HAVE A SECRET? - FOSTER CHILDREN AND CHILD ABUSE
TRAINER: Wanda Cooper
This class will focus on how to help parents and children in transracial homes learn how to thrive in and celebrate their bicultural family; and for children to gain a strong sense of racial identity and cultural connections. All foster children whether in a transracial placement or not worry, “Will I be accepted in this home, even if I am from a different (“biological family?”) Children in transracial homes also worry, “Will I be accepted even if I’m from a different Race?” Are you doing enough to help the child in your home of a different race to feel a sense of belonging? Are you helping them to feel connected with his/her culture, and racial roots? How can you prepare them for impending racial discrimination? What can you do to make this happen? Participants will learn ways to help children communicate regarding good secrets and those necessary to disclose.
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
MY MOUTH IS A VOLCANO!
TRAINER: Wanda Cooper
Teaching children how to manage their thoughts and words without interrupting can be quite challenging. We will discuss how to take an empathetic approach to the habit of interrupting and how to teach children a witty technique to help them manage their rambunctious thoughts and words. We will read and discuss the children’s book, “My Mouth Is a Volcano” by Carrie Hartmen. Caregivers will leave this class with a clear understanding of Panic Dis Orders, Separation Disorders, and Agoraphobia in Children and Adolescents.
FRIDAY, MAY 24, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
WE MUST LOOK AT OURSELVES FIRST BEFORE WE CAN WALK THEM THROUGH THEIR ADDICTIONS
TRAINER: Vern Bradley
It is painful for us to look at our addictions. Much easier to focus on the kids’ addictions. But we have to dig up the courage and humility to do so. And for one reason, so that we will know the road to recovery, the same road down which we want to take our kids. Participants will have an opportunity to assess and explore their addictive behaviors. Participants will have an opportunity to explore options for addressing and healing their addictive behaviors.
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
FAMILY THERAPY BEGINS A POWERFUL HEALING
TRAINER: Vern Bradley
When your kids are referred to therapy, insist that the therapist provide family therapy for the entire foster family with whom the foster kids live twenty-four hours a day. The family then becomes a powerful resource for ALL including ourselves and any other foster children under our care. And always remember that our role is not that of the tattler. We are a participant working on our healing. Participants will learn the function of family therapy and its advantages over individual therapy.
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
HELPING CAREGIVERS AND THEIR CHILDREN COPE WITH BIO-PARENTS WHO ARE DEALING WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE
TRAINER: Wanda Cooper
Many children who are in foster placement have experienced living with parents who have substance abuse issues. These issues do not go away just because they have been removed from the home. These experiences are often very traumatic for the children as they have witnessed their parents’ substance abuse. How should this be discussed with the children? Should it be discussed? How much information should we disclose about their parent’s substance abuse? How should this be done effectively? The participant will learn ways to help their children to cope with bio-parents who have substance abuse issues.
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
MELTDOWNS & TANTRUMS
TRAINER: Wanda Cooper
Many children have temper tantrums and meltdowns? Is there a difference? What are the causes? What should a parent do when this happens? In this class we will look at the difference between a temper tantrum and a meltdown. We will also discuss the causes, how to understand them, and how to manage them. how to manage them.
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
OUR BIGGEST STUMBLING BLOCK: OUR NEED FOR RESPECT AND APPRECIATION
TRAINER: Vern Bradley
Yes, our need for respect and appreciation is our biggest stumbling block. Do you know what it is? Yes, our need for respect and appreciation. Why do we come to the relationship with the kids we love and serve needing respect and appreciation when our common sense tells us that they don’t have it to give to us? Why is our need for respect and appreciation not fully met when we observe ourselves talk to ourselves or in our relationships with adults? Questions for a lively discussion and exploration in this training! Participants will explore their expectations of receiving respect and appreciation from their foster kids, why respect and appreciation for themselves are not enough, and look at options for getting them met in adult relationships.
MONDAY, JUNE 3, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
TRAINER: Dan Crain
Our society comprises a multitude of ethnicities, religions, races, and sexual orientations. This diversity extends into the system of care for foster children and the many varied resource families in which these children reside. Caregivers need to be ever vigilant they are aware of how their children fit into their family, school, and community. Churchgoing, food interests, dress/attire, and music all play a part in how children interact with their resource families. This class makes caregivers aware of an evolving foster child culture and how caregivers need to become more competent and sensitive to that culture.
TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
LISTENING IS OUR BEST TOOL
TRAINER: Vern Bradley
Why, when a crisis begins to calm down, do we feel compelled to throw in two more cents and get in the last word? And the crisis will escalate once again. In this training, we will look at specific ways to listen, and then we will practice those tools. It’s fun to do! And powerful! Participants will learn and practice simple but powerful listening tools. Participants will practice via role play typical scenarios where we do not listen.
TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
KIDS NEED TO BE SAFE
TRAINER: Wanda Cooper
Children need safe places to live, and safe places to play. Especially in foster care. In this class, we will discuss how to help children to prepare for, understand and accept foster care. We will read and discuss the children’s book, “Kids Need To Be Safe” by Julie Nelson. Participants will learn to help children to accept foster care and how to be safe.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
HOW THE SYSTEM OF CARE WORKS FOR FAMILIES AND CHILDREN
TRAINER: Dan Crain
Many social service, educational, and behavioral intervention agencies deal with assisting foster care, adopted, kinship care, and group home children and their families. Social workers, teachers, counselors, and the courts all have roles in working with children. These children who have been exposed to abuse and neglect are exceedingly needy. Resource families, an integral part of this system, may sometimes DOUBT that it WORKS for the children. This class explores how these entities constitute the 'system of care' whose sole purpose is to make these battered children as 'whole' as possible.
THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
SEPARATION DISORDERS AND AGORAPHOBIA IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
TRAINER: Wanda Cooper
This class defines panic disorders, separation anxiety disorder, and agoraphobia. Caregivers gain knowledge of the signs and symptoms, causes, behavior interventions, treatment, and medications. We will discuss what to expect and how to work with children and adolescents who are diagnosed with one of these disorders. Caregivers will leave this class with a clear understanding of these disorders.
FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
SEEING MYSELF AS A TEAM PLAYER EVEN WHEN I AM NOT ACKNOWLEDGED AS ONE
TRAINER: Vern Bradley
We must see ourselves as equally intelligent, equally competent, and even as equally educated as the other professionals with whom we interact. For example, when a doctor prescribes medication for us or one of our kids, we ask what the side effects are, and when we get home, we go online and search for ourselves. When we attend an IEP meeting, we want to ask lots of questions about what is on that educational plan. It is no longer acceptable to see ourselves as followers. We are members of a team and have LOTS to contribute. Participants will learn to see themselves as intelligent competent and educated. Participants will explore what it is that keeps them from seeing themselves in this manner.
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
CHANGE BEGINS WHERE? IN OUR IMAGINATION
TRAINER: Vern Bradley
The kids (or adults) whom we want to change are defenseless against our imagination! Our imagining change, then looking for the change, and then recognizing the change we want, are all steps in a powerful process known as ENVISIONING. Come to training to learn to ENVISION. Envisioning also works to change our own lives. It is how athletes become successful! Participants will learn to imagine in detail the change they want to see in both themselves and others. Participants will explore the barriers to using their imagination to bring about change.
FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
THE BIGGIES: RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
TRAINER: Vern Bradley
We can argue and fight over a thousand different ways to parent. But here is the bottom line: are we holding our kids responsible and accountable for their lives and their behavior? Well, one more question. Are we models of accountability and responsibility? Or do our kids hear us blaming everyone and everything? Participants will work together to come to a consensus about what responsibility and accountability look like. Participants will then explore whether or not their particular parent style is accomplishing that goal.
TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
A POWERFUL AND SIMPLE MEDICINE
TRAINER: Vern Bradley
AVOID saying things like: “I am sure your parents loved you....she/he is your mom/dad no matter how badly they treated you....” It is not our job to protect their families or to attack them. Our kids need US to JUST LISTEN. In the training, we will brainstorm very specific sentences and words to use to support our kids in making some sense of their emotionally and often physically painful experiences with family. Participants will learn to identify and sort out their need to be loyal to their foster kids’ birth parents. Participants will learn very specific dialogues that will allow their foster kids to say whatever it is they need to say about their experience with family.
FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
THEIR LIVES, LIKE OURS, HAVE ENDINGS
TRAINER: Vern Bradley
Endings occur every day! Maybe that’s why we have difficulty going to sleep at times! The kids we serve have experienced endings ad infinitum. As human beings, when we do not learn how to weave the experience of an ending into the fabric of our lives, we tend to stop living in the present moment, and we remain stuck in the past. So come to this “ending” and learn for ourselves how to incorporate endings so we can pass that important skill on to the kids we serve. Participants will assess to the extent they dismiss or deal with endings in their own lives, have the opportunity to reassess their style of dealing with endings, and brainstorm ways to support kids weaving endings into their lives.
