FKCE Class Schedule
2026 SPRING
Foster and Kinship Care Education Trainings
SPRING Office Hours
MONDAY - THURSDAY 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
FRIDAY 8:00 am - 2:00pm
Registration for trainings!
Please call 909-384-4457 or 909-294-6913 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.
- The 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
Sumreen Chattha at sumreen.chattha@hss.sbcounty.gov
PLEASE CALL 909-384-4457 OR LUCY AT (909) 294-6913 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 or (909) 294-6913 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 (FKCE Office) 909-294-6913 (Lucy Razo)
CLASES VIRTUALES EN ESPAÑOL
MARTES, ABRIL 21, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
EFECTOS PSICOLOGICOS Y SOCIALES DE LA ADOPCION EN LAS FAMILIAS Y LOS NINOS
ENTRENADORA: LEILA MONTIEL
Esta presentación ofrece un análisis de los efectos psicológicos y sociales de la adopción en los niños y en las familias adoptivas. Examina las etapas emocionales clave, incluyendo el desarrollo del apego, la construcción de identidad y el duelo por la familia biológica. También aborda cómo el trauma temprano, la resiliencia y el entorno familiar influyen en el bienestar emocional del niño. Se exploran los desafíos que enfrentan los padres adoptivos, así como los factores sociales como el estigma, la diversidad familiar y la discriminación. Finalmente, la presentación ofrece estrategias prácticas, recursos profesionales y ejemplos de resiliencia para fortalecer la identidad del niño y promover vínculos familiares saludables.
SABADO, ABRIL 25, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
QUE ES INTIMIDA EN LAS ESCUELAS?
ENTRENADOR: JORGE RAZO
Este curso describe varias técnicas que los cuidadores de crianza deben ser conscientes de la realidad sobre la intimidación con los jóvenes en las escuelas. Los participantes identificarán y definir distintas técnicas interactivas para ayudar a fomentar la juventud, reconocer qué hacer para prevenir el acoso se en el entorno escolar. Los participantes también colaborará en el juego de roles para ayudar mejor ayudar a los jóvenes a reconocer los signos de la intimidación.
MARTES, ABRIL 28, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
NUTRICION Y SALUD MENTAL
ENTRENADORA: LEILA MONTIEL
La presentación "Nutrición y Salud Mental " explora cómo una alimentación equilibrada influye en el bienestar psicológico de los niños en acogida. Destaca la importancia de una dieta adecuada para el desarrollo cognitivo y emocional, y analiza los desafíos nutricionales y emocionales que enfrentan estos menores. Además, ofrece estrategias prácticas para cuidadores y profesionales, con el fin de mejorar la salud integral de los niños en el sistema de crianza.
SABADO, MAYO 2, 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.
MARTES, MAYO 5, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
ASISTENCIA CON LA AUTOADMINISTRACION DE MEDICAMENTOS PSICOTROPICOS
ENTRENADORA: LEILA MONTIEL
Esta classe está diseñada para guiar a cuidadores y profesionales en el proceso de apoyar a los niños en la toma segura de sus medicamentos. Se cubren temas como los tipos de medicamentos psicotrópicos, las condiciones que tratan, la preparación para la autoadministración, los pasos para un uso seguro, y el fomento de habilidades de gestión independiente. También se abordan los desafíos comunes, la comunicación abierta, el manejo de efectos secundarios y los recursos disponibles para cuidadores. La presentación incluye consideraciones culturales y aspectos legales para garantizar una comprensión completa del tema y facilitar una transición segura hacia la autoadministración.
MARTES, MAYO 12, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
COMO AYUDAR A LAS FAMILIAS A MANEJAR EL ESTRES
ENTRENADORA: LEILA MONTIEL
La presentación “Cómo ayudar a las familias a manejar el estrés” ofrece herramientas prácticas y estrategias para identificar, comprender y reducir el estrés familiar. Se analizan las causas comunes del estrés en padres, cuidadores y niños, así como sus manifestaciones emocionales y conductuales. Se proponen técnicas para promover la comunicación, la organización del hogar, el autocuidado y el fortalecimiento del vínculo familiar. También se presentan actividades específicas para ayudar a niños y adolescentes a regular sus emociones. Finalmente, se destaca la importancia del apoyo profesional, comunitario y de la creación de redes de contención, promoviendo una cultura de cuidado familiar y resiliencia.
MARTES, MAYO 19, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
COMO HABLAR CON NINOS EN CRIANZA SOBRE SUS HISTORIAS DE ORIGEN Y SUS FAMILIAS BIOLOGICAS
ENTRENADORA: LEILA MONTIEL
Cómo hablar con niños en crianza sobre sus historias de origen y sus familias biológicas
La presentación aborda cómo hablar con niños en crianza sobre sus historias de origen, destacando la importancia de ofrecer información honesta, clara y apropiada para su desarrollo. Explica que evitar el tema puede causar confusión, ansiedad y problemas de identidad, mientras que una comunicación sensible fortalece la confianza y el bienestar emocional del niño. También guía a cuidadores y profesionales en cómo prepararse, crear un ambiente seguro y responder preguntas difíciles con un enfoque informado en trauma. El contenido subraya que estas conversaciones deben retomarse a lo largo del tiempo, ajustándose a las necesidades y etapa de desarrollo del niño. Finalmente, resalta el papel fundamental del cuidador en apoyar la identidad, manejar emociones complejas y fomentar una narrativa de vida coherente y saludable.
MARTES, MAYO 26, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
El IMPACTO DEL USO DE LAS REDES SOCIALES EN NINOS Y ADOLESCENTE
ENTRENADORA: LEILA MONTIEL
Este taller analiza el impacto del uso de las redes sociales en niños y adolescentes, enfocándose en plataformas como Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, Twitter y YouTube. Se exploran estadísticas clave, los beneficios de cada plataforma, y los riesgos asociados, como problemas de privacidad y efectos en la salud mental. Con un enfoque equilibrado, la presentación destaca la importancia del uso consciente y el papel de los controles parentales para proteger a los jóvenes en estos entornos digitales.
MARTES, JUNIO 2, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
TRAUMA Y RETRASOS EN EL DESARROLLOS
ENTRENADORA: LEILA MONTIEL
La presentación “Trauma y Retrasos en el Desarrollo” explora cómo las experiencias traumáticas afectan el desarrollo infantil en diversas áreas: física, cognitiva, emocional, del lenguaje y social. Se abordan los tipos de trauma, sus manifestaciones según la etapa del desarrollo, y cómo el trauma puede provocar retrasos significativos, especialmente en niños en situaciones de vulnerabilidad como el cuidado temporal. La presentación también revisa los hitos del desarrollo típico, herramientas de evaluación, señales de alerta, y la importancia de una detección temprana. Finalmente, se ofrecen estrategias de intervención centradas en el trauma, el rol del cuidador, apoyos escolares y comunitarios, y recursos para fomentar la resiliencia y la recuperación.
MARTES, JUNIO 9, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
COMPRENDER COMO UTILIZAR LAS MEJORES PRACTICAS PARA BRINDAR CUIDADO Y SUPERVISION A NINOS LGBTQ+
ENTRENADORA: LEILA MONTIEL
Esta clase aborda conceptos básicos de diversidad LGBTQ+, la creación de entornos seguros y afirmativos, el apoyo emocional y psicológico, y estrategias para trabajar con jóvenes transgénero y sus familias. También se incluyen prácticas culturales, manejo de discriminación, fortalecimiento de la resiliencia y recursos disponibles. La presentación enfatiza la importancia de la aceptación, la confidencialidad y el respeto por los derechos de los niños LGBTQ+, proporcionando herramientas para fomentar un cuidado inclusivo y ético.
MARTES, JUNIO 16, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
CULTTIVANDO LA AUTOESTIMA EN NINOS
ENTRENADORA: LEILA MONTIEL
La autoestima es clave en el desarrollo integral de los niños, influyendo en su bienestar emocional, social y académico. La presentación destaca cómo la familia, la escuela, los pares y la comunidad juegan un papel esencial en su construcción. Ofrece estrategias prácticas para el hogar y la escuela, como el uso de lenguaje positivo, el reconocimiento de logros y dinámicas grupales que fomentan la confianza. También identifica señales de una autoestima baja y subraya la importancia de detectarlas a tiempo. Finalmente, resalta el rol de padres, maestros y profesionales como acompañantes en este proceso, e incluye recursos prácticos para fortalecer la autoestima en diferentes contextos
MARTES, JUNIO 23, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
SENSIBILIDAD CULTURAL EN EL CUIDADO DE CRIANZA EN CALIFORNIA
ENTRENADORA: LEILA MONTIEL
Este taller aborda la importancia de la sensibilidad cultural en el sistema de cuidado de crianza en California, destacando la necesidad de respetar y mantener las identidades culturales de los niños bajo cuidado. Se exploran prácticas inclusivas, como el apoyo a la lengua materna, el respeto a las creencias religiosas y la comprensión de las necesidades culturales específicas, además de los marcos legales relevantes, como la Ley de Bienestar Infantil Indígena (ICWA) y la Ley de Colocación Multiétnica (MEPA). También se incluyen recursos y estrategias para ayudar a los cuidadores y profesionales a superar desafíos y fomentar un entorno de crianza inclusivo y culturalmente respetuos.
MARTES, JUNIO 30, 9:00AM – 11:00 AM
LA SALUD SEXUAL Y REPRODUCTIVA
ENTRENADORA: LEILA MONTIEL
La presentación aborda la salud sexual y reproductiva (SSR) en el contexto del cuidado de crianza, destacando la importancia de proporcionar educación y servicios integrales a esta población vulnerable. Se exploran las características y riesgos específicos de los jóvenes en cuidado de crianza, incluidas las altas tasas de embarazo adolescente, ITS y falta de acceso a recursos de SSR. También se analizan las barreras sistémicas, legales y sociales que limitan la atención, así como intervenciones y mejores prácticas para mejorar los resultados de SSR. La presentación concluye con recursos disponibles.
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CLASSES IN ENGLISH ON ZOOM UNLESS MARKED OTHERWISE
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
WHY ARE ATTACHMENT OBJECTS CRITICAL?
TRAINER: VERN BRADLEY
An “attachment object” is just a fancy term for binkies and stuffed animals and the like. You know, those items hanging from your rear-view mirror! We will spend time talking about and sharing our thoughts and beliefs about attachment objects. We will also question our insistence on holding on to ours, but insisting that the kids we love let go of theirs. Yes, we have some redefining and cleaning up to do!
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
LEARNING EVERYTHING WE CAN ABOUT THEIR BRAIN AND OURS
TRAINER: VERN BRADLEY
Many of us do not have a clear understanding of the difference between our thinking and our feelings. So that is the first step. Then we can learn about all five parts of our brain and how they can work together to give us sound thinking and healthy processing of our emotions. And mixed in with all of that, we can learn about our survival brain, how it works, and how it does not. Not complicated, but interesting, fun, and extremely helpful. And then we can begin to recognize what is going on with our kids’ brains and stop taking their attitude and behavior so personally.
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
DEVELOPING TOOLS TO EFFECTIVELY DEAL WITH CRISIS
TRAINER: WANDA COOPER
Have you ever been overwhelmed? Stressed out beyond your normal functioning capacity? Have you experienced panic attacks when your heart races? Children experience these traumas as well. This class focuses on providing information regarding how to effectively help children under your care to deal with these issues and teach them basic crisis management.
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
DEVELOPING A SELF-CONTROL PLAN
TRAINER: WANDA COOPER
Self-control or self-discipline is an important element of one’s personality. One who does not have a disciplined and controlled approach to life can never succeed in this world of heavy competition. Developing self-control requires patient understanding of the current psychological situation of the self. This class describes alternative skills for parents and youth to use in developing a self-control plan. Participants learn how to understand their youth with a self-control plan in place.
FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
FALLING ASLEEP
TRAINER: VERN BRADLEY
How much sleep do we need? What is the impact on our body and on our brain? For some, sleep is a breeze and for others, it is torture and a nightmare! Participants will have the opportunity to talk about sleep, learn just what it is that sleep does for us, and ways to assist ourselves and our kids in falling asleep.
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
MEETING NEEDS CAN BE EASY OR LIKE CLIMBING MOUNT EVEREST
TRAINER: VERN BRADLEY
Taking responsibility for meeting our own personal needs is critical in our work with kids because they are typically very needy and seemingly demanding on us. If we are doing a good job of taking care of our needs, then we can respond to their demands in a way that both meets their needs and helps them develop frustration tolerance without turning to any number of addictive or explosive behaviors. We want to learn just what our needs and theirs are, and we will learn that critical information in our training.
TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
WHAT IS IED?
TRAINER: WANDA COOPER
Intermittent explosive disorder (IED) is the professional diagnosis given to people who have anger issues that directly impact their life, usually at home or at work. These discrete episodes of angry behavior may take many forms — aggressive behavior toward others or property, verbal assault, or physically assaulting another person. The episodes of anger must be grossly out of proportion to any provocation, and are not premeditated or caused by a specific trigger or stressor. In this class, we will discuss Intermittent Explosive Disorder its symptoms, causes, risk factors, risk factors, and complications.
THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
A DIFFERENT HOME…A NEW FOSTER CHILD’S STORY
TRAINER: WANDA COOPER
Suddenly taken without warning from your parents, your pets, your bedroom, your school: everything familiar to you is more than a devastation. This class discusses the traumatic that children can face when thrust into a different home against their will. They have so many questions and often blame themselves. We will discuss these issues and the children’s book by John and Kelly Degarmo “A Different Home..A New Foster Child’s Story”. You will gain insight and new ways to help children cope with living in foster care.
FRIDAY, MAY 1, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
PREPARE KIDS FOR EMANCIPATION AT AGE THREE!
TRAINER: VERN BRADLEY
YES, age three! There is that stage of development when we move from being COUNTER dependent, rebellious, to INDEPENDENT. The skills we learn during this time will plant the healthy and life-giving desire to venture out fifteen years down the road to live successfully on our own. There may be many cultural variations, and we will look at these. But we do not want to mistakenly wait for when? The seeds for living on our own begin to grow NOW!
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
UNDERSTANDING MISS BEHAVIOR
TRAINER: WANDALYN LANE
I am not sure why I was not given this information regarding the behaviors of the children in my home. The children in my home are behaving in ways I do not understand; I needed to get more information about their behavior. Participants will learn the importance of not getting in a power struggle and the anatomy of a power struggle with children, the parent-child cycle, and how to use anger in a positive manner.
SATURDAY, MAY 2, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
FROM AWARENESS TO ADVOCACY: UNDERSTANDING FOSTER YOUTH RIGHTS AS A CAREGIVER
TRAINER: JORGE RAZO
This workshop is designed to empower foster parents with essential knowledge about the fundamental rights of the youth in their care. Understanding these rights not only ensures legal compliance, but also fosters an environment of respect, stability, and emotional support. Through this training, caregivers will learn how to be effective advocates, build trust with youth, and collaborate with agencies and professionals to ensure their rights are upheld and protected. Informed caregiving is key to the well-being and positive development of youth in foster care.
MONDAY, MAY 4, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
HELP MY FOSTER CHILDREN FEEL A PART OF THE FAMILY
TRAINER: WANDALYN LANE
This class explores practical strategies to help foster children develop a sense of belonging and security within their new family environment. Participants will explore how to build "attachment bridges" between a child’s past experiences and their current home, ensuring they feel like a valued, permanent part of the family unit rather than a temporary guest.
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
EXPANDING OUR WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF OUR BRAINS
TRAINER: VERN BRADLEY
WE LITERALLY HAVE FIVE DIFFERENT BRAINS, and we will learn about each one, learn how to communicate with each one, and weave communication between the five brains together. We can become more thoughtful, emotionally aware and overall, neurologically balanced. Once we get it down for ourselves, we will be able to see the identical process in our kids and become much more effective in our interventions and support and care. There will be a huge difference in the way they respond to us.
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
I’LL ALWAYS LOVE MY MAMA…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 her importance in a child’s life. Participants will gain insight regarding mothering and why this is so important.
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
INTERNET SAFETY
TRAINER: WANDA COOPER
This class focuses on simple ways to monitor your child’s internet use and help keep them safe from child pornography and child exploitation. Participants will gain insight regarding Internet Safety and why this is so important
FRIDAY, MAY 8, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
FEELING POWERLESS IS DIFFERENT FROM BEING POWERLESS
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. Like anything, this dance step takes practice! Come to the training and begin practicing.
SATURDAY, MAY 9, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
STRENGTHENING SIBLINGS’ RELATIONSHIPS: A KEY TO BETTER OUTCOMES IN FOSTER CARE
TRAINER: JORGE RAZO
Sibling connections play a crucial role in the emotional well-being and stability of children in foster care. Maintaining and strengthening these bonds provides children with a sense of identity, support, and continuity during times of uncertainty. Research shows that preserving sibling relationships can reduce trauma, improve behavioral outcomes, and enhance overall resilience. This training highlights effective strategies to promote sibling connections, emphasizing their vital role in creating a more positive and stable foster care experience for children and families.
SATURDAY, MAY 9, 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 own behavior. Participants will learn positive communication skills, polite requests, ‘I messages’ and firm reminders, and will learn the responsibility equation and logical and natural consequences.
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
A PROFESSIONAL AND WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SOCIAL WORKER
TRAINER: VERN BRADLEY
The key here is that we accept nothing less from ourselves or the social worker than a professional and working relationship. It is critical that we and the social workers work together as a team. It becomes challenging when the social worker insists upon playing a boss role. We can preclude this happening by letting the social work know who we are right from the very start. One simple way to do this is by having a standard set of questions that we ask prior to placement. The questions let the social workers know that we know our work and have a clearly defined structure with limits and lots of room for everyone to be successful both adults and kids. The system does not always support the foster parent in such a role, and that is something we can look at and work on during the training, so we become steadfast in how we see ourselves as foster parents in relationship to the system.
TUESDAY, MAY 12, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
(RFA) UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORTING LGBTQ FOSTER YOUTH
TRAINER: WANDA COOPER
This class focuses on understanding LGBTQ youth. We will discuss the terminology, definitions about the LGBTQ population. This class is not intended to change your personal, religious beliefs or values on this topic but to educate you. The goal is to provide effective tools so that you can better serve this population.
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
WHEN FOSTER CHILDREN GET ADOPTED
TRAINER: WANDALYN LANE
This class focuses on the emotional and practical transition that occurs when a child moves from foster care to a permanent adoptive home. Participants will explore how to manage the "Gradual Weaning" process to ensure a stable move and learn how to honor a child's unique history while building a future together. The class provides caregivers with tools to navigate the "Nesting Phase" and validate the child's complex feelings during this significant life change.
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 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? In addition, they may be unaware of replaying family patterns of domestic violence in those relationships.
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
TURNING DREANS INTO DEGREES: “EDUCATION COURSE 2: SUPPORTING SUCCESSFUL TRANSITIONS FROM HIGH SCHOOL”
TRAINER: JORGE RAZO
The training will explain the benefits of post-secondary education: Identify resources to help students explore their career interests and higher education options; Describe key educational planning milestones between 11th and 12th grade; Explain key steps and resources for applying for college and financial aid; Describes specific resources, benefits and support available to help foster youth achieve their postsecondary educational goals.
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
ARE LGBTQ TEENS REALLY DIFFERENT?
TRAINER: VERN BRADLEY
We can offer teens or younger children with another than straight sexual orientation the exact same “offerings” we have for every other foster child: a welcoming, an unconditional love and 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.
TUESDAY, MAY 19, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PRUDENT PARENTING
TRAINER: WANDA COOPER
This class addresses what Prudent Parent is and what caregivers must know about it.Participants will learn what Prudent Parenting is and their responsibilities are and how to make reasonable decisions involving children under their care.
THURSDAY, MAY 21, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
TODAY I FEEL SILLY AND OTHER MOODS THAT MAKE MY DAY
TRAINER: WANDA COOPER
This class focuses on the importance of laughter, when laughter is appropriate, and its benefits. Participants will learn how to build laughter into their lives as well as children under their care. We will also discuss the children’s book by Jamie Lee Curtis, “Today I Feel Silly”…
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 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 celebrating their life, an experience foster kids do not know much about. They tend not to see their life as worth celebrating and we can add to that missing piece by tying presents and gifts to their behavior and what they have earned. In this training, we will learn how to give them an experience of celebrating their life because their life is, indeed, worth celebrating no matter how awful their behavior might be. That is a tough one for most of us!
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
THE SIMPLEST WAY TO HEAL TRAUMA
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 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. Participants will learn how to walk our children or teens through this marvelous healing process. It may open the door for us to heal our own trauma!
THURSDAY, MAY 28, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAY FOR ADULTS
TRAINER: WANDA COOPER
Children communicate through play. What better way for them to be develop, interact, and connect? Why is it difficult for adults to play? Do we outgrow play? Participants in this workshop will have an opportunity to participate in play activities and will be provided with tools and techniques to use in developing that will help them to learn the importance of play as an adult.
FRIDAY, MAY 29, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
OUR GIFT: OUR HEART AND OUR EARS
TRAINER: VERN BRADLEY
The stories are just too gory, or the information contains sexual content that we just do not want to hear. We cannot believe that their own parents or family members would treat them so abusively, so we end up protecting these folks by keeping the stories “off the record.” We have not told our own story yet, so listening to them triggers too much emotion for us. Whatever the reason, come to this training to learn how to leap over these hurdles and LISTEN!
MONDAY, JUNE 1, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
FOSTER CHILDREN WILL THRIVE AND DEVELOP
TRAINER: WANDALYN LANE
This class provides a research-informed, reflective look at how foster and kinship parents can help children overcome adverse life experiences and achieve their full potential. Participants will explore practical, trauma-responsive strategies designed to help children in the child welfare system develop, recover, and thrive despite past challenges.
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
ADDICTIONS: THEIRS AND OURS!
TRAINER: VERN BRADLEY
It is painful for us to look at our own addictions. It is much easier to focus on kids’ addictions. But we have to dig up 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.
TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
MELTDOWNS AND 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.
THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
AGGRESSIVE AND ANGRY BEHAVIORS
TRAINER: WANDA COOPER
Aggression and anger are quite normal during the process of growing up. A certain amount of aggression may not be so terrible. If a child grows up without them, she/he may not be able to defend herself/himself. When aggression and anger are uncontrolled the problems start. In this class we will look at aggression and anger, the relationship between the two and how we can help children to have a healthy balance with aggression and anger.
FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 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 nor to attack them. Our kids need US to JUST LISTEN. In the training, we will brainstorm extremely specific sentences and words to use to support our kids by making some sense of their emotional and often physically painful experiences with family.
SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
BUILDING COURAGE & SELF-ESTEEN
TRAINER: WANDALYN LANE
I have a loving and supportive home, 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). Participants will learn the importance of developing character and self-esteem, understand consequences as a means of discipline and character-development, and learn what Values Collisions are and how to handle them.
MONDAY, JUNE 8, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
TEACHING FOSTER CHILDREN TO HAVE FUN
TRAINER: WANDALYN LANE
This course explores the vital role of play and leisure in a foster child's emotional and social development. Participants will learn how to introduce and encourage fun, age-appropriate activities that foster a sense of joy, normalcy, and belonging. The session focuses on helping caregivers use play as a tool for building healthy attachments and teaching children how to enjoy positive, carefree experiences.
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
OUR BRAIN IS DESIGNED TO SAY YES, NO, AND HELP!
TRAINER: VERN BRADLEY
We will learn that our yes brain is characteristically open, flexible, conscious, creative, and desires connection. It is the key when it comes to relationships and just plain living. And yes, there is also a No brain which, on the other hand, tends to be defensive, angry, and focused solely on survival even when survival is not an issue. Yes, we want to learn to switch back and forth and model that skill for our kids.
FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
WHAT IF WE SEE OUR KIDS AS NORMAL?
TRAINER: VERN BRADLEY
If we see our kids as problematic and disturbed, then it takes us off the hook. It is almost okay that we do not know how to parent effectively. They are beyond anyone’s help! However, if we see the kids and their behavior as normal, then we must step back and begin looking at all our over-the-top emotional reactions. What are they telling us about OURSELVES? In this training, we can make radical internal changes which will result in our parents’ skills taking on quite distinctive looks with quite different results. And we can stop seeing our kids through labels that used for mental health providers to get paid!
TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
WHY DO WE GET SO CRAZY ABOUT LYING AND STEALING?
TRAINER: VERN BRADLEY
We really must laugh at ourselves at how crazy we get about lying and stealing. Yes, of course, we want to bring an end to those behaviors, but unbelievably, our response to those behaviors only increases frequency and we tend to model socially acceptable lying and stealing!
