Curriculum Goals

The Early Childhood Training Program

The Early Childhood Training Program consists of six training modules designed to increase understanding of development in children birth through five years of age. The modules apply this information specifically to children who enter the Los Angeles County Dependency Court due to allegations of abuse and/or neglect.

The six modules combine both online and face-to-face teaching and learning methods. Modules 1, 3, 5, focus on developing a better understanding of concepts related to children birth through five years of age. They are designed to be completed online. Modules 2, 4, 6 are provided in a face-to-face workshop format and focus on expanding understanding of more advanced topics and practical application of concepts learned from training modules 1, 3, and 5. Additionally, at the end of each training module, there is a list of further readings and resources to enhance understanding of core concepts.

The six training modules topics & titles:

Module 1: Introduction to Development in Children Birth Through Five Years

Module 2: Understanding Development in the Context of Relationships

Module 3: Psychological, Biological, and Environmental Factors Impacting Development

Module 4: Collaborating with Community Systems for Children Birth Through Five Years

Module 5: Observation and Screening

Module 6: Reporting

Program Goals

After completing the six modules, participants are expected to gain an overall understanding of early childhood development and the factors that influence developmental outcomes. The modules also address how CASA/LA volunteers and court and community stakeholders can support and advocate for the unique needs and treatment of young children who are in the court and welfare system.

CASA/LA volunteers and court and community stakeholders will have the essential information to advocate effectively on behalf of young children from birth through five years of age, and will:

1. Know the cognitive, social, and emotional processes underlying children’s growth, and the importance of nurturing, positive, and responsive primary relationships. This allows CASAs to conduct an objective examination of children’s needs and advocate for their best interests.

2. Identify family systems and the importance of relationships between children and parent/caregivers for healthy development. This enables CASAs to adequately support children, identify resources to facilitate permanency, and to monitor children’s environments and relationships.

3. Understand the psychological, biological, and environmental risk factors to healthy development and the appropriate support needed as a result of trauma and chronic stress. This shows CASAs the impact of maltreatment, abuse, and neglect on development and identifies the supports children need for their future well-being.

4. Identify the five protective factors against abuse and neglect, as well as coordinate supports and resources that facilitate family preservation and early family reunification or alternative permanency planning. This provides CASAs with knowledge of the appropriate systems, agencies, and programs that children and families need to improve their overall livelihoods.

5. Know how to gather information about children’s development through observation and assessment of children in their natural environments. CASAs are introduced to screening tools including the Parent Evaluation of Developmental Status screener. This gives CASAs tools to document observations in order to present evidence of children’s developmental status in the courts.

6. Communicate, through written reports and court appearances, what children need in order to reach developmental milestones and achieve optimal development. This ensures CASA reports communicate the needs of young children and their developmental needs effectively.

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