Module 2

We know that the period of prenatal development until children are 5 years old is a unique time of development. During this time, children are the most vulnerable, as well as the most adaptable and adult decisions made for them can do the most good and the most harm. Infants and toddlers are especially vulnerable to the effects of abuse and neglect. They are also profoundly affected by removal, absence of or abuse by their parents and/or other caregivers. Unfortunately, not all of our decisions as adults have been good and that can be hard fact to swallow, but knowing where we may be failing children is the only way we can make things better.

The summary from the Neurons to Neighborhoods study that you read about in Module 1 is comprehensive and evidence based. While it is possible to implement the recommendations it may not always be easy to address all of the complex issues that children need us to be thinking about to keep them from harm and protect their developmental outcomes.

As CASAs and stakeholders interested in children’s rights and needs, you have many things to keep in mind and have complex situations to assess.

In this module we will look closely at what makes these children so vulnerable and will use a developmental perspective to understand why and how responsive, consistent, contingent, loving relationships pave the way for secure relationships and help build resilience children.

Learning Objectives

After completing Module 2, CASAs will be able to:

• Understand how the interaction between child and parent/caregiver impact the child’s early brain development

• Define and identify attachment patterns

• Know how attachment patterns can support or hinder a child’s development

• Recognize the importance of the development of self-regulation

>>Begin Module 2>>