Caregiver Workshops and Educator Professional Development

A love of reading begins at home, and so do the critical cognitive and language-based skills that support reading. This talk, aimed at caregivers of children in kindergarten through elementary school, will discuss ways that families can promote early reading skills and motivation in their young children through exposure to books, integration of technology, and simple games and activities that can be done at home.

Please note: Intended audience is families with students in grades K – 5, with a focus on K – 2.

Date: Wednesday, January 18^th
Time: 5:00pm-6:00pm EST / 2:00pm-3:00pm PST

One in four children in the U.S. experiences at least one major trauma before age 16. Many children also live with ongoing chronic stressors, like homelessness and the pervasive effects of systemic racism. This talk will provide an overview of childhood traumatic stress. It will explain how to identify typical and atypical responses to stress and trauma in your child, how to effectively respond to children who are struggling, and when to seek treatment.

Please note: Intended audience is families with students in grades K – 12.

Date: Tuesday, January 24^th
Time: 5:00pm-6:00pm EST / 2:00pm-3:00pm PST

All teenagers display some degree of moodiness, but sometimes, anger and irritability can be signs of depression. This talk will discuss common symptoms of depression and help caregivers determine when they should consider seeking help for their adolescent. This presentation will also cover different treatment approaches and how families and schools can collaborate to best support adolescents.

Please note: Intended audience is families with students in grades 6 – 12.

Date: Thursday, January 26^th
Time: 5:00pm-6:00pm EST / 2:00pm-3:00pm PST

For many caregivers and educators, ADHD is a diagnosis fraught with stigma and confusion. This workshop is aimed at clearing up some of the misconceptions while helping participants to understand what they need to know about ADHD. The workshop leader will also address how to best support children who have difficulties with attention and behavior, providing practical strategies to utilize their strengths, manage symptoms at school or at home, and build skills for the future.

Please note: Intended audience is families with students in grades K – 5.

Date: Tuesday, January 17^th
Time: 3:00pm-4:00pm EST / 12:00pm-1:00pm PST

Many educators are familiar with the term dyslexia, but what exactly does it mean and how is it different from other disorders that affect reading and achievement? This talk will provide an overview of the neurobiology of reading and dyslexia and discuss evidence-based interventions and accommodations.

Please note: Intended audience is educators with students in grades K – 8

Date: Wednesday, January 25^th
Time: 4:00pm-5:00pm EST / 1:00pm-2:00pm PST