See How They Grow: Building Brains & Bodies

A ZERO to THREE Professional Development Training Program and Curriculum for Early Learning Professionals: For Dayhome, daycare and preschool educators, directors and managers and early learning care professionals. All early learning educators and professionals are welcome to register.

🧠 UNIT 1: The Growing Brain – The Basics Developed by ZERO to THREE Discover how young children build their brains—every single day!
In this foundational session, we’ll explore how everyday experiences with parents and caregivers shape brain development - from birth to age 5:

✔️ Learn how brain connections are formed through everyday interactions and experiences.
✔️ Be introduced to how different regions of the brain—responsible for senses, emotions, memory, thinking, and planning—become interconnected and develop from the "bottom-up" and "back to front"
✔️ Discuss how this knowledge can change how we understand and respond to challenging behaviors in young children.
✔️ Explore how this promotes healthy attachment, encourages creative exploration, and fosters problem-solving and thinking skills.

🧠 UNIT 2: Factors Affecting Brain Growth and Development - Focuses on the key factors that affect brain development. Learning Objectives:

• Describe and learn strategies supporting healthy brain development
• Understand how stress affects brain development
• Discuss what secure and insecure attachment may look like
• Learn about -the 5 R's – strategies developed by Zero to Three supporting healthy brain development

This session helps educators and caregivers see challenging behavior through the lens of brain development—offering practical approaches to build stronger relationships, promote early brain growth and development, and support every child’s potential.

Facilitated by Susanne Harach-Vatne a ZERO to THREE – Certified Growing Brain Trainer – Birth to Age 5, and ZERO to THREE Certified Critical Competencies Trainer for Infant & Toddler Educators

It is recommeneded to complete Unit 1, before completing either of the other Growing Brain Units 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Please call Susanne, Founder to request private offerings - online or onsite. 403.589.5473 or seehowtheygrow.ca@gmail.com

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DATES: JulY 31st , 2026 FRIDAY

TIME: 9:00 AM Workshiop START and 3PM Workshop FINISH

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. This class is supported by participant handouts and resources developed by ZERO to THREE.

Learn about early brain growth & develop and what this looks like as the ages & stages of developing milestones and how we can promote the mental well-being and resiliency of children from birth to 5.

An introduction to early brain development that helps us to recognize the meaning behind what a child cues and communicates through their behaviors. And, understand how when children feel safe and secure - the brain becomes ready to learn and explore.

THE ZERO to THREE Growing Brain training program is built on professional criteria and is cross walked with: The Center for the Study of Social Policy Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework, and The National Association for the Education of Young Children's (NAEYC) Standard for Early Childhood Preparation and other professional criteria. This program aligns with the Alberta Ministry of Children Services: "Well-being and Resiliency: Framework for Supporting Safe and Health Children and Families."

With learning sessions provided by PD Trainer Susanne Harach-Vatne, participants are connected to additional evidence-based resources including: The Alberta Health Services "Healthy Parents Health Children - The Early Years" provincial resource, “AHS Talk Box”, “Infant & Early Mental Health Promotion”, “AFWI - How Brains Are Built" resources and videos, "AFWI Brain Story Certification", “Parachute Canada-Injury Prevention”, “The Developing Child Harvard”, “Public Health Canada - Resources for Parents & Support”, "Canadian Pediatric Society - Caring for Kids, and more.