Advanced Understanding of Early Childhood Mental Health

Course code:25-SS-210
Dates:January 27 - May 12, 2025 Alternate Course Dates
Meets:M from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM, 16 sessions
Hours:24.00
CEUs:2.40
Location:Live Online via Zoom
Instructor:Anjali Ferguson
Fee: $599.00Fee Breakdown

Description

This course explores early childhood mental health through a comprehensive and integrative examination of theoretical frameworks (attachment, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, and liberation psychology), assessment methods (introduction to developmental assessment tools such as the Bayley Infant Scales, MCHAT, and Differential Abilities Scales), and intervention strategies (nondirective play, sand tray therapy, Circle of Security Parenting, Parent-Child Interactive Therapy (PCIT and PC-CARE), and Parent Management Training). Students will study various theoretical perspectives, gain practical skills in assessment and intervention, and apply trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches (Cultural Values Assessment and Hardy’s 8 steps to heal racial trauma). Emphasis will be placed on integrating theory with practice to support optimal mental health outcomes for young children.

Course Objectives:

  1. Understand and articulate key concepts from major early childhood theories.
  2. Apply theoretical knowledge to practical interventions with children and families.
  3. Gain familiarity with assessment tools and their application in early childhood.
  4. Integrate trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices into early childhood care.
  5. Critically analyze contemporary and landmark research, and utilize diverse media resources for continued learning.

This noncredit training course is designed for professionals working in early childhood education, mental health services, social work, counseling, and related fields who are seeking to deepen their knowledge of early childhood mental health. This course is particularly beneficial for practitioners looking to enhance their skills in assessment and intervention with young children and families, as well as for those who want to incorporate trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices into their work.

Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion, a Digital Badge; and for an additional fee can obtain Continuing Education Units (CEUs).


Notes

Instructor: Anjali Ferguson, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist with expertise in trauma-informed, culturally responsive care and parenting. She is an author, and global resource on social equity and racial trauma. In addition to consulting with organizations of all sizes, Dr. Ferguson's expertise is lent to outlets like Today, Romper, Parents Magazine, Psych Central, and ongoing published medical journals and studies.
Dr. Ferguson's practice has focused on identifying avenues of care for under-resourced and marginalized communities in efforts to reduce barriers to appropriate interventions and alter systems to better meet community needs
Location
All sessions will be held live online via Zoom meetings.

Attendance and Participation
You are required to have your camera on during these sessions to allow for verified engagement. VCU expects that students limit outside distractions, remain in one location for the duration of the session (no driving/errands), and actively participate in group discussions and activities. Participants must attend the full workshop to receive a certificate of completion.

Workshop Requirements
Participants are expected to attend all sessions, complete assigned reading and materials prior to sessions, participate in reading-based group discussions, and complete a reflection journal and group project.

Digital Course Materials
Participants will have access to course materials through VCU Canvas Catalog.

Certificate
After your facilitator confirms you satisfied the workshop requirements, VCU will send you a link for you to certify your participation and receive your electronic certificate. Your certificate will be immediately available for download and automatically emailed to you.

Continuing Education Units
Participants have the option to earn 2.4 CEUs for completing the 24-hour course. If you would like to earn CEUs, select this option at registration. There is an additional fee of $30.

Cancellation and Refund Policies:
You may cancel your registration up four weeks before the course start date and receive a full refund minus a $35 credit card processing fee. After that date, no refunds will be given. Cancellations must be received via email at ocpe@vcu.edu
In the unlikely event that this workshop is cancelled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, the university will fully refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including change or cancellation charges to include but not limited to airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.

Transfer Policy:
Workshop registrations may be transferred to a different workshop or person if requested in writing via email at ocpe@vcu.edu by the cancellation deadline. The participant must meet all prerequisites or qualifications required by the program.
Student/Participant Conduct:
Participants are subject to all university policies applicable to students, unless a specific university or VCU Continuing and Professional Education policy explicitly states otherwise. University policies governing students are available at https://vcu.public.doctract.com including:
Student Code of Conduct
Honor System and Standards of Academic Conduct
Preventing and Responding to Discrimination
Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy-Interim
Sex-Based Misconduct Policy-Interim
For Academic Accommodations, please visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/courses/policies.html#accommodations

There are still openings remaining at this time.

OR
Email Information to Friend Print

Students

Instructor

Course Search