Equitable and Inclusive Boards – Canadian Equality Consulting

This is a great program to sign up and complete either as a Board together, or individually. If you complete it together as a Board, you can purchase an add-on for a CEC expert facilitator to lead debrief/discussion sessions with your Board live online or in-person at key points in the program.

To register: CEC - EIB

Equitable and Inclusive Leadership Certification – Canadian Equality Consulting

The curriculum has four courses including advanced DEI fundamentals, privilege, oppression, and biases, inclusive and equitable leadership, and allyship and organizational transformation. Sign up now.

To register: CEC - EILC

Traumatic Event Systems (TES) Training – Center for Trauma Informed Practices

“The Traumatic Event Systems Model is a model that is meant to understand the human systems response to trauma…so it is a model that is applied to both the early, initial response to tragedy, that is also meant to support all levels of the human system – so students, staff, parents and caregivers, in a school based response, or workers and their families in an organizational response – and also address the issue of traumatic aftermath." – J. Kevin Cameron, Executive Director, NACTATR (now CTIP)

The Traumatic Event Systems (TES) Model enhances traditional crisis response practice by providing leaders and professionals with the tools they need to prepare, intervene, and support individuals and communities through the complex and sometimes, lasting effects of trauma.

With the advent of media and social media, we’ve seen how a natural response to trauma can be intensified and amplified far beyond the initial impact zone, needlessly building anger and anxiety within communities. Until recently, the majority of trauma research has focused on the linear impact to the individual; however, the TES Model aims to identify and prevent traumatic events that continuously affect multiple human systems (e.g., families, schools, communities, states, provinces and territories) that may even be located hundreds to thousands of miles away from where the initial trauma occurred.

The TES Model focuses on four phases of assessment and intervention, with necessary distinctions for schools, worksites, and entire communities:

Children and Youth Focus

• Phase I: Initial Response: Child and Youth System (e.g., schools, sports teams, clubs or church youth groups, etc.)

• Phase II: Comprehensive Strategic Assessment: Adult Systems (e.g., teachers, coaches, support workers, etc.)

• Phase III: Community Intervention: Parent & Family System

• Phase IV: Traumatic Aftermath: Preparing for the Process of Recovery

Workplace Focus

• Phase I: Initial Response: Frontline Staff in the Workplace

• Phase II: Comprehensive Strategic Assessment: Adult Systems (e.g., managers & leaders, affiliates, etc.)

• Phase III: Community Intervention: Spouse/Partner & Family System

• Phase IV: Traumatic Aftermath: Preparing for the Process of Recovery

High-Impact Crises or High-Profile Traumatic Events:

• Combination of the above

To register: CTIP - TES

Violence Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) Training – Center for Trauma Informed Practices

“What VTRA provides is the tool to identify, to develop the database, and to provide an assessment between someone who is talking about violence versus one who is actually becoming operational.” – Dr. Tony Beliz, fmr. Deputy Director, LA County Mental Health Emergency Outreach Bureau

The 10th edition of the ‘National Training VTRA Protocol’ is a practical approach to building teams that can monitor, assess, intervene against, and prevent violence within a community.

VTRA Training instills the perspective that serious violence is an evolutionary process, meaning that pre-incident data is often available to help proactively identify and prevent the occurrence; put simply, VTRA implies that nobody “just snaps”.

The three stages of the VTRA framework are:

• Stage One – Initial data collection and immediate interventions

• Stage Two – Risk evaluation for moderate-to-high-risk situations

• Stage Three – Data-driven and trauma-informed interventions

During VTRA training, typically 60 to 80 participants are led through hands-on situations using real-world examples and actual case studies. The outcome of the training is a team that shares a set of coordinated and unified actions, a common language and concepts, and a mutual vision for success.

The VTRA framework builds rapid communication between functional, multidisciplinary and multiagency teams to quickly assess threat levels and determine appropriate interventions. Because VTRA addresses all forms of violence, the team composition can have permanent members and ad hoc members who are utilized when their areas of specialization are required. This can include Education, Human Resources (HR), Management, Social Work Agencies, Community Mental Health Workers, Police, Hospitals, Probation/Parole, and other professionals.

Through regular touchpoints, software, and resources, CTIP helps our partners implement and sustain VTRA best practices in their communities and networks. Learn more about Outreach, CTIP’s case management and collaboration tool for real-time VTRA data collection, analysis, and intervention strategies.

To register: CTIP - VTRA

Foundation in Trauma Response – Center for Trauma Informed Practices

Whether individuals are victims of trauma or supporting others who are, nothing occurs in a vacuum. There is a story and a reason for “why” behind the complex human reactions to traumatic situations, including the fact that ten people can be exposed to the same traumatic stimuli and yet have ten completely different responses. Unlike other crisis response models, the TES™ Model considers the unique characteristics of the individuals, families, schools, workplaces, or communities we are supporting. We do not assume that every human being or human system functions the same, therefore trauma response should be “measured” to the actual circumstance of those we are supporting. Born out of our experience working in the aftermath of some of North America’s highest-profile traumas, this course is a timely edition for understanding the human response to trauma in individuals, families, and beyond.

• Module 1: Trauma Response Foundation: Early Thinking

• Module 2: Understanding Trauma: Early Research

• Module 3: Media-Generated Trauma

• Module 4: Impact of Trauma on Adults

• Module 5: Impact of Trauma on Children and Youth

• Module 6: Impact of Trauma on Families

CEU: 3 Continuing Education Credits

Credential Type: Badge

Cost: $85 USD / $120 CAD + applicable tax per individual

Time to complete: 3 hours / self-paced learning

Course access: Available for 60 days from date of enrollment

Who should take the course?

The Foundation Courses are customized for the person who has an interest in the fields of threat assessment, trauma response, or family dynamics: including para-professionals, professionals, and those with a general interest in advancing their learning. It is designed to provide learning for those who want general exposure to the CTIP™ models as well as those who are planning—as part of their professional development—to complete any of the two-day, in-person training courses. It is also meant to provide those who have already completed two-day trainings an opportunity to refresh their learning and dive more deeply into areas that informed our current training program.

To register: CTIP - FTR

Foundation in Threat Assessment – Center for Trauma Informed Practices

Whether individuals are the perpetrators of violence or the victims of it, nothing occurs in a vacuum. There is a story and a reason for “why,” behind the complex human causes and reactions where violence, trauma, and family dynamics are manifest. We know far more now than ever before about the “evolutionary pathway to serious violence”.Unlike other threat assessment models, VTRA™ is the only community-based, multidisciplinary model developed to address all forms of violence simultaneously. Therefore, this course will consider multiple forms of violence, including family, community, school, and workplace.

• Module 1: Threat Assessment Foundation: Early Thinking

• Module 2: The Evolution of the VTRA™ Model: Early Research

• Module 3: The Missing Link: Connecting the Dots

• Module 4: VTRA™ Applies to All Forms of Violence

• Module 5: Worrisome Behaviors: Early Intervention

• Module 6: The Empty Vessel: The Power of Connection

CEU: 3 Continuing Education Credits

Credential Type: Badge

Cost: $85 USD / $120 CAD + applicable tax per individual

Time to complete: 3 hours / self-paced learning

Course access: Available for 60 days from date of enrollment

Who should take the course?

The Foundation Courses are customized for the person who has an interest in the fields of threat assessment, trauma response, or family dynamics: including para-professionals, professionals, and those with a general interest in advancing their learning. It is designed to provide learning for those who want general exposure to the CTIP™ models as well as those who are planning—as part of their professional development—to complete any of the two-day, in-person training courses. It is also meant to provide those who have already completed two-day trainings an opportunity to refresh their learning and dive more deeply into areas that informed our current training program.

To register: CTIP - FTA

Foundation in Family Dynamics – Center for Trauma Informed Practices

People often come into counselling—or are brought into counselling—because it is assumed by others “there is something wrong with them.” Although there are presenting issues unique to each individual entering counselling, there are usually other factors that can elevate risk for symptom development that are “outside” the individual. In other words, it’s not all about the identified person: often family dynamics are a risk-enhancing variable that can contribute to what’s wrong with an individual as well. Understanding family dynamics can be the solution to many problems. No two families are the same—and no two family members have the same experience—even if they were raised by the same parents or caregivers.

• Module 1: Family Dynamics Foundation: Early Thinking

• Module 2: The Whole is Greater Than the Sum of its Parts: Early Research

• Module 3: Genograms: The Family Map

• Module 4: Family Structure

• Module 5: Family Function

• Module 6: Family Emotional Process

CEU: 3 Continuing Education Credits

Credential Type: Badge

Cost: $85 USD / $120 CAD + applicable tax per individual

Time to complete: 3 hours / self-paced learning

Course access: Available for 60 days from date of enrollment

Who should take the course?

The Foundation Courses are customized for the person who has an interest in the fields of threat assessment, trauma response, or family dynamics: including para-professionals, professionals, and those with a general interest in advancing their learning. It is designed to provide learning for those who want general exposure to the CTIP™ models as well as those who are planning—as part of their professional development—to complete any of the two-day, in-person training courses. It is also meant to provide those who have already completed two-day trainings an opportunity to refresh their learning and dive more deeply into areas that informed our current training program.

To register: CTIP - FFD

Anger Management Classes – The Family Centre

Are you struggling to control your anger, leading to regrettable outbursts and strained relationships? Do you wish to break free from the cycle of frustration and find healthier ways to cope with life's challenges?

Anger is a natural emotion you experience when something doesn’t go as planned or someone contradicts what you think is “right.” People of all ages and personalities experience anger, but how we respond to it varies greatly from person to person.

Whether you've experienced anger issues for a long time or you're looking for preventive measures, our classes offer effective strategies to meet your needs.

We provide hands-on ways to deal with your anger so you can have positive relationships and strategies to handle conflict in a healthy way.

Don't let anger control you. Take the first step towards a more balanced and harmonious life. Join our anger management classes today and start your journey toward emotional well-being and self-improvement.

You will learn how to address anger as a normal, healthy emotion by understanding:

• The underlying emotions connected with anger

• Your own triggers for anger

• Effective ways to deal with and express anger

• Ways to set healthy boundaries in relationships

• How to manage stress

• How to effectively communicate and resolve conflict

Why self-esteem/self-worth affect anger

• By the end of the session, you will feel more comfortable:

• Communicating, resolving conflict, setting boundaries, and asserting yourself

• Sharing your most important concerns with others

• Identifying personal traits to address specific issues, such as positive self-esteem, healthy boundaries, stress management, and emotional triggers

• Solving day-to-day problems and challenges

Separate sessions for men and women are available.

To register: TFC – AMC

Mastering Therapeutic Soft Skills: Using Emotional Intelligence to Empower Solution-Focused Conversations – The Family Centre

In this 6-hour workshop, participants will:

• Understand their own emotional intelligence

• Recognize the difference between problem-solving and solution-building interviewing

• Understand the implicit assumptions of both approaches

• Learn practical tools and techniques for implementing solution-building conversations

Participants will receive an overview of introductory therapeutic skills, including active listening, validation, normalizing, paraphrasing, empathy, and containment. Additionally, your staff will learn the importance of "soft skills" such as self-reflection, self-awareness, accessibility, authenticity, genuine interest in others, flexibility, and humour.

TFC – Staff Skill Development

Understanding Attachment: The Impact of Trauma on Brain Development and Behaviour – The Family Centre

Join us for an enlightening workshop that delves into the intricacies of attachment theory.

Our 6-hour workshop includes:

• Detailed coverage of brain development affected by early attachment

• Identification of different attachment patterns

• In-depth discussion on complex trauma related to attachment

• Strategies for assessing and intervening with both children and caregivers

Through a blend of lectures, videos, and experiential exercises, participants will gain valuable insights into the impact of trauma on attachment behaviour. Participants will enhance their understanding and skills in working with service users in a supportive and engaging environment. This workshop uses content from: Alberta Family Wellness Initiative

TFC – Staff Skill Development

Protocol Teachings – The Family Centre

In the nêhiyaw worldview, health and wellness are understood as miyo pimâtisiwin, or ‘living the good life,’ and is achieved by seeking mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical balance. miyo pimâtisiwin is a way of being and a commitment to living and practicing in accordance with nêhiyaw ceremonies, teachings, and values.

Through active participation in this 1-hour workshop, participants will:

• Develop an understanding of the relationship between ceremony and healing

• Understand the significance of and meaning behind offering protocol

• Learn how to respectfully approach Elders and offer protocol

To register: TFC – Indigenous Teachings

Seven Sacred Teachings – The Family Centre

The Seven teachings provide the foundational directions for living miyo pimâtisiwin (living the good life). Each animal has shared teachings with us, and it is through them that we learned how to behave in the world.

In this 2-hour workshop, participants will:

• Experience a smudge and understand how smudging places oneself in a sacred space, readying the participants to enter into a healing relationship

• Receive teachings on the Seven Sacred Teachings

• Learn how the Seven Sacred Teachings are applicable in many different contexts and how they can be used to better support and engage Indigenous children, youth, and families

To register: TFC – Indigenous Teachings

Smudge Teachings – The Family Centre

We believe that any individual who has been given the gift of the smudging ceremony by an Elder or knowledge holder has the responsibility to practice that gift with the children, youth, and families they work with.

In this 1-hour workshop, participants will:

• Experience a smudge and understand how smudging places oneself in a sacred space, readying the participants to enter into a healing relationship

• Receive smudging teachings and understand how to respectfully enter into ceremony

• Gain the confidence to lead a smudge with groups of people

• Participants who attend will be able to better support and engage Indigenous children, youth, and families through ceremony.

To register: TFC – Indigenous Teachings

Teaching Traditional Parenting – The Family Centre

This immersive experience, facilitated in ceremony, provides an overview of Indigenous parenting concepts and practices, including the history, legacy, and intergenerational impacts of colonization on parenting.

In this 6-hour workshop, participants will:

• Learn about moss bags, cradleboards, swings, baby rattles, Indigenous stories, and tipi teachings

• Gain a deeper understanding of nêhiyaw parenting from an Indigenous worldview

• Acquire practical tools to help their service users integrate these concepts into their homes

The core of this workshop was developed by the late Janet Fox from the Onion Lake Cree First Nation.

To register: TFC – Indigenous Teachings

Parenting Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers – The Family Centre

As a parent of a child under five, every day is an exciting challenge full of surprises. You never really know what to expect next when it comes to things like language, learning, or physical activity. And then there are those temper tantrums that seem to flare up out of nowhere! At times, you may feel like nothing you do as a parent is working. We’ll offer positive strategies to help you guide your children’s behaviour and provide a nurturing home, while you take care of yourself.

Who can attend:

• Any caregiver who is parenting a child between 18 months and five years old.

• Caregivers interested in establishing positive parenting practices in toddlers or preschoolers.

You will build skills for parenting toddlers and preschoolers by understanding:

• What to expect as your child develops

• Your parenting style and how it affects your child

• Why children behave the way they do

• How to positively guide behaviours

• What bonding is and why it’s important

• How ‘play’ helps develop physical, intellectual, and social skills

• How to encourage confidence

• How to better communicate with children

• How to deal with misbehaviour and tantrums

• How to potty train

• How to care of yourself

By the end of the session, you will feel more comfortable:

• Creating effective parenting strategies and giving positive feedback

• Addressing misbehaviour or other issues

• Setting boundaries, limits, and guidelines

• Communicating with your child or children

• Providing a nurturing home environment

• Minimizing the negative effects of divorce or separation (if applicable), and

• Solving day-to-day problems and challenges

Cost:

Group workshop: $150 per person.

Private session: $325

We are dedicated to supporting families of all income levels. We offer a subsidy for attending the group workshop for this class, thanks to funding from the City of Edmonton Family and Community Support Services.

If needed, you can apply for a subsidy by selecting one of the subsidy options in the registration form.

To register: TFC – PTPS

Parenting School Age Children – The Family Centre

When your child turns 5, they start to gain a new level of independence. Between the ages of 5 and 11, they spend more time at school, with friends, and participating in extra-curricular activities. This means they are spending less time with you under your direct supervision and care.

Since you can’t be there to solve all of your child’s problems as they occur, you need skills to teach them to be independent and make positive choices. The Parenting School Age Children workshop offers a way to help you understand how they’re growing up and the type of role you should have with them as they go through the school years.

Who can attend:

• Any caregiver who is parenting a child between 5 and 11 years old

• Caregivers interested in establishing positive parenting practices or addressing challenges in school age children

You will build skills for parenting school-age children by understanding:

• What to expect as your child grows and develops

• Your parenting style and how it affects your child

• Why school-age children behave the way they do

• How to positively guide behaviours

• How to better communicate with your child

• What bonding is and why it’s important

• Ways to teach your child problem-solving skills

• The ins and outs of self-esteem

• Discipline strategies

• Internet safety

• Chores – what to expect and when

• What drives power struggles and how to address them

• How to care for yourself during this stage

By the end of the session, you will feel more comfortable:

• Creating effective parenting strategies and giving positive feedback

• Addressing misbehaviour or other issues

• Setting boundaries, limits, and guidelines

• Communicating with your child

• Providing a nurturing home environment

• Minimizing the negative effects of divorce or separation (if applicable), and

• Solving day-to-day problems and challenges

How much does it cost?

Group workshops: $150 per person.

Private session: $325

We are dedicated to supporting families of all income levels. We offer a subsidy for attending the group workshop for this class, thanks to funding from the City of Edmonton Family and Community Support Services.

If needed, you can apply for a subsidy by selecting one of the subsidy options in the registration form.

To register: TFC - PSAC

Birth & Babies – Alberta Health Services

This program is available in varying durations, from 2 weeks to 5 weeks, or on weekends. Each class is two hours long. Classroom topics are determined in real time and may change from group to group and class to class. Topics often include when to go to the hospital, the labour process, coping strengths & strategies for both mom and the support person, postpartum care, newborn feeding & care basics, finding credible information on the internet and more.

We recommend bringing with you: water bottle/snacks, a mat (to try out labor positions/massage) and printed resources sent to you by your facilitator for activities. Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes will be provided in class.

It is recommended that a series ending approximately 4 weeks prior to the expected due date be selected whenever possible. If this is not possible, please choose a class that works best for you.

If you require financial support to attend a class please call 780-342-2833 or email birthandbabiesedmonton@albertahealthservices.ca.

To register: AHS – B&B

Introduction to Family Literacy – Centre for Family Literacy

Part One – Family Literacy Fundamentals

Explore the fundamentals of Family Literacy and expand your understanding of the role literacy plays in the life of children, their parents/caregivers, and the community.

The workshop will explore:

• A brief history of literacy

• What is literacy?

• Core concepts of family literacy

• Best practices in family literacy

• Explore the different types of family literacy programs

Part Two – Connecting How We Learn

Examine the connection between the family and emergent literacy, early literacy and adult literacy.

This workshop looks at the process of early literacy development in children starting at birth and connects to best practices in working with adults. We will explore why both are important in family literacy programs and how these connections, and therefore the learning, can be strengthened.

To register: CFL – Certificate Training

Rhymes that Bind – Centre for Family Literacy

Rhymes that Bind promotes oral language development in babies and toddlers, as parents/caregivers learn how to support and enjoy learning through rhymes, finger plays, songs and simple movement games with their children in a safe, supportive peer group.

To register: CFL – Certificate Training

Books for Babies – Centre for Family Literacy

Books for Babies is a facilitated program for parents/caregivers and their babies, up to 12 months old. The program introduces parents/caregivers to various ways they can support their child’s early literacy and language experiences, encourages daily book sharing and, in doing so, helps promote healthy family relationships.

To register: CFL – Certificate Training