Educators are often among the first to see the effects of violence on young children, whether it be through the media, the community or within the family. EPCC Core Trainings address the need of early childhood educators to learn how to optimally work with families and the community to provide a safe environment for children. The Core Trainings were developed specifically for early childhood educators and have been presented throughout California for AEYC affiliate groups, childcare organizations, parent-teacher groups, children’s centers and schools. The Core Trainings consist of Level I, which focuses on issues of violence in the lives of children, and Level II, which focuses on developing leadership skills in nonviolence. In addition to levels I and II, level III is an internship, or a training of trainers.
Level I
The Level I Core Training is a two-day, 16 hour intensive training. The training consists of presentations, interactive dialogues, hands on experiences, videos and a community panel presentation. Participants work through a comprehensive training manual. Level I focuses on issues of violence in the lives of children, empowering participants to:
- Increase knowledge about violence and the effects of violence on children
- Create peaceful learning environments for children
- Increase child observation skills in order to provide a positive learning environment
- Develop skills in effective listening, communicating, negotiating, and facilitating peaceful conflict management
- Validate and integrate diverse backgrounds and perspectives
- Build community support and resource networks for advocacy on behalf of children, families and early childhood professionals
- Take personal responsibility for one’s own actions
Level II
The Level II core Training is a two and one-half day, 19 hour intensive training. As in Level I, the training consists of presentations, interactive dialogues, hands on experiences, and videos. Participants work through a comprehensive training manual. The level II training focuses on developing skills and strategies to become effective community leaders in promoting nonviolence. Participants will:
- Increase knowledge and understanding of the roots of violence
- Cultivate an understanding of privilege and power
- Gain an understanding of the protective factors of resiliency and authenticity
- Address issues of personal and interpersonal anger
- Develop Active Listening skills
- Learn Consensus Decision Making skills and Peaceful Conflict Resolution skills
- Employ a high standard of personal ethical conduct and encourage such standards in the early childhood setting
- Develop leadership skills and a personal action plan for nonviolence work in their spheres of influence, e.g. family, workplace, school, social groups and community.
Level I Core Training Celebrants, San Jose, CA