Abstract

Brain and Emotional Development for the Early Years Workshop

Author(s)

Bronwyn Harman -Edith Cowan University

In 2008, Edith Cowan University students and staff from the School of Psychology and Social Science developed and delivered Brain and Emotional Development in the Early Years workshops (B&ED workshops) for parents with young children (0 to 8 years), aimed at teaching them their role in effective brain and emotional development to promote positive outcomes for their children. It is an example of best practice of a preventive program delivered in a simple, interactive way to reach as many parents and early childhood professionals as possible.

The importance of preventive programs for optimal development in the early years is well documented. The B&ED workshops were funded by Western Australia's Department for Communities and delivered via Playgroup WA (Inc) to members and early childhood professionals. A total of 23 three-hour workshops were delivered in metropolitan and regional Western Australia.

The B&ED workshops include discussions about optimal brain development, attachment, modelling and the importance of play. Participants learn simple techniques to stimulate brain development and everyday activities to enhance emotional development. The original B&ED workshop is being modified for different audiences, such as early childcare professionals, parents in primary schools, and government providers of parenting services. This poster will illustrate the development and delivery of the B&ED program, with examples from the workshops