As social workers, understanding and responding to childhood trauma is part of providing meaningful care. This often includes interacting with individuals and families with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
As we strive for a fulfilling life, we might catch ourselves chasing grand achievements and monumental experiences, believing they are the keys to true happiness. Many of us have shared these sentiments, even comparing ourselves to others on social media. “If only I had ___, I would be so ___.” However, insights from research and thought leaders like Brené Brown remind us that true joy often comes from embracing the small, everyday moments.
Staff training is always a top priority when it comes to successful program outcomes. At Great Kids, we understand the challenges of ensuring your team is equipped to drive positive results. That’s why our CEO, Shawna Donaldson, recently chatted about our comprehensive training solution. She explains 3 key benefits of Growing Great Kids certifications that empower both you and your team.
RISE (Recovery, Impact, Support, and Empower) is an online course developed by Great Kids, Inc. to support the early childhood field in learning more about the opioid crisis and SUD.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start has given the Growing Great Kids Next Generation Curricula
Products their highest Evidence-Based Ranking on the latest Parenting Curricula Review
Databases.
When I think of March, I think of spring. Since childhood, I’ve awaited the newness of this season. Unfortunately, spring isn’t a smooth transition for me and many others. In Kentucky, this time of year is defined by warm, sunny days followed by freezing flurries. It’s quite a vicious and frustrating game that mother nature likes to play with us Kentuckians.
This morning I woke up with a dull headache and to the sound of icy rain beating against the window. It’s the kind of dreary, low-energy day that makes you want to opt-out, roll over in bed, and pull the covers up. Ugh.
As we kick off 2023, let’s take some time to celebrate. Let’s talk about music! For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved music. As a child, I would sit at my desk with my boom box, changing out CDs as I pretended to be a radio DJ.
The month of December can sneak up on you like a train at an underground station! It appears out of nowhere and barely gives you a chance to get on board before it whisks you away. For many people, December is a busy month filled with holiday celebrations, activities, and family traditions.
When it comes to parenting a one-year-old, I’ve learned speed is a necessity. Recently, my child and I played at the base of the hills we hike. My kiddo crawled around in a beautiful open space painted with warm colors bursting from the trees.
It was a last-minute arrangement. I offered to watch the kids for a couple of hours, so my cousin could run some errands. I was excited to see the children, and they were just as happy to see me. Their parents said goodbye, and we were busy playing when out of the blue, big tears rolled down one child’s cheeks.
If you scroll through a plethora of tucked-away photo albums beneath the staircase of my parents’ home, you’ll eventually come across the pictures capturing my fourth birthday. Among these photos, you’ll find documentation of the moment Tabby was gifted to me. Tabby was a baby doll designed to look like a newborn.
Isn’t it delightful to see a child’s exuberant excitement? Their energy erupts in uncontainable hops, jumps, and wiggles like soda bubbles fizzing to the top of a glass. A child’s laughs and smiles are contagious and automatically spread joy to those around them. Having moments of fun with kids has a way of refreshing our souls and reminding us of what’s important in life.
Growing Great Kids®
Why Choose Great Kids?
Never any recurring licensing fees
Proven Success
Over 37,000 people have been trained to use the Great Kids curricula
Protective Factors – GGK Constructs
Research informed constructs embedded in the Protective Factors Framework
Alignment with Head Start
The Growing Great Kids Home Based Curricula Series exceeds all Head Start Curriculum requirements
Evidenced Based Research
As evidenced by seven independent evaluations, the GGK Curriculum produces outstanding results
Specialized Training Programs
On-site and virtual training options available
Healthy Families America
The Growing Great Kids curriculum aligns with and builds upon the HFA model approach