Course Details
See who this training is for, what you'll learn, and how to access the webinar.
- Topics: Youth Health, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Mental and Behavioral Health
- Audience: Community Health Workers (CHWs)
- Format: Learning Track
- Language: English
CHW Early Child Development Specialty Track
A series of modules for Community Health Workers specializing in early childhood development and family support. This specialty track will allow CHWs to gain foundational knowledge in early childhood development and specialized skills development in areas such as IEPs, cultural competency, and working with families with special healthcare needs.
Learning objectives:
- Provide CHWs with essential knowledge in early childhood development and mental health
- Enhance CHWs' skills in engaging with parents, children, and ECE professionals
- Improve CHWs' understanding of cultural competence and the IEP process
Includes the following modules
Early Childhood Development
Learn the basics of early child development. This includes the key areas, or domains, of development as well as the factors that influence growth. This module will also highlight the essential role that you, as a Community Health Worker, can play to support healthy development.
Understanding Developmental Milestones
This module will guide you through key developmental milestones in early childhood and how to monitor them effectively using tools like the CDC Milestone Tracker app.
Developmental Screening and Monitoring
This module will introduce you to the importance of developmental screening and monitoring in early childhood. You will learn how to use tools like the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) to assess a child’s progress, recognize potential concerns, and guide families toward appropriate support
Engagement with Parents
Learn how to connect with parents in meaningful, professional ways. This module will help you strengthen relationships, set healthy boundaries, and engage families effectively across different community settings.
Engagement with Children
Learn how to support children’s growth and resilience. This module covers ways to balance protection with skill-building, strengthen self-regulation, and help families follow effective service plans.
Cultural Competence and Cultural Differences
Learn how culture shapes the way families view health, development, and care. This module helps CHWs build cultural awareness, communicate respectfully across differences, and provide support that meets families where they are.
Normalizing Health Differences
Learn how to talk with families about developmental differences in supportive, empowering ways. This module covers common interventions, strategies for building trust, and approaches that help families feel comfortable and informed about a child’s diagnosis.
Early Childhood Mental Health
Explore how mental health affects young children’s growth and well-being. This module helps CHWs recognize the impact of trauma and ACEs, understand common mental health challenges, and use practical strategies to support families in need.
Engagement with Early Childhood Education (ECE) Professionals
Learn how to work alongside early childhood educators and other professionals to better support families. This module helps CHWs understand each team member’s role, strengthen communication, and build effective partnerships across systems of care.
Overview of the IEP Process
Learn how an IEP is built, who is at the table, and how you can support families through each step.
Wrap-Up and Post-Test
Take a moment to reflect on what was covered in this specialty track, review what you’ve learned, and apply your knowledge in a real-world scenario. And at the end, we’ll celebrate your accomplishment.