Deciphering Behaviour, Supporting Children: Part 1: Uncover the "Why"/ Part 2: Proactive Practical ECE Supports

Community Workshop

Facilitator(s): Anna Vander Haeghe, BScOT

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This is a multi-day workshop. Please ensure you are available for all the dates listed below:

Date: Oct 14, 2026 | Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Date: Oct 21, 2026 | Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Course Information: Attendance at both sessions strongly recommended as information builds on the first session.
 
14 Oct 2026 Session 1: Discover the possible WHYs that shape challenging behaviour
 In this session, participants will leave with the following knowledge:
a. Understanding of the variety of reasons a child may be experiencing intense emotions.
b. Learn about the 8 senses and how that influences a child’s reaction to their environment.
c. Gain a basic understanding of the stress response cycle that occurs in all people.
d. Discuss how interoception (awareness of our internal body states) affects a person’s emotional regulation.
e. Explore how developmental concepts impact behaviour & play.
f. Understand how miscommunication can create as much difficulty as someone who is non speaking.
g. Be able to start to identify non-verbal communication signals or actions that may indicate rising stress levels in a child.
There will be time at the end of the session for questions and interaction from the participants.
 
21 Oct 2026 Session 2: Explore how to support challenging behaviour effectively in ECE settings
Building off of session 1, during this session participants will focus on how to adapt and implement strategies to support the potential WHYs that are causing barriers for participation for our children, including:
a. Interoception supports including co-regulation.
b. Sensory processing supports including sensory accommodations and tools.
c. Communication supports including modeling and low tech AAC.
d. How to support children in a variety of settings.
There will be time at the end of the session for direct questions and participant interaction is strongly encouraged.

Facilitator(s): Anna Vander Haeghe, BScOT

Anna Vander Haeghe, BScOT, is an international speaker, mentor, and pediatric occupational therapist with 28 years of experience based in Alberta, Canada. She is the co-founder of a neuro-affirming non-profit society and runs a private practice specializing in neurodiversity-informed care for children and youth. Anna is deeply passionate about relational neuroscience, functional visual skills, and interoception—helping families and professionals discover the "why" behind developmental challenges.

Important Details to Note Prior to Registering:

  • This online free training is offered to childcare staff working in Burnaby and Vancouver. 
  • Only registered individuals will be allowed to join the workshop.
  • Professionals attending will receive a professional development certificate if applicable within one week of the workshop.
  • Participation is required. Your video needs to be on, your camera must be enabled and your microphone working to receive your certificate. Participants must stay for the full workshop/course to receive a certificate.
  • You can join the Zoom link 15 minutes prior to the presentation start time. We will not admit anyone 15 minutes after the start time with respect to the presenters and participants.
  • All participants are expected to complete an online survey after the training.
  • If you cannot attend please do your best to provide 48 hours notice. If you do not cancel and do not show up you will be put on a waitlist and removed from future trainings.