Understanding the Impact of Traumatic Stress on Childhood Development: Building Connections, Building Healthy Brains

Facilitator(s): Kim Hetherington, NMT, BSc

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Date: Aug 21, 2023 | Time: 6:30pm - 9:00pm

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study brought awareness of how common experiences of traumatic stress (ACE) are across all socioeconomic groups which helps us understand the importance of using trauma-informed approaches in our work, regardless of whether you know an individual's history. As early childhood educators, it is critical to understand the impact of traumatic stress on childhood development and common behaviours that may result so that you can provide the appropriate developmental scaffolding necessary for ongoing healthy development. Kim will provide an overview of the core story of brain development to support your understanding of childhood acquisition of developmental skills and the impact that exposure to traumatic stress may have at different stages of child development.

Facilitator(s): Kim Hetherington, NMT, BSc

Kim Hetherington specializes in working with children & youth with complex development and care needs as a Provincial Services Branch Practice Development Consultant, a Complex Care Intervention Program Coach and a Trauma Informed Community of Practice Facilitator in the lower mainland. Her clinical experience and training provide a strong foundation to support a neurodevelopmental understanding of the critical role that a child’s experiences play to shape their developing brain. Kim has over ten years of ongoing training with Dr. Bruce D Perry and The Child Trauma Academy. She received her Certification as a Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT) Clinician in 2014. Kim, BSc. has been a social worker with the Ministry for Children and Family Development since 1992. Kim is a member of the Transforming Family Justice Systems Collaborative and Access to Justice BC Leadership Group. Kim was invited by the National Judicial Institute to provide presentations on “Brain Science, ACES and the Judicial System” at the BC Supreme Court and the Saskatchewan Court of Queen’s Bench Education Sessions in June and December 2021

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.