Training for Trainers is a unique professional development opportunity for experienced trainers.  Building on personal experience, creativity, and knowledge, trainers learn about relationship-based training and reflective strategies; understanding and preventing child abuse and neglect of infants and toddlers, and helping directors to support staff in establishing effective relationships with families.  This 3-day training provides opportunities to discuss the research and conceptual base of the curriculum; to address the complex issues involved in building effective partnerships with parents; to consider the impact of culture on child-rearing practices; and to get hands-on experience in implementing the curriculum.

PCAN is a curriculum designed to help infant-toddler child care professionals use their natural relationships with families to reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect.  It has been used with over 700 trainers, who to date have trained over 5,000 child care professionals. Evaluations shows that participation in this training coupled with implementation of the curriculum increases trainers’ confidence that they can teach others to play a role in the primary prevention of child abuse and neglect.  Trainers find that the material guides them in bringing up complex issues in a way that promotes open discussion and learning.  Knowledge assessments indicate that they have learned key concepts and feel more confidence that they can strengthen protective factors and support families.

The PCAN curriculum is for use by experienced trainers with strong backgrounds in infant-toddler development, early childhood education, and in the prevention of child abuse and neglect. In order to assure the needed expertise, we recommend that trainers participate in this training as teams. All team members must be experienced trainers.  At least one person should have expertise in infant/toddler development and in the field of early care and education. At least one member must have expertise in child abuse and neglect, preferably with a strong understanding of its impact on very young children.  We will accept individual applicants who are able to demonstrate strong backgrounds and expertise in all of these areas.  Individuals attending the training of trainers who do not plan to use it in training other are welcome and do not need to attend with a co-trainer.