Building a culture of connection in early childhood education: The Hand in Hand Foundations Course.

ABSTRACT: Healthy early childhood development unfolds in the context of relationships with important caregivers, including early educators. Grounded in the evidence on early relational health, the 8-week Hand in Hand Foundations Course for Early Childhood Educators teaches a novel connection-based approach to understanding and responding to young children's emotions. Educators learn five tools for bolstering connection during emotional experiences (Staylistening), increasing positive and playful interactions with children (Special Time, Playlistening), responding to challenging behavior (Setting Limits), and creating sustainable, peer-supported reflective practice groups (Listening Partnerships). The goal is to foster stronger educator-child relationships, improve well-being for educators and childr

SUBMITTER: Sillars A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12644306 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature