Touchpoints™

Interacting With Familes in a New Way
The Touchpoints™ training which is based on Dr. T Berry Brazelton's work at the Children's Hospital in Boston, focuses on developing positive relationships between professionals and parents on behalf of children.

Child-Focused Approach
This approach encourages professionals to challenge their own assumptions about parents and offers guiding principles that strengthen the bond between parents and professionals. By focusing on the child's needs, behaviors and development, adults can build a powerful partnership that supports what is best for the child. Reflection is used to explore attitudes, knowledge and experiences. Techniques are studied and practiced. The participant leaves the Touchpoints™ training inspired and better prepared to support families and children.

How the Touchpoints™ Training Works
The training is an intensive three-day training in the areas of family partnerships, child development and building relationships. The program includes the entire staff to ensure that everyone understands and is guided by the Touchpoints™ philosophy in working with families. When everyone on the staff is able to reflect on and understand the guiding principles, they are able to develop a more positive, focused relationship with each family. Reflection and journaling are integral to the training, as these activities allow each participant to practice working with the principles that will guide their work with families.

How to Apply
The ACECC Touchpoints™ training is provided to programs serving infants and toddlers at little or no charge. Other programs may be charged a larger fee. The entire staff of a participating program is required to attend all three days of training. For more information or an application contact Laura Watts-Patrick, Professional Development Coordinator, at 720-974-9642 or laura@acecc.org.