Conscious Discipline has set the west central Minnesota early childhood world abuzz. In August, more than 140 local early care and education professionals and caregivers gathered for Conscious Discipline Training in Fergus Falls to learn more about this social and emotional program and how it can support young children in their homes, classrooms, and beyond.
Conscious Discipline is a comprehensive, adult-first, trauma-responsive approach to self-regulation, wellness, and classroom and child care management. This approach is practiced by 20 million adults throughout the world. The transformational program is designed to develop awareness, shift mindsets, and build fundamental skills in educators, staff, and parents so they can effectively instill the same skills in children.
“We had heard about Conscious Discipline before but were reconnected with the training when the Minnesota Head Start Association hosted a Conscious Discipline Academy this past summer,” explained West Central Initiative’s Director of Early Childhood Nancy Jost. “We tried to register a few local educators for Head Start’s training, but registration was full almost immediately.”
Nancy continued, “Obviously, this training is in high demand, so we looked into the program and found that the Conscious Discipline model matches the need for increased well-being for both caregivers and children that we were hearing about from our Early Childhood Initiative community partners. So, we decided to host a two-day training course and we’re currently offering a self-paced, 10-session e-course for those who couldn’t attend in person,” Nancy explained. “Our goal is to offer several training opportunities, at an affordable cost to partners.”
The two-day training, funded by The Sauer Family Foundation and West Central Initiative, was a great success. Early care and education professionals throughout the region walked away with a few more tools in their toolbelts to support children.
“Anyone who cares for and educates children should participate in Conscious Discipline training,” said an August training session attendee. “This program gives you a reason for why a child is acting out and how to help them regulate. As a foster parent, I wish we would’ve had this knowledge and techniques before our first placement.”
West Central Initiative staff are seeking members for the local advisory group–Conscious Discipline Action Team. The team hopes to offer additional training and consultation sessions and eventually host a west central Minnesota Conscious Discipline Academy. Funding for upcoming training opportunities will be provided through the Medica Foundation.
About the Author
Marsha Erickson is West Central Initiative’s Early Childhood Specialist and a regional liaison for the Early Childhood Initiative (ECI). Marsha makes connections among individuals, communities, agencies, and resources for children. If you’re interested in the Concious Discipline e-course, please contact Marsha.
