Course Summary
Infants and toddlers may not have the words to express grief, fear, or confusion, but they feel the impact of separation and placement changes deeply. This session will explore the unique experiences of young children in foster and kinship care, emphasizing how early attachment, relational stability, and co-regulation shape their development. We’ll examine how even well-intended transitions can create distress, why familiarity doesn’t always equal security in kinship placements, and what professionals can do to support children and caregivers through these shifts. Participants will walk away with concrete strategies to help foster and kinship caregivers create a sense of safety and connection for the youngest children in care.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize how infants and toddlers experience separation, placement changes, and attachment disruptions—even when they cannot verbalize it.
- Identify the distinct challenges and benefits of kinship care and how it differs from non-relative foster care in terms of relational security.
- Apply trauma-responsive strategies to help foster and kinship caregivers support young children’s emotional and attachment needs.
- Understand the role of early childhood professionals in fostering stability and reducing unnecessary placement disruptions.
Suggested Endorsement Competencies
Attachment, Separation, Trauma Grief & Loss | Infant/Young Child Development and Behavior | Screening & Assessment | Service Delivery Systems | Advocacy | Collaborating
