California MAP
California MAP
Working Together

A New Understanding of the Childhood Brain (Video)

A New Understanding of the Childhood Brain (Video)

Published: May 19, 2017 | 2:43 minutes
This gorgeous animation explains the biology of childhood trauma and how therapeutic interventions can overcome the effects of toxic stress.

Couple Adopts Three Kids with Down Syndrome (Video)

Published: April 27, 2017 | Length: 4 minutes
She was our scariest and our best “yes.” – Heather Avis

We All Play for Canada (Video)

Published: 2016 | Length: 1 min
When a neighborhood kid steps up to make sure everyone is included, he demonstrates that when the best of us steps up, our nation stands a little taller.

Fear and Anxiety-An Age by Age Guide to Common Fears, The Reasons For Each and How to Manage Them

It is very normal for all children to have specific fears at some point in their childhood. Even the bravest of hearts beat right up against their edges sometimes. As your child learns more about the world, some things will become more confusing and frightening. This is nothing at all to worry about and these fears will usually disappear on their own as your child grows and expands his or her experience.

In the meantime, as the parent who is often called on to ease the worried mind of your small person, it can be helpful to know that most children at certain ages will become scared of particular things.  

Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC)

The Center of Excellence for IECMHC helps communities support the success of the next generation by increasing access to evidence-based IECMHC.

Community Education Conference: Co-Occurring Disabilities and Mental Health Issues in Transition Aged Youth

Session Recordings and Slide Handouts of the 2016 Community Education Conference

  • Dan Siegel’s Keynote Address Recording (Video)
    How our Relationships Shape a Healthy Brain and Resilient Mind: The Power of Connection, Inside and Out by Dan Siegel, MD, UCLA School of Medicine, Mindful Awareness Research Center, Mindsight Institute. In Dr. Dan Siegel’s keynote address for this USC UCEDD conference, he specifically addresses the damaging effects of exclusion and the need for empathy when a child has differences in speech and learning or any kind of difference. At about 16:40 he talks about research that shows that the experience of exclusion shows up in the brain the same as being hit with a red hot poker…..as physical pain! He also talks about how important it is to be able to articulate your differences and to be understood and acknowledged for who you are. The damaging effects of invisibility are also described. Although it’s focused on transition aged youth with developmental disabilities, it’s applicable to the broader population.

Head Start ECLKC: Children with Disabilities

Young children vary in their skills, knowledge, backgrounds, and abilities. Effective teaching requires individualized teaching and chances to learn for all children to access, participate, and thrive in early learning settings. Individualizing for children who need more support helps ensure effective teaching for children with disabilities and other special needs across all the Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center (ECLKC) Learning Outcomes Framework domains. Using children’s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals is part of effective teaching, individualizing, and creating inclusive environments to support children’s positive outcomes.

Engaging Families and Creating Trusting Partnerships to Improve Child and Family Outcomes

March – June 2017 Webinar Series
The ECTA Center is partnering with the DaSy Center, Ann and Rud Turnbull, and invited guests to facilitate an interactive 4-part web broadcast series aimed at supporting early intervention (EI) and early childhood special education (ECSE) systems leaders with building capacity in personnel and families to develop trusting partnerships. These partnerships in a child’s early years lay the foundation for achieving the long-term intended outcomes for children/students with developmental delays and disabilities articulated in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

Child Mind Institute: Trauma Resources

The Child Mind Institute has prepared free trauma resources to aid parents, educators, and other adults in talking to children and adolescents about potentially traumatic events and identifying those who might benefit from more focused professional attention. Our children can be more sensitive to challenges around them because of their life experience and they need our support. Resources are available in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, German, Hebrew, Italian, Chinese, Russian, and Bengali.