The Safe Havens Training Project: Helping Teachers and Child Care Providers Support Children and Families who Witness Violence in their Communities

When you work with children who witness violence in the communities where they live, it can be difficult to know what to say or how to help. The Safe Havens Training Project is a three-part, video-based training program designed to give caregivers the support they need to help children feel safe.

Created for:

• Head Start
• Title 1
• Teachers
• Parents
• Family Support Centers
• Child Care Providers

Can also be used by:

• Mental Health Specialists
• Social Service Workers
• Health Care Providers
• Law-enforcement Professionals
• Community Groups

Each kit contains:

• Three training modules designed for up to 10 hours of training
• A training supplement for parents and community presentations
• Overheads and handouts
• Role plays and activities
• Training tips for facilitators
• Reprints of key articles
• Bibliography, including recommended books to use with preschoolers

Video One: The Violence Children Can See
Video One focuses on the community as a whole, the violence preschoolers can witness and its developmental consequences. It also examines the role parents, teachers, and child-care providers can play in supporting children by creating safe havens for them.

Video Two: The Power of Our Relationships
Video Two focuses on ways to make the child-care center of school a place where children can feel safe. Documentary footage captures teachers modeling the kinds of language, limit-setting, and relationship building that can enable children to gain trust and self-confidence.

Video Three: The Need to Be Heard
Video Three focuses on how community violence can affect teachers and caregivers. In it, co-workers at a combined Family Center/Head Start Program speak frankly about their fears and concerns and offer practical advice on how to create a supportive work environment.

Something Extra: An Outreach Training Supplement for Parent and Community Presentations
Video One, along with the outreach supplement, can be used for presentations to parents and/or community groups who want to learn about the importance of creating safe havens and the effect violence can have on children who witness it.

Plus a Comprehensive Training Manual
The Safe Havens Training Kit also includes a 100-page manual, extensively reviewed by a panel of child development experts.

Available From:
Family Communications
4802 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-687-2990

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