Grounded in Calm: Growing Regulation Together (4-part series)

This workshop provides educators with practical, research-informed strategies to support children’s emotional and physiological regulation. You will explore how the developing nervous system influences behaviour, attention, and learning, and will gain insight into identifying early signs of dysregulation. By understanding the foundations of regulation, you will be better equipped to respond to children’s needs with confidence and sensitivity.

Through hands-on practice, you will learn co-regulation techniques that help children move from stress or shutdown toward calm engagement. The workshop includes actionable tools for managing transitions, navigating stress, and supporting resilience, ensuring that children feel understood, supported, and able to thrive in everyday environments. 

You will also explore strategies for creating safe, predictable, and nurturing environments that promote connection and security. By integrating knowledge of physiological regulation, emotional needs, and relational practices, this workshop empowers educators to foster growth, engagement, and wellbeing for the children in their care

Session 1:

Foundations of Regulation: Nervous System in Early Childhood

In this session, you will learn:

• How the developing nervous system affects children’s behaviour, attention, and emotional responses.
• The connection between physiological states and readiness to learn or engage.
• Key signs of dysregulation and early indicators that a child needs support.
• Why understanding regulation is foundational for creating responsive, supportive environments.
• Practice: Simple observation exercises to notice cues of regulation and dysregulation in real time.

Session 2:

 Co-Regulation in Practice

In this session, you will learn:

• Practical strategies for supporting children’s regulation through attuned interactions.
• How to respond to stress or dysregulation in ways that promote safety and connection.
• Techniques to help children move from heightened stress or shutdown toward calm engagement.
• The role of relationships in helping children develop their own self-regulation skills.
• Possible practice: Guided role-play scenarios to practice co-regulation responses In common classroom situations.

Session 3:

Navigating Stress and Transitions: Tools for Children and Teachers

In this session, you will learn:

• How transitions and stressful moments impact children’s behaviour and learning.
• Tools and routines that support children through change, challenges, and uncertainty.
• How to read and respond to children’s cues for support during stressful moments.
• Strategies to maintain calm and consistency while helping children build resilience.
• Practice: Design and test a simple transition plan or stress-reduction routine for your classroom or care setting.

Session 4:

Creating Safe and Secure Environments

In this session, you will learn:

• How to design environments that foster a sense of safety, trust, and predictability.
• Ways to embed emotional and relational security into everyday routines.
• How safe environments support learning, cooperation, and healthy development.
• Strategies for promoting strong connections among children, peers, and adults.
• Practice: Conduct a mini environmental audit to identify and enhance cues of safety and connection in your setting