Description

Open to all library staff, this course supports family engagement in library settings. Created by the Brazelton Touchpoints Center, this course introduces participants to a strengths-based framework and explores how it can enhance the work they already do with families. This includes an overview of infant to pre-K development and discussion of the typical ups and downs of each developmental stage.

Training Details

Participants will be part of a cohort of library staff that engage with one another in live and interactive learning guided by trained facilitators. This training will comprise of:

• One full-day in-person training at the MLS Marlborough office on Tuesday, March 18, 9am to 4pm. This training day is mandatory for all participants.

• Three (3) two-hour virtual sessions with independent practice assignments and an online discussion board. These sessions will be on Tuesday afternoons: March 25, April 1, and April 8, 1pm to 3pm. Participants must attend two out of these three sessions.

• Six 1-hour monthly virtual reflective practice sessions after training completion that reinforce the strategies and tools learned during the live modules. These sessions will be on the fourth Tuesday of the month: May 27, June 24, July 22, Aug. 26, Sept. 23, Oct. 28, 1pm to 2pm. Participants must attend four out of these six sessions.

Participants should expect to spend approximately 24 hours participating in sessions, discussion boards, and completing assignments over the course of this training.

Learning objectives:

• Identify competencies of baby to pre-k developmental stages and explain how disorganization may present itself at each stage.

• Implement a strengths-based approach when working with children, families, library staff, and other community partners.

• Use the Touchpoints Approach to intentionally engage families and to strengthen relationships.

• Engage in ongoing reflection before, during, and after interactions with families and other library staff.

Location

• Session 1 will be held IN PERSON at the MLS office in Marlborough, located at 33 Boston Post Road West, Suite 400 (Fourth Floor), Marlborough, MA 01752. Parking is free and plentiful.
  • Directions
• Subsequent sessions will be held virtually via Zoom. Course participants will receive login information from the course instructor, Christi Farrar. 

Accessibility

The Massachusetts Library System (MLS) strives to create inclusive and accessible events. To request a reasonable accommodation to attend this event, please contact Sarah Donnelly (Event & Project Manager) at sdonnelly@masslibsystem.org or 508-357-2121 ext. 301. All reasonable accommodation requests should be made no fewer than two (2) weeks before the event, although we will attempt to fulfill reasonable requests made after that time.