Heart-Centered Connections for Practitioners - EDC-X734Y
Course Description
Credit Validation for CEEN Participants Only
Taught by Dr. Niki Elliott, this 25-hour professional development course is designed to build capacity among teachers and other child-facing professionals to create neuroinclusive environments for children impacted by learning disabilities, trauma, or mental health conditions. This course explores how educational neurobiology, culturally responsive teaching, and mind-body awareness practices can enhance students’ sense of safety, agency, and resilience.
Participants will examine the transformative power of equity-based social-emotional learning by drawing on principles of polyvagal theory, interpersonal neurobiology, educational neuroscience, and trauma-informed mindfulness practices.
Learner Outcomes
- Describe how trauma impacts the sensory system
- Explore the connection between zones of regulation, brain capacity to learn and heal, and the ventral vagal state of safety and social engagement
- Practice mind-body regulation strategies to maintain social engagement, felt-safety, and co-regulation with students
- Demonstrate proactive approaches to creating healing environments that foster felt-safety, belonging, and academic achievement
- Modify learning environments and instructional strategies to support neurodivergent learners and address sensory needs
Course Details
Number of Units: 2.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours
Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for CEEN Participants.