Move Away from the Idea of Fixing the Child

View All Fundamental Principles

Explore how the NTDC curriculum meets this fundamental principle below

Featured Classroom-Based Themes

Classroom-Based Training Theme

Trauma-Informed Parenting

Classroom content explores:

Impact of Trauma
The impact trauma can have on attachment and relationship development.
Parenting is an Opportunity
The idea that parenting is an opportunity for learning, teaching and connecting.
Effective Trauma-Informed Parenting Techniques
Reasons that trauma informed parenting techniques work more effectively with children who have experienced separation, loss and other forms of trauma.

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Handout Cover: The Three Rs: Reaching the Learning Brain

Classroom-Based Training Theme

Impact of Substance Use

Classroom content explores:

Impact of Prenatal Substance Use
The short and long-term impact on children exposed to substances prenatally including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
New Techniques and Adjustments in Parenting
New techniques and adjustments in parenting when caring for children who have been exposed to substances prenatally.
Compassion for birth parents
Approach the birth parent with compassion and lack of judgment. Understanding the “why” behind addiction can build empathy.

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Featured Right-Time Themes

Recognizing that adults learn best when the information is applicable to their own situation, the NTDC has created a component of the curriculum called Right-Time Training.

Right-Time Training Theme

Common Feelings Associated with Being Adopted

Right-time materials explore:

Feelings associated with adoption
Common feelings that children may have that are associated with being adopted.
Validate the Child’s Feelings
Opportunities to acknowledge and validate the child’s feelings associated with adoption.
Help Children Manage Their Feelings
Strategies that help children manage their feelings connected with their adoption story.

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Right-Time Training Theme

Preparing for Adulthood

Right-time materials explore:

Common Skills for Teenagers
Common skills that teenagers will need to effectively navigate as an adult.
Developmental Age Impacts the Process
How developmental age impacts this process and recognize that preparing for adulthood does not end at 18.
Validate the range of feelings
Strategies on how to help children name and validate the range of feelings they may experience before, during and after a visit.

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Let’s Talk!

Interested in implementing NTDC?

Contact Sue Cohick [scohick@spaulding.org] to schedule an in-depth review of the curriculum.

Contact Sue Cohick

Words From Facilitators

I loved the material, especially the displays of understanding and the stories!

NTDC Facilitator

I appreciated the activities that tugged on my own emotions because it took a personal experience and related it to what kids in foster care experience but to a higher degree.

NTDC Facilitator

The “Real-Life” videos and examples are also excellent tools for empowering foster/adoptive parents.

NTDC Facilitator

Theme content incorporating many podcasts and real life videos will greatly enhance foster parent training.

NTDC Facilitator

Material is well organized, rich in content for families and easy to understand.

NTDC Facilitator

Love the trauma informed material that will help parents gain a better understanding of child’s behavior.

NTDC Facilitator

The building of themes really work well together. It flows very well in the format.

NTDC Facilitator

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This product was funded by the Children’s Bureau, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, under grant #90CO1134. The contents of this document are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Children’s Bureau.