The SURGE Support Child Care Program consists of two parts:

First, Surge Support Child Care Services coordinates volunteer providers offering their services to military families.  Learn more...

Second, Surge Support Child Care Trainings set up through your local CCR&R training coordinator.  This training is for caregivers who are working with military families and the content is based on the Military Child Education Coalition's Curriculum:  Supporting  the Children of the Guard and Reserve,  More information regarding the MCEC can be found at www.nilitarychild.org.

Each of these 2 hour trainings will provide an overview of the Army National Guard and Reserves in Minnesota, explain the stages of deployment, and provide general information on the effects of deployment for children.  The trainings will also provide a variety of resources for the caregiver to use in their own child care settings.

These trainings are highly recommended for any early care provider working with children from a military family. The classes are:

• Supporting Children and Families During Military Deployments and Reunions
  Participants in this class will learn about the unique needs of children and families who are experiencing a military deployment.  The stages of deployment and reunions will be outlined alongside the related effects on children. Tips and techniques to assist the children who are dealing with a separation will also be shared.
   
• Supporting Children and Families During a Military Deployment
  Participants in this class will learn about the unique needs of children and families who are experiencing a military deployment.  The stages of deployment will be outlined alongside the related effects on children. Tips and techniques to assist the children who are dealing with a separation will also be shared.
   
• Supporting Children and Families During Military Reunions
  While deployed parents are away, children continue to grow and family roles change. Welcoming home mom or dad can be an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. This class will examine the stages of reintegration (or homecoming), the stressors of reunions and method to support children and families as they welcome home their military service members.
   
• Impact of Grief, Loss, and Trauma on Children and Youth
  Participants in this training will come to identify the unique issues impacting National Guard and Reserve families, particularly children and youth. This training offers an understanding of loss and trauma and the potential academic and behavioral changes related to these experiences.  Participants will also gain strategies to support these children and youth.
   
• Fostering Resilience in Children and Youth
  "Where do I start fostering resiliency in children?"  "What are the most important things to do?"  "How long should it take to see results?"  These are the types of questions that caregivers have about the topic of resiliency. This class will define the concept of resilience while identifying risk factors and developmental assets. Finally this training will highlight the four basic steps involved in fostering resilience in children and youth.
   
• Living in the New Normal:  Supporting Children/Youth Through Trauma and Loss
  Living in the New Normal is predicated on the belief that children are courageous and resilient and that these skills can be strengthened through deliberate encouragement by adults in their lives.  This training will examine the nature of grief, identify the signs of stress in children and youth, and help caregivers develop strategies for supporting military children and families through trauma and loss.

SURGE Support Child Care Trainings are currently offered through the Child Care Resource and Referral Office in your area as part of their Professional Development Opportunities for Early Childhood and School-Age Programs.

Check for the child care resource and referral office for your area.

If you would like more information about SURGE trainings or for help in finding other educational opportunities in your area, please  contact me.