Connections Matter

Stronger families start here

Everyday connections with family, friends and even someone new are more important than you think. Relationships with other people shape our brains and help us learn better, work better, and parent better. Connections help us heal and develop a stronger, healthier community.

Early childhood experiences in particular influence our brains, our health, and our chance to learn and succeed later in life. Childcare providers, teachers and caregivers play an important role in shaping the future of children, our communities, and our nation. Positive and secure relationships with others can protect children against unsafe situations, promote positive behaviors, and improve lifelong health.

Take Action

Small changes in the way you interact with children can make a huge difference. Here are a few ways to do this:

Respond and react calmly, even in stressful situations.

Use positive body language. Display trust and dignity.

Offer comfort to upset children.

Keep caregivers with the same children for as long as possible.

Try to understand and help describe what the child is thinking or feeling.

Protecting and Promoting the Well-being of Children

Traumatic and scary events or stress, also called Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), can be a major factor in health outcomes. From abuse and neglect to household dysfunction, children who experience toxic stress are at a greater risk for many negative changes in health, even as adults.

Kansas Children’s Service League (KCSL) has a mission to protect and promote the well-being of children, with programs that help both children and parents develop skills for success in their families, schools and workplaces. The evidence-based programs serve children and families in areas of health, safety and education to break cycles of neglect, abuse and trauma. Our goal is to help children and families reach a state of being comfortable, healthy and happy.

Training That Can Impact Your Community

Our Connections Matter training is designed to engage community members in building caring connections to improve resiliency, prevent childhood trauma, and understand how our interactions with others can support those who have experienced trauma.

Why Attend Connections Matter Training?

Interactive, discussion-based curriculum helps people better understand trauma, brain development, resilience, and health
Gain concrete knowledge about ACEs using Kansas data
Learn strategies for increasing and improving your own connections and get tools for strengthening both personal and community resilience
Get pre-approved for 4.0 KDHE child care licensing hours

Who Should Attend?

Parents, Caregivers, and Community Members
Child-Serving Professionals
Faith Organizations
Educators
Businesses

Learn more