Learning Objectives. Make the Connection Presented by Claire Watson, MSc. SLP and Barbara MacKay Ward, MEd. What is Make the Connection?

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1 Learning Objectives Participants will get a basic understanding of: Make the Connection Presented by Claire Watson, MSc. SLP and Barbara MacKay Ward, MEd The content and formats of the MTC programs for babies and for toddlers Who benefits from attending Where to find programs for parents and training for facilitators What is Make the Connection? MTC 0 1 and MTC 1 2 are two thematically-linked nine-week attachment programs Launched in 2003 and 2006 respectively Relational Approach in MTC When parents respond sensitively, consistently and in a timely manner most of the time to their infant s cues Infants internalize a model of themselves, others and relationships that guide them to develop Trust, self-esteem, self-regulation, empathy to be in relationships Motivation to interact and acquire language Confidence and curiosity to learn independently and from others What makes MTC unique? MTC is Designed to strengthen the parent-infant relationship MTC isn t X A music, cognitive, or health focused program Relationships not things make brighter babies Addresses 1 st and 2 nd years independently Can be universal or targeted Experiential combines parent-baby activities, parent reflection and video feedback X A mixed-age program X Targeted program X Discussion/lecture or baby time only Dr. William sears Multi-disciplinary X Restricted to one professional group

2 Who benefits from MTC? Primary risk factors on the parent s/caregiver s side: Insecure/unresolved attachment history Unresolved emotional issues/grief/trauma Lack of confidence/self efficacy Secondary risk factors Limited social supports Teenager/young parent First time parents Single parent Greater than 7 years between children Other life stressors (not in crisis) Low income and/or low education Who uses MTC? To date over 600 MTC 0-1 and 150 MTC 1-2 facilitators in ON, BC, NL, SK Family Resource Programs Ontario Early Years Centres Community Health Centres Children s Aid Societies Services for Adopted Babies Early Intervention Services Integrated Nursery Schools *Toronto Public Health criteria for referral are in red Infant Themes Toddler Themes What interferes with baby s secure attachment to Mom? Form a secure attachment Two-way communication Exploratory play Balance autonomy and attachment First words and verbal conversation Pretend play & problem solving Mom misreading baby s cues Mom unsure how to engage Mom anxious, inexperienced Mom and baby not connected MTC with LOVE baby messages Your baby feels safe and close when you Look lovingly into your baby s eyes Talk in a gentle voice Touch hug, be playful Soothe him when he cries Your baby feels good about herself when you Notice your baby s expressions & moods Let her know you understand how she feels Accept her for who she is Your baby begins to develop internal limits when you Set limits with love Infant Themes Form a secure attachment Two-way communication Exploratory play Toddler Themes Balance autonomy and attachment First words and verbal conversation Pretend play & problem solving

3 MTC with LOVE toddler messages Baby Program Toddler Program YOUR TODDLER feels secure when you Stay close by Hold his hand Smile from a distance Welcome her back feels accepted when you Mirror her expressions Name his feelings develops self-control when you Acknowledge how she feels Explain why it s not OK Calmly redirect I m here whenever you need me Your feelings are important to me I ll guide you with loving limits S1 Orientation + Bonding S2 Security S3 Self-esteem S4: Video Highlights + Parenting Past S5 Understanding S6 Baby conversations S7 Video Highlights + Loving limits S8 Following lead/explore S9 Reflections + celebration LOVE TALK LEARN Orientation + Secure Base Self-Esteem Loving Limits Video Highlights + Temperaments Building vocabulary Toddler conversations Video Highlights + Peer interaction Following lead/pretend Reflections + celebration Baby sessions PARENT-BABY TIME Welcome and Intro Songs & Rhymes Magic Moment Toy Box PARENT DISCUSSION (babies present) VIDEO-TAPING + REFRESHMENTS Toddler sessions PARENT-TODDLER TIME Welcome and Intro Song circle Play Stations (Just you and me, Tea Party, Toy Box, Storytime) PARENT DISCUSSION (toddlers in child care) VIDEO-TAPING + REFRESHMENTS MTC themes are embedded in parentbaby/toddler activities Your baby feels secure when you hold her tight, look into her eyes and sing in a gentle voice. (Half the group taped at S2,3,5 and 6) Your baby feels good about himself when you mirror his expressions Your toddler feels good about himself when you let him know how wonderful he is Love my toddler yes I do! Your baby s curiosity thrives when you give her lots of time to explore

4 Your toddler experiences the success of conversation when you highlight words and wait for him to join in Your toddler stretches his imagination when you join in as a play partner Parent Discussion 3 - Step Approach 1. Reflection Scenario 2. Link parent s and baby s/toddler s similar needs 3. Problem solve challenges e.g. Wild Ride Scenario baby program MTC Parent Resources MUSIC CD over 30 songs and rhymes that encourage connection PARENT GUIDE PHOTO BOOK parents personalize key messages of the program with pictures of themselves with their baby/toddler Fridge Magnets reminders for home MTC Leader Training MTC day workshop offered at F3Y office in Toronto and by hosts across Canada MTC day training workshop for leaders who have completed MTC 0-1 Evaluation of MTC Patel, S., Corter, C. & De Los Santos, R. (2006). Attachment-Based Early Interventions: A process-oriented approach to the evaluation of MTC: Birth to One. Results Effective MTC programs need explicit process goals for facilitators, e.g. Provide only positive feedback since no expectations for critique, parents not pre-identified with problems, etc. Allow parents to carry discussions to ensure learning is experiential Relate to parents in the way you want them to relate to their babies (parallel process) Toronto Public Health Evaluation of MTC 2-year roll-out of MTC ( ) Evaluation of training efficacy Data collection on parent outcomes Family and Children s Services Waterloo 2-year data collection on families with infants in foster care

5 TORONTO HEALTH CONNECTION REFERRAL LINE FOR MTC BABY PROGRAMS For more information about Make the Connection programs and training go to Learning Essentials in MTC FEEDBACK Video review Let s see how you re doing Parent-baby activities How does it work with your baby? PRACTICE/PROBLEM SOLVING Make the Connection with your baby REFLECTION Leader questions, parent discussion What does the parent know, think and feel? Posters/magnets/ nuggets What do the experts say? INFORMATION Infant Mental Health Rounds are made possible by Infant Mental Health Promotion (IMP) and The Infant Psychiatry Program of the Hospital for Sick Children ss=infant+psychiatry+program&ssid=10104