DESCRIPTION
This comprehensive, hands-on training is designed for professionals looking to enhance their skills in relational approaches to early childhood intervention. Over two days, we move beyond theory to practical application, equipping participants with the knowledge and confidence to integrate relational strategies into their everyday practice.
Participants will
- Gain a clear understanding of the core principles of a relational approach and how to apply these alongside child-focused interventions.
- Learn to implement a relational approach using the PAIR Model (Phased Approach to Including a Relationship Focus).
- Explore evidence-based strategies to strengthen parent-child interactions in therapy.
- Develop skills to support caregivers effectively while maintaining child engagement.
- Engage in interactive case discussions, role-plays, and practical exercises to apply new strategies in real time.
- Receive personalized feedback to refine their approach and build confidence in applying these strategies in practice.
- Learn to use video review with parents to enhance reflection, engagement, and skill development.
This training provides a comprehensive exploration of relational practice, incorporating structured opportunities for active learning, reflection, and skill-building, ensuring participants leave with practical tools they can immediately implement.
Workshop outline
- Understanding a relational approach and the evidence supporting its effectiveness.
- PAIR Model Phase 1: Conducting initial appointments, goal setting using ACT principles, and introducing the approach to parents.
- PAIR Model Phase 2: Strengthening parent-child interactions as a foundation for developmental guidance (using transdisciplinary principles).
- PAIR Model Phase 3: Transitioning to targeted developmental guidance.
- Demonstration and application: Implementing a relational approach through case studies, video reviews, and reflective learning activities.
- Using video review with parents to support reflection and learning.
- Supporting emotional regulation: Key considerations and practical tools.
- Supporting parent and clinician wellbeing.
- Reflective supervision: Strategies to support implementation.
Participants will receive:
- Access to the Connect Play Learn online modules.
- An online workshop package with practical resources for working with parents.
- A range of therapeutic tools, including:
- Case history proforma
- Goal-setting document
- Parent play activity guides
- Tip sheets to use in sessions
- Session summary template
SPEAKER
Dr Jacqui Barfoot
Dr Jacqui Barfoot is a pediatric occupational therapist, researcher, and educator with over 20 years of clinical experience. Based at the Child Health Research Centre, the University of Queensland, she specializes in relational approaches to early childhood intervention for children with developmental difficulties. Jacqui developed the PAIR Model (Phased Approach to Including a Relationship Focus) and delivers the Connect Play Learn training to build practitioner capacity in relational, family-centred practice. Her work focuses on strengthening parent-child interactions to help optimize developmental outcomes, supporting practitioner wellbeing, and bridging the gap between developmental and mental health supports for young children. She is currently leading pilot studies and implementation research with early childhood teams across Australia.
Watch Dr Barfoot’s TEDx Talk:
DATES
Late 2026 or 2027, in person (2 days) or online (over several days)
INFORMATION
Caroline Hui, Occupational Therapist,
Choose to Learn +1 (450) 242-2816,
info@choosetolearn.ca
choosetolearn.ca
Connect Play Learn! EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
As soon as Connect Play Learn is available we will contact you by email.
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