Attachment in Infancy: Implications for Mental Health and Development
| Course code: | 26-SS-191 |
|---|---|
| Dates: | February 5 - April 2, 2026 Alternate Course Dates |
| Meets: | Th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 9 sessions |
| Hours: | 28.00 |
| CEUs: | 2.80 |
| Location: | Live Online via Zoom |
| Instructor: | Tracy Walters |
| Fee: | $429.00Fee Breakdown |
Description
Course Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Explain core principles of attachment theory and their relevance to infant and early childhood mental health
- Describe the impact of early relationships on brain development, social-emotional skills, and overall development across domains
- Identify strategies to strengthen caregiver-child relationships across various infant and early childhood settings settings
- Apply relationship-based principles to support school readiness and long-term well-being
- Reflect on personal and professional practices that influence relationships with children and families
Course Audience
This course is designed for professionals working with infants, young children, and families, including:
- Infant and Toddler child care providers
- Preschool teachers
- Early interventionists
- Early childhood educators
- Mental health providers
- Social workers and counselors
- Family support specialists
- Other practitioners seeking to deepen their knowledge of infant and early childhood mental health
Notes
Registration Deadline: The early registration price is available through December 22, 2025. Registrations for the course will be accepted through February 4, 2026.A discount is available for organizations enrolling 3 or more individuals at the same time. Please email ocpe@vcu.edu to obtain your coupon code prior to registration. Any available coupon codes must be used/applied at the time of enrollment, cannot be combined with other discounts/coupons or waivers, and will not be retroactively applied.
Location
All sessions will be held live online via Zoom meetings.
Attendance and Participation
You are required to have your camera on during these sessions to allow for verified engagement. VCU expects that students limit outside distractions, remain in one location for the duration of the session (no driving/errands), and actively participate in group discussions and activities. Participants must attend the full workshop to receive a certificate of completion.
Workshop Requirements
Participants are expected to attend all sessions, complete assigned reading and materials prior to sessions, participate in reading-based group discussions, and complete a reflection journal and group project.
Digital Course Materials
Participants will have access to course materials through VCU Canvas Catalog.
Certificate
After your facilitator confirms you satisfied the workshop requirements, VCU will send you a link for you to certify your participation and receive your electronic certificate. Your certificate will be immediately available for download and automatically emailed to you.
Continuing Education Units
Participants have the option to earn 2.8 CEUs for completing the 28-hour course, which includes 18 hours of instructional time, with the remaining time spent on outside readings and projects in the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS). If you would like to earn CEUs, select this option at registration. There is an additional fee of $30.
Cancellation and Refund Policies:
You may cancel your registration up two weeks before the course start date and receive a full refund minus a $35 credit card processing fee. After that date, no refunds will be given. Cancellations must be received via email at ocpe@vcu.edu
In the unlikely event that this workshop is cancelled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, the university will fully refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including change or cancellation charges to include but not limited to airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.
Transfer Policy:
Workshop registrations may be transferred to a different workshop or person if requested in writing via email at ocpe@vcu.edu by the cancellation deadline. The participant must meet all prerequisites or qualifications required by the program.
Student/Participant Conduct:
Participants are subject to all university policies applicable to students, unless a specific university or VCU Continuing and Professional Education policy explicitly states otherwise. University policies governing students are available at https://vcu.public.doctract.com including:
Student Code of Conduct
Honor System and Standards of Academic Conduct
Preventing and Responding to Discrimination
Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy-Interim
Sex-Based Misconduct Policy-Interim
For Academic Accommodations, please visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/courses/policies.html#accommodations
There are still openings remaining at this time.
