Protective Factors Framework

Bringing the Protective Factors Framework to Life in Your Work is a five-part training series designed for educators, early childhood professionals, family support workers, and community providers.

Professional Development Manual Home | Special Event Offerings | 2025-26 Learning Opportunities

F-1 Session 1: Introduction to the Protective Factors Framework (NEW)

Presenters

  • Dení Dayan, School Psychologist, Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP)

Intended Audience

Special and General Education Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), School Psychologists, General and Special Education Administrators, Program Specialists, Paraprofessionals, Early Childhood Educators, Social Workers, Family Support Workers, Family Liaisons, and Homebased Program Educators

Time

1.5 hours

Format

Virtual

Summary

This session introduces participants to the foundational concepts of the Protective Factors Framework. Attendees will explore how shifting from a deficit-based to a strengths-based mindset can transform family engagement practices. They will learn how protective factors buffer the impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and outline the logic models that illustrate how everyday strategies lead to improved outcomes for children and families. This session lays the groundwork for understanding how small, intentional changes in practice create significant positive impacts.

Participants will be able to

  • Demonstrate adopting a strengths-based mindset.
  • Explain how protective factors buffer long-term impacts of ACEs.
  • Outline pathways to improved outcomes logic model.
  • Identify strategies for everyday actions logic model.

F-2 Session 2: Bringing the Protective Factors Framework to Life in Your Work: Resilience and Social Connections (NEW)

Presenter

  • Dení Dayan, School Psychologist, Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP)

Intended Audience

Special and General Education Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), School Psychologists, General and Special Education Administrators, Program Specialists, Paraprofessionals, Early Childhood Educators, Social Workers, Family Support Workers, Family Liaisons, and Homebased Program Educators

Time

1.5 hours

Format

Virtual

Summary

In this interactive training, participants dive deep into the concepts of resilience and social connections as critical protective factors. The session identifies specific ways professionals can build resilience in themselves and in the families they serve. Participants will also learn the role of social connections in reducing stress and promoting well-being and will walk away with practical ideas to help families develop and maintain healthy, supportive relationships.

Participants will be able to

  • Define resilience
  • Identify actionable steps to build resilience in self and others.
  • Select everyday actions to foster resilience.
  • Define positive social connections and their educational value.
  • Describe how positive connections reduce stress and isolation.

F-3 Session 3: Bringing the Protective Factors Framework to Life in Your Work: Knowledge of Discipline Styles and Child Development (NEW)

Presenter

  • Dení Dayan, School Psychologist, Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP)

Intended Audience

Special and General Education Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), School Psychologists, General and Special Education Administrators, Program Specialists, Paraprofessionals, Early Childhood Educators, Social Workers, Family Support Workers, Family Liaisons, and Homebased Program Educators

Time

1.5 hours

Format

Virtual

Summary

This session focuses on equipping participants with tools to support parents in parenting knowledge and healthy child development. Participants will learn to identify different discipline styles, reflect on the "good enough parenting" model, and explore reliable child development resources. The training highlights how culture shapes parenting knowledge and beliefs and how understanding developmental milestones can support pathways to improved outcomes. Attendees will practice applying strategies to assist families who may be struggling with child-rearing challenges.

Participants will be able to

  • List four discipline styles.
  • Describe the concept of "good enough parenting."
  • Identify child development resources.
  • Discuss cultural influences on parenting
  • Illustrate pathways for improved outcomes logic model.
  • Apply effective strategies to support struggling families.

F-4 Session 4: Bringing the Protective Factors Framework to Life in Your Work: Concrete Support in Time of Need (NEW)

Presenters

  • Dení Dayan, School Psychologist, Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP)

Intended Audience

Special and General Education Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), School Psychologists, General and Special Education Administrators, Program Specialists, Paraprofessionals, Early Childhood Educators, Social Workers, Family Support Workers, Family Liaisons, and Homebased Program Educators

Time

1.5 hours

Format

Virtual

Summary

This session centers on the vital role of concrete support for families facing challenges. Participants will define what constitutes concrete support and examine how providing timely assistance can strengthen families and lower the risk of child abuse and neglect. Through self-reflection activities, participants will explore their personal attitudes toward seeking help and develop strategies to bridge gaps between families and critical services. Practical everyday actions to increase access to support are emphasized.

Participants will be able to

  • Define concrete support in the context of family services.
  • Explain how concrete support strengthens families and reduces abuse risk.
  • Examine personal attitudes towards seeking help.
  • Propose ways to bridge gaps between families and services.
  • Identify everyday actions to provide families with concrete support.

F-5 Session 5: Bringing the Protective Factors Framework to Life in Your Work: Social and Emotional Competence of Children (NEW)

Presenter

  • Dení Dayan, School Psychologist, Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP)

Intended Audience

Special and General Education Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), School Psychologists, General and Special Education Administrators, Program Specialists, Paraprofessionals, Early Childhood Educators, Social Workers, Family Support Workers, Family Liaisons, and Homebased Program Educators

Time

1.5 hours

Format

Virtual

Summary

This session addresses the importance of building children's social and emotional competence as a key protective factor. Participants will discuss how individual temperament shapes emotional development and behavior and review useful resources for promoting children's emotional intelligence. The training emphasizes practical strategies that help children form positive relationships, regulate emotions, and develop skills essential for success in school and life.

Participants will

  • Describe the role of temperament in shaping children's behaviors and emotions.
  • Identify resources for supporting children's social and emotional development.
  • Implement effective strategies that enhance children's social-emotional skills.