Growing with Care: FASD in Early Learning Environments (2CEs)
July 31 @ 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Free
Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm EST / 12 pm – 2 pm CT.
Cost: FREE, $8 for CLEs
Growing with Care: FASD in Early Learning Environments
DESCRIPTION:
This training introduces participants to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and its complex effects on young children. Through real-life examples and practical strategies, we’ll explore how FASD impacts learning, behavior, and social-emotional development and how early childhood environments can be adapted to better meet the needs of affected children. With a strong focus on understanding, compassion, and inclusion, this session empowers participants to shift from managing behaviors to supporting brain-based needs.
FASD is often misunderstood, yet it affects more children than many other developmental disorders. In early learning settings, children with FASD may struggle with behaviors that are misinterpreted as
oppositional or inattentive, when in reality, they are signals of an underlying brain-based disability. By
gaining a deeper understanding and adopting proven strategies, professionals can improve classroom dynamics, build stronger relationships, and promote better long-term outcomes for children with FASD. Creating environments that work with a child’s brain rather than against it is not only possible, it’s essential.
The Florida Center for Early Childhood operates the only FASD Diagnostic Clinics in the State of Florida, now located in Sarasota, Orlando, and Pensacola.
Takeaways:
- A clear understanding of what FASD is and how it develops
- Insight into the unique ways FASD may present in toddlers and preschoolers
- Tools for recognizing and responding to the learning, sensory, and social-emotional needs of children with FASD
- Strategies for creating predictable, trauma-informed environments that reduce triggers and support regulation
- Ways to engage families and collaborate across systems for better outcomes
CE Information: 2. CEs for Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and Certified Master Social Worker through CEBroker. Certificates will be supplied.
TRAINERS:
Crissa Harman, LMHC, Manager of FASD Services – Sarasota
Crissa is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and the Manager of Sarasota Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Services. A Sarasota native, Crissa brings 13 years of experience working with children and families. She has extensive expertise in navigating systems such as criminal justice and child welfare. Crissa has completed the Training on the FASCETS Neurobehavioral Modeal and is trained in several evidence-based curriculums including Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Circle of Security Parenting, and Child-Parent Psychotherapy.
Jenn Werden, MSW
Clinic Lead – Pensacola
Jenn is a mother of four, including a child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. She leads the FASD Clinic in Florida’s Panhandle and works to expand support for families affected by FASD through education, advocacy, and collaboration with state and national partners. Jenn holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work from Florida State University and serves on the board for Florida FAPA. She is a TBRI practitioner with extensive training in FASD and related interventions.