| Introduction
In response to a demand for more in-depth exposure to, and training in, the model he has developed, Dr. Neufeld developed a set of five day intensive courses which are currently offered on an annual basis in Vancouver and Montreal and periodically in other locations. The intensive courses are directed to educators and helping professionals and are open to all those involved, or wishing to be involved, in working with kids or those responsible for them. This first level intensive provides a grounding in the conceptual foundations of the approach and is entitled Making Sense of Kids. The second level builds on this foundation with a focus on challenging problems and troubling behaviour.
Due to increasing demand, the five day intensive course has been developed into a home study program. Currently this course is available in DVD format.
For more information on the content and background of the intensive course, consult the course syllabus.
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Description
The home study course consists of:
- A professionally produced ten-disc DVD set of Dr. Neufeld presenting with his powerpoint graphics dubbed in
Total playing time is just over 22 hours. The disc is organized around the content in five sections, with the average running time of each disc between 2 and 2.5 hours. The DVD discs are of premium quality and can be played through any computer or television equipped with a DVD player. The image can also be projected onto a wall or screen using a LCD projector.
- A workbook containing the core of the course content, along with process notes organized by section to facilitate integration of the material (available in pdf format)
The workbook contains a set of Neufeld's notes on the course material as it relates to and expands on the video content. It can either be read in advance of viewing the DVD as preparation, or read after viewing for review purposes.
The process notes include questions for reflection and application that can be used to work through the material.
- A handout of the slides with room for note-taking (available in pdf format)
The handout is 61 pages and includes all of the slides used in the DVD in print format (three to a page) to enable note-taking.
- Six month access to online support through the virtual campus
The virtual campus is a private online site for students and alumni of Neufeld's Intensives. It gives the opportunity to CONNECT with others who share an interest in this approach; DEEPEN understanding of the paradigm through discussion forums; WIDEN experience with additional materials and recordings; and INTERACT with trained faculty and participate in discussion groups.
The home study area of the campus is moderated by faculty members and offers a question and answer type forum, as well as general discussion on the course content. Case studies are available to work through with other course participants.
At the end of the six months, participants will be given the option to subscribe to the campus (current membership costs: $150 annual fee, or $15 monthly rate).
- Access to additional resources and a selection of recordings of Dr. Neufeld's talks and presentations
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Registration and fee information
Tuition cost for the basic home study program is $600.
Registration is open and flexible. One can register at any time of the year. Online support will be offered for six months from the beginning of the course.
To register, contact the program director.
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Schools and agencies
Special pricing is available for schools and agencies arranging professional development for their staff. The featured component of the group format is the tailored support. A Neufeld faculty member will work with the group facilitator to create a scenario that meets the group's needs. Ten hours of support are included in the group cost, which can be used in the form of weekly online discussion groups through video-conferencing, a weekend workshop upon completion of viewing the material privately, or a series of smaller workshops as the group works through the material. Courses can begin at any time.
Normally, each group participant views the course material on their own time, with group support taking place after school or during professional development time.
For more information on arranging a group study course and for pricing details, contact the program director.
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Suitability and applicability
The home study course is intended for those who are unable to attend the week intensive in person. The intensive course is designed for those interested in more extensive exposure and training in the integrated model developed by Dr. Neufeld.
The course may be suitable for:
This course can be studied individually. The DVD format allows it to be used in any DVD player and most computers, allowing for maximum flexibility in viewing, both in terms of time and privacy. The table of contents allows for easy navigating. A complete handout of slides used in the presentation allows for personal note-taking, while the workbook facilitates further interaction with the material. (See Description.)
- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OR CONTINUING EDUCATION
This course is also suitable for teachers, youth workers, counselors, social workers, therapists and other helping professionals working with children, youth and even adults. This format also enables school and agency staff to engage in professional development individually or as a group (see Schools and agencies).
This course is a prerequisite for:
- Level Two Intensive: Challenging Childhood Problems
- Certification program for facilitators of Neufeld's video-courses
- Neufeld's Virtual Campus membership
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Course outline
- The Maturation Factor:
why the immature have trouble learning and behaving
A look at the three natural processes (emergence, adaptation and integration) by which children grow up and the deficiencies and dysfunction that result from developmental arrest. (discs 1 to 3)
- The Vulnerability Factor:
why some kids get stuck
An analysis of the roots of stuckness that includes an appreciation of the role of emotion in maturaction and an understanding of what can go wrong. This also includes a summary of the basic ways a brain defends against a vulnerability too much to bear. (disc 4)
- The Attachment Factor:
why the immature need to attach to those responsible for them
An introduction to the most powerful of all human drives, often stunted and distorted by the flight from vulnerability. This discussion includes a survey of the kinds of attachment problems that predominate when children are stuck emotionally and developmentally. (discs 5 to 7)
- Common Childhood Problems:
a brief developmental analysis
Some of the common childhood problems of separation, dominance, bullying and counterwill are addressed in terms of development, vulnerability and attachment. (disc 8)
- Working with Stuck Kids
a three-pronged approach
Although the immediate challenge is to work around stuckness and its problems, the ultimate challenge is to get kids unstuck and to prime the natural processes by which the child will mature. (discs 9 and 10)
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