Description

Connection First is a 5-week journey based on the REPAL™ Framework, created by Karla Proaño, M.Ed., IMH-E®, Ed.D. Candidate, infant mental health specialist and DIRFloortime clinical supervisor.

It’s built on one simple idea: connection first, then learning. An overwhelmed child can’t learn yet. When we help them find calm and feel connected first, they are ready to listen, try, and grow.

How it works: each week focuses on one letter of REPAL, with a short video, a printable kit, and one simple challenge. You don’t need to do it perfectly: one strategy at a time is enough.

Week 1 · Regulation & Relationship. Why does my child melt down, and how do I help them calm down? With the Calm Kit with Rami.
Week 2 · Engagement & Executive Support. Why doesn’t my child listen or finish what they start? With the Next-Step Kit with Eniko.
Week 3 · Play with Purpose. How do I play with my child so they learn? With the Play Kit with Pip.
Week 4 · Autonomy & Adaptive Thinking. How do I let my child do it on their own without getting frustrated? With the Many-Ways Kit with Ari.
Week 5 · Learning with Developmentally Appropriate Technology. How do I use screens in a healthy way? With the Curious-Tech Kit with Lumi.

What’s included:

5 video lessons, plus a welcome and closing
All 5 Family & Caregiver Guardian Kits (printable PDFs)
5 weekly challenges and an observation challenge to start
A Certificate of Completion when you finish all 5 weeks [and the final reflection]

Details: English · self-paced · ages 3–8 · Web-based self-study course

This course is educational. It does not replace a professional evaluation, diagnosis, or therapy. The Certificate of Completion confirms that you completed the course; it is not a professional certification and does not provide continuing education (CE) credits.