Bright Beginnings

 Earn 16.5 CE Contact Hours

This three-day course prepares participants to implement Bright Beginnings, a comprehensive, research-based curriculum of group discussions and parent-child activities designed to help parents and/or caregivers promote their children’s mental health and school readiness. Bright Beginnings is currently implemented in Early Head Start programs around NYC and in community agencies serving families with infants and toddlers.

The Bright Beginnings Manual includes 36 detailed session guides for conducting parent-child groups for parents with children 2 to 36 months of age.

This course will include a combination of lecture, discussion, videotape, role play, and experiential exercises.

Learning Objectives – Participants will be able to:

• Conceptualize parenting as a set of processes and interactions encompassing attachment, exploration and learning, and guidance;
• Identify these three aspects of parenting in observing parent-child interactions;
• Develop skills to facilitate groups.

Date / Time:

August 6, 7, 10, 2026 (Thursday, Friday, Monday)
9:30 am–4:00 pm daily
Participants will receive 16.5 CE Contact Hours

Who Should Attend:

Mental health professionals, social workers, parent educators, home visitors, early childhood specialists, Early Head Start and Head Start staff, and family support professionals who work with infants, toddlers, and their caregivers. This training is ideal for practitioners seeking practical tools to strengthen parent-child relationships, promote healthy development, and facilitate parent-child groups.

Meet Dr. Edwards:

Martha E. Edwards, PhD is Founder and Director of the Center for the Developing Child and Family and creator of the Bright Beginnings Parent-Child Program. As a psychologist, family therapist, and researcher, she has focused on integrating theory and practice from family systems, developmental neurobiology, and psychoanalysis. She also developed clinical and preventive interventions for children and their families. She received the 2015 award from the American Family Therapy Academy for “Innovative Contributions to Family Therapy.” She presents nationally and internationally and maintains a private practice in New York City. She has served as Board Member and Vice-President for the American Family Therapy Academy. Currently she is a Board Member and Co-President of the NY Zero to Three Network, and advisory editor for Family Process.