Education & Training

*NEW* Fragile Infant Feeding Institute (FIFI)
The Fragile Infant Feeding Institute is a four and a half day intensive study of feeding and nutrition for infants with special needs. Held in a comfortable setting, the Institute encourages close interaction between the faculty and participants. The faculty represent both clinical and research perspectives, providing an evidence-based offering with a focus on practical application. Particular emphasis is placed on the neurodevelopmental aspects of infant feeding, supporting the infant-parent relationship, and the development of systems to support best practice.This course expands the knowledge base of professionals supporting infants with feeding and nutrition challenges. The development of feeding skills and the impact of early nutrition and feeding experiences are discussed in the context of developmentally supportive and family-centered care. Based on concepts adapted from the Synactive theory, the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care & Assessment Program (NIDCAP), and the Family Infant Relationship Support Training (FIRST) program, the Institute provides a sound foundation for observation and assessment of developing feeding skills. Supportive interventions for infants while in the hospital, as well as during the transition to home are addressed. The Institute places a special emphasis on feeding and nutritional issues through the transition to supplementary (baby) foods. The nutritional needs of premature infants and those with special medical needs, as well as the interaction between feeding skills and nutritional needs are discussed. Presenters represent the disciplines of nursing, nutrition, therapy, parenting, and psychology. Each day successively builds on the knowledge and information from the previous day. An interactive process with the faculty results in the participant applying the information during presentations during the four and a half day Institute. Please contact Bobbi Rose, MA, MPH at 813.974.6158 or brose@health.usf.edu.
May 7-11, 2012
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Family Infant Relationship Support Training (FIRST) Program
This training program is for professionals who work with infants who are born prematurely, with special needs, at term but who are not behaviorally well-organized, and born into high risk families. Topics covered include infant neurobehavioral development, communication, behavioral cues, infant-caregiver relationships, transitioning to the community, and caregiver suggestions.
If you are interested in hosting a FIRST training or if you would like information about future trainings, please contact us.

Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program (NIDCAP)
This training is for professionals working with infants in the Intensive Care Nursery. Trainees are taught a systematic assessment of an infant's behavioral repertoire in order to establish inferred developmental goals and provide recommendations for supportive care of the infant and family, based on the NIDCAP model developed by Dr. Heidelise Als at Harvard University. Please contact us for more information.

Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND)
The LEND Fellowship offers specialized training for individuals planning careers in maternal and child health. JFK’s CoLEND (Colorado Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) program emphasizes Autism Spectrum Disorders and focuses on leadership skills and advanced interdisciplinary clinical preparation. Full-time Trainees/Fellows will engage in a 12-month program (usually beginning in September) of academic, clinical, and community experiences in evaluation, diagnosis, and development and provision of evidence-based interventions to children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental disabilities. Leadership, cultural competence, and family-centered skills will be strengthened. Part-time participation may be considered.
Qualifications: Must be at the post-doctoral level and have achieved the education and experience levels required of their profession. Appropriate disciplines include: Medicine,Pediatrics, Child Psychiatry, Nursing, Nutrition, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychology, Public Health, Social Work, and Speech & Language Pathology. Fellowships for other disciplines may be arranged. Opportunities are also available for parents of children with developmental disabilities and for youth consumers with disabilities.

Family Leadership Training Institute
This 20-week skill-based curriculum is designed to bolster family involvement and leadership skills while promoting the lifelong health, safety, and learning of children. Topics include but are not limited to: "Parents as change agents," "How Systems Work," "Using Your Voice," "How does the State work," and "Language: Packaging & Moving Agendas." FLTI is available in Adams, Arapahoe/Douglas, Denver, Larimer, and Montezuma/Dolores counties.  
Begins January, 2012




Past Education & Training Activities