IPV Training for Professionals Supporting Young Children and Mothers
Growing Together Service Provider Program
Growing Together is a no cost, four-module, trauma-informed course tailored to professionals across Nova Scotia who work with families and young children affected by intimate partner violence (IPV). It equips participants with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to recognize, respond to, and support those impacted by IPV — helping to build safer, more responsive communities.
Whether you work directly with families, support early childhood development, or assist with system navigation, this course will empower you with practical knowledge and tools to better support survivors of IPV and their children.
Key Features
Accessible Online Learning
Delivered via the Ruzuku platform, offering flexibility for participants to complete the course at their own pace, with online classroom interaction for peer support.
Engaging and Interactive
Resources and Tips
Course Breakdown
Module 1: Understanding Trauma and IPV through an Intersectional Lens
Learn about the different forms of IPV, warning signs, myths and misconceptions, and the impacts on women and children. Explore how culture, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status influence experiences of IPV.
Module 2: IPV and Young Children
Understand how IPV affects early childhood development, attachment, and emotional well-being. Learn how to recognize signs of trauma in children ages 0–6 and how to support emotional regulation and trust-building.
Module 3: Best Practices and Approaches for Supporting Women and Children
Explore effective strategies for early intervention, parenting support, and creating safe, empowering spaces for mothers and children.
Module 4: Navigating Systems to Support Women and Children
Gain practical tools and knowledge for helping families navigate health, education, child welfare, and legal systems. Learn how to make effective referrals and advocate for survivors’
needs
Who Should Take This Course
This course is specifically designed for service providers in Nova Scotia who support families with young children, ages 0-6. It is for professionals who may not specialize in IPV but want to enhance their understanding and response. This includes professionals in sectors like:
- Health (doctors, nurses, counsellors, support workers)
- Education (teachers, school counsellors, daycare providers)
- Legal services (lawyers, paralegals, legal advocates)
- Community support (social workers, family support services, community and rec centers)
- All other professionals looking to increase their knowledge
Whether you’re an early childhood educator, shelter worker, outreach staff, healthcare provider, or a family support worker, Growing Together offers practical training that will strengthen your ability to respond with empathy, care, and professionalism.
Why Take This Course?
Enhance Your Capacity to Support Survivors
Whether you work in healthcare, education, or community services, this course will give you the skills to better support women and children affected by IPV.
Gain Specialized Knowledge
Learn the latest evidence-based practices for working with women and children impacted by IPV, especially those in the critical 0-6 age group.
Build a Stronger Network
Connect with other service providers in Nova Scotia, share experiences, and grow your professional network in the field of IPV support.
Core Competencies
By the end of the Growing Together program, participants will be able to:
- Define different forms of IPV, recognize common biases and warning signs.
- Understand the impact of IPV on child development and apply strategies to support mothers and young children.
- Utilize best practices in communication and intervention with families experiencing IPV.
- Navigate complex systems like health, education, and legal frameworks to better advocate for women and children.
- Reflect on personal practices, gain new insights, and network with peers.
FAQ
Is there a cost to take the course?
No. The Growing Together Service Provider Program is offered free of charge to professionals in Nova Scotia. This ensures that service providers can access trauma-informed training without financial barriers.
How is the course delivered?
The course is delivered entirely online via the Ruzuku platform, offering flexible, self-paced learning while still allowing interaction with fellow service providers in an online classroom setting.
How long does the course take to complete?
The course consists of four modules. While it’s self-paced, we recommend setting aside approximately 2-3 hours per module. Participants can work at their own pace, but we suggest completing the course within 6 weeks.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion?
Yes! Upon completing the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion.
What kind of support will I receive during the course?
Throughout the course, you’ll have access to facilitators and a community of learners. You can ask questions, share insights, and engage in discussions through the platform.
What are the Key Features?
- Fully virtual and self-paced
- Interactive learning with other service providers
- Focused on supporting children aged 0–6 and their caregivers
- Grounded in trauma-informed, culturally responsive practices
- Built for professionals working in a range of community settings
- Approximately 22 hours to complete
Ready to get started?
Are you ready to strengthen your ability to support women and young children impacted by intimate partner violence?
Enroll in the Growing Together program today.
If you have questions or need more information, contact our facilitator: [email protected]
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