If you are employed in a state that uses a registry to track professional development hours, you will be able to provide your registry ID (Stars, MOPID, Registry or other ECE ID#) after you have completed the quiz for the course. If you pass the quiz we will report your course completion to the state registry using the registry ID that you provide.

Recognize how grief and loss can affect young children and learn developmentally appropriate ways to support them through difficult experiences. Designed for early childhood educators and childcare professionals, this course explores children’s responses to grief, age-related differences, cultural considerations, empathy, communication about death, and strategies for coping. Participants will engage with practical examples and reflection questions to build their understanding and confidence. Apply these strategies to provide compassionate support and create a safe, responsive environment for children experiencing loss. Course length – 3.0 hours.

The course will help answer the following questions:

• How can I show appropriate empathy and understanding?

• How do I talk to children about death?

• What does grief look like on a child?

• How does grief differ between age groups?

• How does grief differ between cultures?

• How can I help the children in my care cope?

Participants who successfully complete this course will be able to:

• Identify at least three common signs or behaviors that may indicate a child is experiencing grief, with 80% accuracy on the course assessment.

• Select at least three developmentally appropriate strategies for talking with children about grief and loss.

• Develop a support plan that includes at least three strategies for helping a grieving child express emotions and cope with loss.

• Identify at least two ways cultural beliefs and practices may influence grief and select respectful ways to support children and families.