CLINICIAN AND TEACHER INFORMATION SHEET
Neurodevelopmental Attachment-Based Model
Our program works from a neurodevelopmental attachment-based model. This model believes that a child’s brain development is impacted by his or her experiences in the world, and in particularly by the important attachment relationships in their lives. By assessing and understanding a child’s development, we can better support him or her to develop and thrive in life. These assessments are made but not limited to the following:
· How does a child process information?
· What are his/her cognitive strengths and weaknesses?
· What/How are the characteristics and qualities of his or her primary relationships?
Positive, secure attachment relationships have been found to be a robust predictor of childhood self-esteem, successful conflict resolution skills, competence in peer relationships, and better relationships with teachers. Poor attachment relationships with primary caregivers have been found be related to increased aggressive behaviors toward peers. Our program goals support these children in building new positive internal working models by encouraging secure attachment relationships with parents. Furthermore, we believe that staff is also instrumental in helping bring about new internal models of healthy relationships by building positive attachment relationships with the child, and by intervening in maladaptive interactions with peers in the moment. Violence and other fear-based behaviors can be averted and replaced with strategies and activities that calm the emotion areas of the brain, making it possible to learn and utilize pro-social behaviors, thus creating a new way to interact with others, a new “cooperative peer relationship” neural map.
Assessment Tools
The following assessment tools are among those most commonly used; additional tests are added as needed.
· Clinical and Play Interviews
· Classroom, Peer and Parent-Child Observations
· Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scales of Intelligence, Third Edition
· Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition
· Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition
· Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Preschool Edition
· Projective Tools Include the Children’s Apperception Test and Figure Drawings
Intake Process
If you are interested in our services for a child with whom you are working, please complete the referral form and have parents complete a release of information form (both are at the bottom of this page) and email the form to cld@bipr.org, or fax the form to the Zero-to-Five Program at 303.444.2843. After receiving your information, we will contact you to discuss a plan.
