The Safe Havens Training Project

Click here to visit The Safe Havens Training Project website.

When children fear for their own safety or the safety of someone they love, they can have a hard time learning and making friends. Child Care workers, teachers, parents and other caregivers can provide vital help by creating an environment where children feel protected and cared for. That environment is embodied in the Safe Haven creed:

You are safe here.
I will take care of you.
You can play.

The Safe Havens Training Project is a three-part, video-based training program designed to provide caregivers with the support they need to help children feel safe. The videos are mini-documentaries about children and violence. The workshops teach about children's responses to violence and offer practical strategies for supporting children and co-workers.

Because of the sensitive nature of the subject matter, only trainers experienced in child development may lead this training. 

The Safe Havens Training utilizes a 100-page manual, extensively reviewed by a panel of child-development experts. Each presentation addresses:

• Three documentary films on VHS cassette.
• Three training modules designed for up to 10 hours of training.
• A training supplement for parents and community presentations, with handouts in Spanish and English.
• Overheads and handouts.
• Roleplays and activities. 
• Bibliography, including recommended books to use with preschoolers.

This training is recommended for:

• Head Start
• Title 1 Teachers
• Parents
• Family support centers
• Child-care providers
• Mental-health specialists
• Social-service workers
• Health-care providers
• Law-enforcement professionals
• Community groups

The Safe Havens Training Project was developed by Family Communications, Inc., producers of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, in conjunction with the Child Witness to Violence Project at Boston Medical Center and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit/Early Childhood and Family Support Services.

Workshops for parents, childcare providers, and teachers include the use of program segment, teacher guides or parent tips, hands- on activities, series activity handouts, and related program website.