Description
Hanen: Sharing Sensitive News (2-Part Series)
Having conversations with families about a child’s development can be one of the most challenging responsibilities for early childhood educators. Whether you have noticed concerns about communication, social interaction, behaviour, motor skills, or overall development, knowing what to say—and how to say it—can feel overwhelming.
The Hanen Sharing Sensitive News program was developed to help professionals approach these important conversations with confidence, compassion, and respect. Rather than focusing on delivering difficult news, this evidence-informed training emphasizes building trusting relationships with families through active listening, empathy, and collaborative communication.
This training recognizes that families are the experts on their own children. When concerns are shared in a family-centred and supportive way, parents are more likely to feel heard, understood, and empowered to work together with educators to support their child’s development.
Over two interactive sessions, participants will explore practical strategies for preparing for sensitive conversations, communicating observations objectively, responding to parents’ emotions, and fostering meaningful partnerships that continue long after the initial discussion. Through real-life examples, guided reflection, and practical tools, you’ll leave feeling more prepared to navigate these conversations with professionalism and care.
Whether you are new to the field or have years of experience, this training will strengthen one of the most important skills in early childhood education—building positive relationships with families during difficult moments.
What You’ll Learn:
Why sensitive conversations can be difficult for both educators and families
How to prepare for conversations about developmental concerns
Family-centred communication strategies that build trust and collaboration
Active listening techniques that help parents feel heard and respected
How to objectively share observations without creating defensiveness
Strategies for responding to a range of emotional reactions from families
Ways to maintain positive partnerships after a difficult conversation
Practical approaches you can immediately apply in your dayhome
Difficult conversations don’t have to damage relationships. With the right skills and approach, they can become opportunities to build trust, strengthen partnerships, and work together in the best interests of every child. Join us for this two-session Hanen program and gain the confidence to navigate sensitive conversations with compassion, professionalism, and respect.
Dates: Tuesday, August 25 and Wednesday, August 26, 2026Â
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PMÂ
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