THE BRAIN IS CREATED TO HEAL


Even when a child’s early experiences have shaped their brain in harmful ways, healing is possible. This micro course offers a hopeful and accessible introduction to neuroplasticity—how the brain develops, responds to stress, and, most importantly, how it can be rewired through nurturing relationships and intentional care.

In just a short time, you'll discover how caregiving, structure, and connection can physically reshape a child’s brain for the better. You’ll walk away with practical tools and real-world strategies to help children who’ve faced trauma, adversity, or disrupted caregiving experience growth, resilience, and restoration.

YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH

  • Explain the concept of neuroplasticity and its relevance in trauma-informed care
  • Recognize how stress impacts the developing brain—and how healing begins
  • Apply simple, proven caregiving practices that promote brain growth and resilience
  • A CAFO Certificate of Completion to demonstrate your learning

 WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Customizable Tools 
& Templates

Editable resources and logo-free templates to help you take your learning into practice.

Team Discussion &
Summary Guides

Review what you've learned and lead others through team discussions with provided guides and curated resources.

CAFO Certificate of
Completion

Show your commitment to growth and best practices with a downloadable certificate from CAFO.

A PROVEN FRAMEWORK FOR BETTER CARE

This course is part of CAFO’s Core Elements of Success program, which provides a clear roadmap to improving outcomes for vulnerable children through evidence-based training on key aspects of quality care.


Drawing from global best practices and enriched by insights from NGOs, field experts, and experienced leaders, each course equips you with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to provide quality care for vulnerable children and families. Topics range from child protection and confidentiality to board governance and fiscal accountability—giving you the resources to implement best practices across every aspect of your organization, ensuring your efforts lead to meaningful, positive outcomes.


If you're committed to achieving measurable results—rather than just hoping for positive outcomes—and need actionable strategies and tools to improve your program, this course is for you.


CAFO’s Core Elements of Success: Simplified care improvement, designed for you.

AT A GLANCE

Discover how the brain heals—and how caregivers can make all the difference.


  • Who is This Course For?
  • Foster, adoptive, and kinship caregiver
  • Social workers, ministry teams, and educators
  • Anyone seeking a hopeful, science-based understanding of trauma and healing
  • Time Commitment
  • Fully self-paced
  • This micro course takes 1 hour to complete, but you’re welcome to move at your own pace.
  • Price
  • Free

COURSE CURRICULUM PREVIEW

  What is this Micro Course About?
Available in days
days after you enroll
  Introduction: What is Neuroplasticity?
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  Trauma and its Effects on the Brain
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  Created to Heal through Connection
Available in days
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  Developmental Catchup
Available in days
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  Conclusion & More Resources
Available in days
days after you enroll

CHOOSE A PRICING OPTION

This course is offered free of charge thanks to generous support and partnerships. No coupon code required.