Understanding the Needs of Families

This module was developed as part of the California Department of Education/Child Development Division School-Age Training Project, was revised in 2017 to incorporate specific language, examples and tips for summer and year-round learning programs and revised in 2019 to incorporate language to support mental health and wellness.

During this training, participants will gain a deeper understanding of human needs and the needs of their families and begin fostering empathy for their families. 

In this training participants will:

  • Strengthen their understanding of foundational human needs as it relates to youth development and supporting families

  • Explore their own personal needs using the Nonviolent Communication framework and resource.

  • Explore and strengthen skills to support them in identifying and meeting the needs of families.

Content Overview:

Exploring the Topic

Participants will review the different the basic human needs and how they show up in human behaviors. 

Identifying Needs

Participants will explore their own personal needs and connect them to the emotions they feel when those needs are met or unmet. 

Opinion Statements

Participants will react to different statements about families and consider how their attitudes enhance or detract from their ability to develop positive relationships with families.

Empathy Mapping

Participants will explore different examples of families they might have in their program and try to put themselves in their shoes to begin fostering empathy for their families

Training Length: 2 hours