This professional development training focuses on early literacy inspired strategies to help caregivers and professionals manage screen time use – both in their own lives, as well as in the lives of the children around them. Highlights include:

• What neuroscience says about the effects of screen time on brain development in childhood

• The impact of screen time on language and literacy skills development

• Behavioral repercussions of increased screen time exposure – including biologically compelled responses as well as social-emotional and physical development delays

• The importance of adult role modelling in regard to positive screen time use

• Specific strategies and suggestions to effectively manage screen time use in a family literacy context

• Provision of a suggested book list that incorporates screen time themes and encourages discussion of related topics between caregiver and child

This training is discussion based and participants will have opportunities to share real life experiences and challenges with one another. The resulting outcome is that participants come away from the workshop with a tool kit of resources to help them manage screen time use in both their professional and personal lives, ultimately leading to healthier children who are maximizing their literacy and learning opportunities.