This short course offers a comprehensive introduction to child development and the fundamental concepts that enable adults to understand, support, and communicate effectively with children. Learners will explore how children grow socially, emotionally, and cognitively, and how adults can respond to their needs in ways that promote safety, connection, and resilience.

The course covers strategies for managing and supporting children’s emotions, including recognizing developmental differences in how children express feelings, using regulation and calming techniques, and fostering emotional literacy. Learners will also gain an understanding of the impact of trauma on the developing brain, how stress and adversity can influence behavior, and how trauma-informed approaches can help children feel safe and understood.

Attention is given to cultural considerations, emphasizing the importance of honoring family values, traditions, and identities when working with children and caregivers. Learners will reflect on how culture shapes development, communication, and perceptions of behavior.

Finally, the course introduces key skills for interviewing children, including building rapport, asking developmentally appropriate questions, maintaining neutrality, and creating a supportive environment that encourages children to share their experiences comfortably and safely.

By the end of this course, learners will have a solid foundation in child development principles and practical tools they can apply when supporting and communicating with children and families.

Course Disclaimer

This course provides general information and training on interviewing child clients. It does not provide legal advice or a legal opinion. Nothing in this course — or in any linked materials — should be interpreted or relied upon as legal advice. Do not take, or refrain from taking, any action based on the information presented here.

If you need legal advice, consult an attorney as soon as possible. Only a licensed attorney can provide legal advice or a legal opinion specific to your situation.

This course may include links to third-party websites. These links are offered solely for convenience and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any third-party content.

Content Creation Team

This course was made possible through generous funding from the Montana Court Improvement Program. The course content was developed by the Center for Children, Families and Workforce Development. at the University of Montana. The Center collaborates with state and community partners to strengthen Montana’s behavioral health and child- and family-serving systems through research, training and workforce development. For any technical questions, please reach out directly to us at ccfwd@umt.edu

Behind the scenes, the following team of content authors, reviewers, graphic designers and coders collaborated to create the following course materials.