Getting to the Heart of Caregivers’ True Concerns
We are excited to partner with the Erikson Institute to infuse Facilitating Attuned Interactions (FAN) training into HealthySteps (HS) professional development and eventually offer FAN for HS training as part of our Virtual HS Institute (VHSI) during onboarding.
This professional development opportunity strengthens reflective practice for both HS Specialists and their reflective supervisors.
Quick Links
What is FAN?
The FAN approach serves as an internal compass for engaging with caregivers. It helps HS Specialists focus on caregivers’ concerns and tailor responses to what families need most in the moment.
FAN also builds awareness of how an HS Specialist’s own regulation affects their ability to be present with families. Through reflection and mindful self-regulation, HS Specialists are better able to remain balanced in emotionally activating situations.
FAN augments the success of HS interventions by increasing family engagement, caregiver/provider collaboration, and supervisor effectiveness.
FAN for HealthySteps Training
The FAN for HS Training is a team-based, interactive learning experience. We worked with the Erikson Institute to customize FAN training specifically for use by HS sites. HS Specialist Reflective Supervisors are invited to participate , along with up to three supervisees.
There is no cost for this training. Please note that all learners should commit to attending all three components of the training.
FAN for HS supports the strengthening of the following HS Specialist Competency areas: dispositions and reflective supervision (D & 8c K-C).
Level 1 FAN
Initial Training
Full 2 days of training for HS Specialists and their supervisors.
Day 1
7-hour virtual training day with HS Specialist and supervisor teams.
Day 2
7-hour virtual training day with HS Specialist and supervisor teams.
Level 2 FAN
Mentoring
6 monthly 90-minute reflective calls. Supervisors meet with HS National Office FAN trainers.
HS Specialists meet concurrently, at least monthly, with their reflective supervisors.
Day Three FAN Training
Culmination of training for HS Specialists and their Supervisors in a
7-hour day.
HS Specialists and supervisors overwhelmingly agreed that FAN improves engagement, helps identify parent concerns, and strengthens interactions with families and colleagues.
Here’s what some of them had to say:
“So much of the FAN has been useful! The reminder to slow down and ‘be with’ people has been wonderful. The concepts of feeling, thinking, doing, and reflecting have helped make conversations more meaningful. It has helped me grow towards a reflective, attuned way of being.”
“It was really helpful to have a step-by-step process for how to approach challenging conversations. It was also a confidence booster to realize that I had utilized aspects of FAN without realizing it!”
Interested in your team joining an upcoming “FAN for HS” training?
Email Laura Krug, Sr. Professional Development Subject Matter Expert at the HS National Office, to be added to our waiting list.
Additional Resources
Training Materials
AAP Pedialink FAN Course
In addition to HS Specialists and supervisors being trained by the HS National Office, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers an online FAN course for practitioners to enhance their reflective practice using the FAN framework. This is an excellent option for medical staff and for those who cannot commit to the full FAN for HS training. Anyone can access the course with a free AAP.org account. The cost is $5.
This course will help participants:
- Communicate with families in more attuned, respectful ways
- Identify what’s really driving a parent’s or patient’s concern
- Strengthen therapeutic alliances without adding time to visits
- Use mindful self‑regulation strategies during challenging encounters
- Integrate self‑compassion into everyday clinical practice