Trainings & Events

Family Engagement Training Menu

According to the 2025 School Climate & Connectedness Survey, only two-thirds of staff said their school provides training on partnering with families. Sample from the AFEC training menu to ensure 100% of your team has the training & support they need. Don’t see what you’re looking for on here? We can make trainings to order!

Spring 2026 Webinar Series

JANUARY 29, 2026 4:30pm – 5:30pm: Brain Breaks — What They Are, Why They Matter, and How to Use Them
Brain breaks aren’t one-size-fits-all, they are most effective when chosen based on what the students need in the moment. This session will review four different types of brain breaks including energizing, soothing, connections and creative that participants can bring into their practice the next day.

FEBRUARY 16, 2026 4:30pm – 5:30pm: Beyond Calm – Understanding Self and Co-Regulation
This session will include discussion of self- and co-regulation, dysregulation, up- and down-regulation, and how we utilize the science of regulation and connection to improve behavioral and academic outcomes.

FEBRUARY 26, 2026 4:30pm – 5:30pm: Stress and the Window of Tolerance
Participants will learn about stress and stressors, understand factors that affect stress tolerance, and develop strategies to increase resilience to stress for adults and children.

MARCH 16, 2026 4:30pm – 5:30pm: Strengthening your relationship building strategies
Relationships matter most. Participants will leave this session with an understanding of foundational strategies and classroom practices to build trust and support to strengthen academic and social performance.

Helping Our Kids Thrive This School Year

September 2025 – March 2026

Virtual Series for Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers. Opportunity to have an open conversation and ask questions with others who share similar interests. Learn More Here!

Empowered Parents – Inclusive Connections (EPIC)

Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Virtual meetings on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays

Do you know families who have a child with special needs? Help connect them with a network of support for the child, siblings, and parents. In addition to trainings, Stone Soup Group offers events designed to empower families and professionals with knowledge, tools, and support to help Alaskan children with special needs thrive. Each session provides opportunities to learn, share experiences, and build meaningful connections within a caring community. We believe that strong family connections are the foundation for growth—when families come together to learn and support one another, everyone benefits. Register and get the Zoom link here.

Stone Soup Group Annual Parent Conference
Beyond Boundaries: Parents and Partners Innovating Together

Wednesday 3/25/2026 – Friday 3/27/2026 – BP Energy Center, Anchorage

Join us for an inspiring Parent Conference bringing together families, educators, and community partners to collaborate, innovate, and build stronger futures – together.

• Engaging trainings & table topics
• Inspiring keynote speakers
• Opportunities to connect with community partners
• Practical tools to support student success

Register Here!

NAMI Basics – Mental Health guidance for families of teens

Free, online, available any time

This free, six-session online education program is for parents, caregivers, and others who provide care for youth aged 22 or younger who are experiencing mental health symptoms. NAMI Basics OnDemand is guided by parents and family members with lived experience, is self-paced, and is available 24/7. Learn more and sign up here.

Transition Series: Exploring the Alaska Transition Handbook

Free, online

Over a period of six Zoom sessions, the Stone Soup Group will walk through the Transition Pathways Handbook. These sessions are especially helpful for families of middle and high school students with special needs. Register here.

Family Advisory Board

Fridays, February 6 through April 3, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM

Do you know family members who may be interested in helping guide the work of the Alaska Family Engagement Center? We’re looking for a few more Family Advisory Board members, especially those who have elementary school-aged kids and/or are fathers, grandfathers, and uncles. Thanks for nominating family members here (self-nominations are welcome!). Our next Family Advisory Board (FAB) meeting will be on Friday, October 3, at 1:00 p.m. Contact Emily Ferry for more info.

Active Parenting of Teens

Tuesdays, February 3 through March 10, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM

For caregivers of preteens and teens, this video and discussion program provides the skills needed to use effective discipline, teach responsibility, and communicate with teens. Each session shows caregivers how to handle sensitive issues such as drugs, sexuality, and violence. Register Here!

Circle of Security Parenting

Wednesdays, February 4 through March 25, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM

Add a positive twist to your parenting with this class, which focuses on effective techniques for promoting emotional development and understanding behavior. This class aims to help caregivers understand children’s development, communication, and how to support desired behavior. Register Here!