This full day workshop will introduce you to the Kimochis® tools that invite families and children to explore and learn ways to work through their big, and hard to have feelings. This training will be valuable for front line workers in programs focused on early childhood (0-6 years of age), in home, community, and school environments, as they support children, and build caregiver engagement. Together we will learn about and explore the adorable characters, their teachings, and activities that you can bring to your programs and that children can then bring home!

Workshop Overview:

Kimochis is a noun meaning ‘feeling’, ‘mind’, and ‘heart’, in Japanese. Research has shown that social-emotional learning (SEL) programs that focus on developing five core Social-Emotional Competencies (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making) to promote positive outcomes for children. This training will be valuable for frontline workers that run or facilitate groups geared towards caregivers, children, and/or other parent-child early childhood focused groups.

  • The main session will include video training provided by Ellen Dodge, the Kimochis® Feel Guide author, tailored to working with families
  • Exploration of major topics, reflection with peers and some door prizes!
  • Dive into the stories and key teachings of each of the 5 characters
  • Explore some of the activities and how you might use them with families

What's Included?

  • Each attendee will receive their own, full Individual Kit to become a part of their personal tool kit for working with families. This will include:
    • Various Feeling pillows,
    • A deck of Kimochis® cards,
    • A Mini Character Kit containing: Bug, Huggtopus, Cat, Cloud, Lovey Dove, Bella Rose, and Clover
      • ECE registrants will receive Bug, Huggtopus, Cat, Cloud and Lovely Dove
    • A folder of printed resources/handouts
  • Access to the online learning portal including videos and more resources
  • Certificate of attendance

Prerequisite:

  • There is no prerequisite for Kimochis® For All!

Date and Time:

  • Date:
    • January 13, 2026
  • Time:
    • 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (MST)
  • Registration Deadline:
    • January 9, 2026 
    • Advance registration is required

Location:

  • Virtual via Zoom 

Cost:

  • Family Resource Network team members and leadership: $0 *
  • AHVNA Member: $375
  • Non Member: $500

​*The cost of this opportunity is covered by a grant for Family Resource Network team members and leadership.

For more information or to contact AHVNA, follow this link: [Contact us]

Cancellation Policy:

Registration costs are non-refundable.

We encourage you to send a substitute if you are unable to attend the workshop, as there is a NO SHOW charge for all absent registrants. Cancellations need to be made ONE WEEK prior to the workshop date.

Should a workshop not reach its minimum registration requirement, it will be cancelled approximately ONE WEEK prior to the workshop commencement date. Registrants will be informed by e-mail or telephone, and registration costs will be refunded.

Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision-Making, Empathy, Emotional Regulation, Mindfulness, Conflict Resolution, Positive Communication, Stress Management, Resilience, Growth Mindset, Collaboration, Respect, Active Listening, Positive Relationships, Coping Strategies, Self-Esteem

Kimochis® For All! Virtual Orientation and Introductory Workshop - 011326

Register Now

  • Tuesday Jan 13 2026, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
  • Virtual