Center for Early Relational Health

Provider Training Efforts

The Lens of Emotional Connection 

There are several possible lenses through which to observe a parent/caregiver-child relationship. Most are unidirectional, from parent-to-child (e.g., bonding) or child-to-parent (e.g., attachment). 

But COMBO honed a validated, evidence-based tool with which pediatricians can look through a dyadic lens at the exchange between the parent and child: the bidirectionality, mutuality, mirroring, and reciprocity between them during a face-to-face interaction. Academically referred to as dyadic emotional synchrony, this two-way construct is more commonly called “emotional connection.” 

Together, COMBO and Reach Out and Read developed a training, in partnership with the Stanford d.school, to enable pediatricians to recognize the elements of dyadic emotional synchrony during well-child visits and layer the observation of emotional connection into their delivery of the Reach Out and Read model of care. They then conducted a successful pilot training, with clinicians effectively learning to apply this lens in just 40 minutes. 

This training holds tremendous potential for scalability. In fact, Reach Out and Read will soon begin implementing it across its clinical network, taking a meaningful step toward integrating relational health into the universal fabric of pediatric care. 

Biomarker Research 

  • Publications:
    • Deciduous tooth biomarkers reveal atypical fetal inflammatory regulation in autism spectrum disorder.
    • Wintertime stress, nursing, and lead exposure in Neanderthal children 

Annual Playdate 

Giving back to families in our community 

The Center for Early Relational Health is deeply committed to understanding and improving family health, which we know is rooted in community health. As part of our Direct-to-Family strategy, we feel strongly about creating events that don't just talk about community health, but actually impact it in tangible ways. 

The COMBO Playdate is our annual event in Washington Heights, to give back to the families in the vibrant community where we are so fortunate to do our research. This fun, free block party connects young families with tangible resources, meaningful support, and each other. 

Tangible resources for families 

Last year, thanks to our sponsors and partners — from local businesses to national and international brands — we gave over $20,000 worth of free resources to the community, like non-toxic diapers and wipes, insulated grocery totes, day passes to kid-friendly spaces around NYC, CPR kits, children’s books in English & Spanish, and so much more. 

Fun-filled family activities 

Many of our Playdate offerings are designed to support child development, including sensory stations, seed planting, and the always-popular rubber ducky fishing. 

Other activities support family and community well-being, like CPR training & certification, naloxone training, blood pressure checks, and free lead testing for toys. Some activities are just plain fun! 

Click here to read about last year’s Playdate. And please join us for this year’s event! All NYC families are invited, and it’s completely free. We hope to see you there.