Working with students who’ve experienced trauma is complex, but adults can use certain strategies to help students reduce the anxiety that’s so common in this population. This audio brief describes scenarios that help out-of-school time staff recognize signs of trauma in elementary and middle school students. It also offers age-appropriate ways to help put children on the path to better well-being.
Adults serving in any professional role around children and youth have a legal obligation to report suspicions of neglect or abuse to appropriate authorities, but not understanding that obligation can prevent staff from acting. This audio brief explains what a mandated reporter is, what reporting looks like, and how staff can act with confidence on behalf of students.
This audio brief discusses the science behind emotional responses and behaviors and how out-of-school time staff can apply this knowledge. Awareness of the “staircase” that connects the upstairs brain (where basic fight, flight, or freeze responses occur) and the downstairs brain (where choices are made) can help us honor authentic feelings and take control of our actions.
This microlearning video for out-of-school time professionals discusses the differences between positive stress, tolerable stress, toxic stress, and trauma. It also presents findings from the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study, the effects trauma can have on a child, and strategies educators can use to address the needs of students exposed to trauma.