M-12 Mental Health Foundations Series (NEW!)
Presenter
Format and Time
- On-Demand Webinars: 6 on-demand webinars ranging from 11 to 30 minutes in length
Content
Classroom First Steps: An Introduction to the Mental Health Foundations Series (25 minutes)
This first mini-training introduces the full series and provides a foundation for creating supportive classroom environments. It takes a whole-child approach to understanding the emotional and behavioral needs of students. Educators will explore how traditional practices can contribute to dysregulation and learn strategies that promote trust, safety, and engagement. The session also highlights trauma-informed practices and simple adjustments that reduce distress and support all learners.
The Power of Rapport (13 minutes)
This mini-training explores the critical role of rapport in supporting students with emotional-behavioral challenges. Participants will gain insight into why strong connections are essential—both clinically and practically—for effective intervention and steering everyday interactions. The session includes strategies for understanding and managing personal triggers, as well as guidance on avoiding common practices that can inadvertently escalate student dysregulation. Walk away with practical tools to build trust, set a positive tone, and foster emotional safety for students.
Building Foundational Skills (18 minutes)
This mini-training focuses on equipping children with essential functional skills for success both in the classroom and in everyday life. Participants will learn how to identify skill deficits, break complex skills into manageable, teachable behaviors, and implement effective practice strategies. The session also includes practical reinforcement procedures and creative ideas to encourage lasting behavior change.
Check-In, Check Out for Younger Students (20 minutes)
This mini-training introduces a simple 4-point check-in/check-out (CICO) system designed for elementary students who need extra emotional or behavioral support. The approach helps young learners build self-awareness, strengthen routines, and stay connected with caring adults. It can be used across settings as a proactive classroom practice to encourage positive behavior. The session offers clear steps for implementing the system with minimal prep and lasting impact.
Check-In, Check Out for Teens (19 minutes)
This mini-training presents a teen-friendly 4-point Check-In/Check-Out (CICO) system that promotes self-regulation, emotional awareness, and vales-directed behavior. Rooted in cognitive behavioral principles, the system guides students to reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors at structured points during the day. It offers a consistent way for teens to connect with supportive adults and make meaningful behavioral advancements. Educators will gain practical tools that align with the broader strategies from the Diagnostic Center's Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Educators training.
Stress Reduction and Mindfulness (30 minutes)
This mini-training introduces practical, school-based mindfulness and stress-reduction strategies tailored for students with emotional disabilities. Participants will explore how everyday academic environments can heighten stress responses, often exacerbating mental health symptoms and reducing emotional regulation. The session offers step-by-step instructions and gives tips on the use of technology and apps to help deliver this content that helps promote emotional balance, self-regulation, and learning readiness.
Handling School Schedule Breaks (11 minutes)
This mini-training helps educators support students with Emotional-Behavioral Disorders (EBD) during school breaks and transitions. While breaks can be restful for some, they often cause stress and emotional disruption for students with mental health challenges. The session explores why these times are difficult, what signs of distress to watch for, and how to plan effective, proactive support. Educators will gain tools to help students regain structure, emotional balance, and academic focus after time away.
Intended Audience
Teachers, paraeducators, school psychologists, behaviorists, Educationally Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS) staff, administrators and others working with students with emotional-behavioral needs
Participants Will
- Understand the core components of a whole-child, preventative approach to supporting students with emotional and behavioral needs.
- Identify how common classroom practices can unintentionally escalate distress and how to make simple, trauma-informed adjustments.
- Gain insight into the emotional impact of transitions, and how to create proactive supports around them.
- Learn to recognize early signs of dysregulation and apply foundational strategies to restore emotional balance.
- Strengthen their ability to build daily routines that promote safety, connection, and engagement for students with emotional-behavioral challenges.
- Access practical tools and pre-interventions that reduce disruptive behavior and increase academic participation through consistent, supportive adult interactions.
