Workshops focusing on helping staff to create safe and supportive program environments address both the physical safety of the children and youth as well as their emotional well-being. Workshops in this topic area include:

Gender Equity
In this workshop participants will learn the importance of providing girls and boys the opportunity to learn basic sports skills, have fun, and experience the developmental and health benefits associated with sports and large group games.  We will also look at strategies to encourage boys and girls to stretch out of there stereotypical comfort zones during activity times.  Available Trainer: Tricia Pawlik

Positive Reinforcement and Positive Language
Learn how to create a positive and safe after school program by the use of positive language.  Learn how to replace negative consequence plans with positive reinforcements that motivate students to change their behavior.  After learning and participating in the first part of the workshop, work together as a team to create a positive management plan for your program and/or specific children.   Participate in role playing exercises where you learn how to model positive language to children and change old manners of discipline to be more positively focused.  Available Trainer: Matt Hajdun

Setting up Environments for School Agers
Having a safe, age appropriate space is important to school age care as it can reduce behavior issues, effect staffing ratios and relationships, and give children the opportunity to explore different interests independently. But for many programs the challenge of needing to break down the program at the end of each day can be overwhelming. This workshop will provide creative, practical solutions that will yield inviting space for school agers.  Trainer: Julie Peterson

Transitions from School to Afterschool and Summer Programs
How do you help children make a smooth transition from school to an after-school or summer program?  Now ask that same question and think of a specific child, and then again thinking of a different child and then a third child.  Chances are you came up with different responses.  There are many ways that staff can support children in your program.  However, what works for many children doesn’t mean it works for all.  This is often the case for children who receive accommodations during the school day.  We’ll take a look at ways to open up communication with the school and strategies to support these children as they transition into your program and its expectations, environment and activities.  Trainer: Rhonda Drake

Listening so Youth will Talk
If you take the time to truly listen, you will be amazed and impressed at how much teens have to say. This workshop explores listening and communications techniques designed to get from “I don’t know” and “whatever” to meaningful conversations with adolescents. This workshop is a “must” for any adult working with teens.  Trainer: MaryBeth Pinard-Brace