Overview:

This workshop offers an engaging, streamlined introduction to youth development, behavior, and relationship-building that it blends essential knowledge with practical, ready-to-use strategies.

Participants explore K–8 developmental trends, see how these show up in everyday behaviors, and learn communication tools, community-building techniques, and activities that support social-emotional growth. They also practice interpreting behavior as purposeful, identifying patterns that point to underlying needs, and applying effective, empathetic behavior guidance. By the end, staff will feel more confident navigating challenging behaviors, managing their own stress triggers, and creating environments where young people feel understood, supported, and connected

By the end of this training workshop, participants will be able to:

Identify key K–8 developmental trends and build the skills to observe behavior as purposeful, recognize patterns, and interpret what children’s actions may be communicating.
Deepen their understanding of the interpersonal and social-emotional skills youth need and learn strategies, activities, and communication techniques that build relationships, strengthen trust, and foster a positive, inclusive community.
Practice dynamic communication tools, explore strategies to check for understanding, apply effective behavior-guidance techniques, and reflect on their own reactions to challenging behaviors to strengthen engagement and manage stress

Audience:

Program staff who are new to the field (within their first year on the job).
Program staff who may need a refresher of youth development principles and behavior support practices.