Overview:

This workshop offers an in-depth, practical look at child and youth development, temperament, and mental health. Participants explore developmental trends, delve into temperament traits, and examine the impact of trauma and mental health on behavior and learning.

The session provides strategies for creating supportive, inclusive communities, determining age-appropriate activities, guiding challenging behavior, and assessing program effectiveness. By the end, staff will leave with the tools and insights to foster holistic development, engagement, and well-being in the children and youth.

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

Deepen their knowledge of developmental trends, the nine temperament traits, and the impact of brain development, trauma, and mental health on children, youth, and adults.
Determine age-appropriate activities, identify effective behavior guidance strategies, and use practical approaches to support engagement, social-emotional growth, and positive interactions.
Explore strategies for building inclusive, supportive learning environments, assess whether children’s needs are being met, and analyze program practices to enhance overall effectiveness.

Audience:

Program staff who have some experience working with youth (6 months- 2 years in their roles/the field)
Program staff who may need a refresher in youth engagement and program effectiveness.
Program staff who have attended the “Foundations of Youth Development & Behavior Support” workshop.