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Understanding the Behavior of Children and Youth |
2.00 |
The development of children and youth can cause them to behave in ways that can be trying for even the most knowledgeable and experienced staff. When staff understands what is driving the behavior, they can help to guide and encourage acceptable behaviors. This course will provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent unwanted behavior by meeting the needs of children and youth before they act out. |
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Leading with Head and Heart |
2.00 |
Those in leadership positions have a responsibility to both lead and manage.During this course, participants will understand the differences between the leadership and management, and the steps we can take to cultivate both. Participants will explore how leaders create safe, supportive environments by modeling self-awareness, interpersonal skills and growth mindset in how we lead and manage. |
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Exploring Curriculum Activities |
2.00 |
Today, more than ever, programs are being asked to integrate academic activities into programming. Improving academic performance and achievement requires us to intentionally create opportunities for children and youth to learn and discover their own interests, strengths, and talents within the academic areas. This course offers an overview of the six curriculum areas as defined by the California Department of Education, provides sample activities that address these curriculum areas, and explores the importance of including academics in a well-balanced program. |
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I Can: Supporting Growth Mindset and Self-Efficacy |
2.00 |
We all have areas in our life that we approach with a growth mindset and others we approach with a fixed mindset. In order for us to be positive role models to youth, we as adults need to reflect on our own mindsets and how they may impact how we behave at work and with youth. During this course, participants will learn about what self-efficacy and growth mindset are, explore our own mindset and the potential impact it has on youth, and reflect on current and new strategies to support the development young people’s growth mindset and self-efficacy. |
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I Belong: Supporting Social Awareness and Interpersonal Skills |
2.00 |
We all have lived full lives with varied experiences, both positive and negative. Whether we are aware or not, our experiences, including our social, political and cultural beliefs and background, affect our practice with youth. During this course, participants will learn about how culturally grounded beliefs and background affect our practice with youth, how to help raise our awareness of those factors, and reflect on current and new strategies that support the development young people’s social-awareness and interpersonal skills. |
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Effective Communication with Children and Youth |
2.00 |
We are constantly communicating with the children and youth in our program through our words and actions. It's important for program staff to think critically about their communication skills and habits in order to communicate effectively. During this course, participants will learn about effective and dynamic communication tools, strategies to check for understanding, and activities that engage children and youth in communication. |
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Including Children and Youth with Disruptive Behaviors |
2.00 |
When working with children and youth, we encounter a wide range of behaviors. Effective behavior guidance strategies can help reduce the amount of time and energy spent addressing disruptive behaviors in the program. During this course, participants will explore the challenges of children and youth with disruptive behavior and learn strategies for effectively addressing these behaviors. |
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Creating an Inclusive Program |
2.00 |
With planning, training, and support, program staff can successfully include many children with special needs. Program staff must develop the skills necessary to assess the environment, materials, equipment, and activities to make the necessary modifications and accommodations so that all children and youth in their programs are successful. During this course, participants will discuss the law regarding inclusion as well as the attitude and reasonable accommodations needed to create an inclusive environment for children and youth with special needs. |
