Jessica Grzybowski by

Fight, flight, or freeze

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-16 20:27:06 UTC

The stress response is designed to keep us alive and safe from danger. Symptoms associated with the flood of hormones from the stress response include, but are not limited to, increased heart rate and irritability. Try mindfulness, meditation, journaling, counseling, movement, grounding, or other techniques mentioned.

Toxic Stress

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-16 20:40:34 UTC

Children are especially vulnerable to the repeated activation of the stress response. What do we need to do to regulate our stress response? Meditating, nutritional strategies, healthy relationships, mindfulness, spending time in nature, exercise, etc are some examples. They help regulate our biologic stress response. They change our biology and improve outcomes.

Local Counseling Services

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-16 20:48:14 UTC

Offering telehealth (virtual) appointments and in-person appointments.
To schedule an appointment please call (231)-878-3059 or fill out the form below.

Fax: 866-902-5902

Office Address

9116 E 13th St Suite B

Cadillac, MI 49601

How to Meditate

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-16 20:50:37 UTC

Here are five reasons to meditate:

Understanding your pain
Lower your stress
Connect better
Improve focus
Reduce brain chatter

States of Arousal

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-16 21:02:53 UTC

The state of arousal that the child is in determines which part of the brain that they have access to at that given time. All teaching involves activating a stress response because we are introducing them to something new. A child's history will effect how they respond to new experiences. Keeping our own emotions and brain states in check is the only way to be a source of safety, comfort, and reassurance.

How to be Trauma Informed

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-16 21:06:45 UTC

National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN): www.nctsn.org
ChildTrauma Academy (CTA): www.childtrauma.org
Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute: www.traumacenter.org
National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children (TLC): www.starr.org/training/tlc
Reporting child abuse and neglect: www.childwelfare.gov/topics/responding/reporting/how

Demonstration Stress Release

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-16 21:15:04 UTC

Stress is how anxiety shows up in our bodies. Take a second to check your body for stress.

Arousal and the Brain

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-16 21:23:35 UTC

Ways to regulate include deep breathing, describing what's happening in our body, temperature changes, listening to calming music, dimming the lights, movement, etc.

Understanding the difference between hyperarousal and hypo-arousal can determine what kind of stimulus would be most effective. An example would be deep pressure would be beneficial for hypo-arousal and dimming the lights would be beneficial for hyperarousal.

Symptoms and Behaviors of Trauma in ECE

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-16 21:28:18 UTC

Children aged 3-6 exposed to trauma may:

Have difficulties focusing or learning in school
Develop learning disabilities
Show poor skill development
Act out in social situations
Imitate the abusive/traumatic event
Be verbally abusive
Be unable to trust others or make friends
Believe they are to blame for the traumatic event
Lack self-confidence
Experience stomach aches or headaches

Trauma Interventions and Resources

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-16 21:30:03 UTC

On the left hand side within the website there are tabs such as resources, assessments, and additional information on different traumas.

Information on Childhood Trauma

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-16 21:40:44 UTC

When something triggers a child and it's not clear to us exactly why, we need to take a step back and remember that trauma can be from a wide variety of experiences.

How can we help children feel safe when their big emotions come up?

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-17 14:06:40 UTC

Stay calm. Getting angry only scares a child more
Whisper, use few words, but be present
Repeat "You are safe, I am here for you."
Wait. Wait. Wait. The big feelings will pass, usually in under 20 minutes
Validate the feelings with true empathy. Put yourself in the child's shoes.
Encourage physical movement to discharge the stress hormones, ex.) Rocking, jumping, running, pushing against a wall
If you can't stay calm, step away and splash cold water on your face (as long as the child is safe)

Window of Tolerance for Parents/Teachers

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-17 14:15:33 UTC

Recognize your window of tolerance and build awareness of your symptoms
Widen your window of tolerance to reduce the likelihood of leaving it
Self-regulate when you dysregulate and experience symptoms of hyperarousal or hypoarousal

A window of tolerance is the state in which a person is calm and regulated. Understanding this can benefit teachers and parents because if we know what a dysregulated child looks like then we can assist them in learning how to regulate.

Resource for Parents, Teachers, and Students

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-17 14:25:08 UTC

This website will ask if you are a parent, student, or teacher and then you will have access to resources and information on how to teach coping skills.

Resource for Parents - Video

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-17 14:27:10 UTC

Children can learn to name and problem solve with strong emotions. Modeling is one of the most beneficial ways to do this.

Parent Resource: Local Counseling - Life Skills

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-17 14:36:03 UTC

Life Skills Psychological Services PC

805 South Carmel Street

Cadillac, MI 49601

info@lifeskillspsychologists.com

Phone: 231-775-6517

Fax: 231-775-6587

Parent Resource- Attachment

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-23 13:20:58 UTC

The internal working model is how we explain the differences between human behavior. This model effects self-esteem, relationships, and a person's ability to trust that the world is a safe place. It is formed based on early experiences and their attachment style.

Parent/Teacher Resource- Attachment Styles

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-23 13:33:48 UTC

The four types of attachment are:
Secure: This type of attachment is the healthiest and most desirable. Traits include getting along with others, responds to authority, and accepts comfort.
Insecure avoidant: A person with this attachment style does not prefer closeness, relationships, and may seek attention through negative behaviors.
Insecure ambivalent: These children demonstrate emotional extremes. They are often clingy, difficult to satisfy, and unpredictable.
Disorganized: This behavior is chaotic and unpredictable. They may often show signs of ambivalent and avoidant attachment. This often occurs from living with caregivers who are either scared or scary.

Parent Resource- Creating Secure Attachments

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-23 13:38:41 UTC

This resource gives suggestions on how to create a secure attachment with children. By finding the joy in each child, setting boundaries, acknowledging their efforts, be available for them, and learning what interests them are 5 great ways to create healthy bonds with children at a young age.

Teacher/ Parent Resource- Looking at Ourselves

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-23 13:44:15 UTC

As an educator, or parent, understanding our own attachment style is important step in understanding a child's attachment style. Have you ever been in a situation where you stopped and thought to yourself:

“What’s going on in me?”
“Why did I react that way?”
“Why do I parent the way I do?”

Our own traumas and relationships have created our own attachment style that may be effecting your ability to create a secure attachment with others.

Parent/Teacher Resource- Nonverbal Communication

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-23 13:51:02 UTC

Positive nonverbal communication includes smiles, body language, eye contact and tone of voice.
Positive nonverbal communication is good for relationships with children and child development.
You can use nonverbal communication to guide children’s behavior.

Body language and tone of voice are an important part of nonverbal communication. Eye contact is equally as important. By giving a child your complete attention and looking them in the eyes while they are talking can make them feel validated and boost their confidence.

Teacher/Parent Resource- What We Say Matters

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-23 14:07:58 UTC

Words will land different based on person to person. Here are some to consider and why.

1. You're bad. - There's a difference between you are bad and you did something bad.
2. You're a disappointment. - Children look up to teachers and parents as role models. The more they are told this, the more that they believe it to be true. It becomes part of their identity.
3. You're just like ____. - The person that they are being compared to will now be subconsciously part of their perceived identity. Children associate that person's negative traits as their own because they understand how the parent or teacher feels about the person they are comparing them to.
4. You're too sensitive. - Emotions are a natural part of our inner self. Emotions are designed to give us feedback about ourselves. Disconnecting from our emotions creates a negative association with the core parts of who we are.
5. Body commentary. - Conditions the child to hyper-fixate on flaws. They can internalize into a body shaming cycle.

Building Relationships with Children

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-25 17:13:49 UTC

As an educator, it is important to build relationships with each child in your care. Taking time to reflect on who you are, what you are feeling, and how you are doing mentally has an impact in how we approach children and the relationships that we form with them.

Strategies to Build Relationships with Children

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-25 17:14:46 UTC

Relationship building is a process where we use a combination of skills and strategies to connect and form relationships with others. These start developing during early childhood. Children can boost their social-emotional development by learning interpersonal skills, verbal and non-verbal communication, and empathy, all of which promote positive relationships.

Parent Handout

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-25 17:15:28 UTC

A metaphor for building positive

relationships that we find particularly

helpful is that of a piggy bank.

Whenever teachers and caregivers

engage in strategies to build positive

relationships, it is as if they are

“making a deposit” in a child’s

relationship piggy bank. Conversely,

when adults make demands, nag, or

criticize children, it is as if they are

making a relationship withdrawal.

Creating Closer Connection with Children

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-25 17:16:52 UTC

Being present and focusing on creating a healthy bond with a child are important to their social-emotional development. All relationships take work, time, and a little patience.

Relationships with Families

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-25 17:17:52 UTC

A child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and academic development is strengthened when educators and families work together. When a child sees a positive relationship developing between educators and family, the child recognizes that the important people in his or her life are working together and trust each other, and he or she will do the same.

Help Families Extend Learning - Creating A Relationship

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-25 17:18:57 UTC

Helping families understand how they can extend learning into their day to day activities is beneficial for the child, as well as the parent. The child gets quality time with their parent and the parent feels like they are contributing to their child's education. Being clear and modeling certain ways to extend learning can help parents know where to start.

5 R's for Family Engagement

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-25 17:20:01 UTC

Building Partnerships: Guide to Developing Relationships with Families

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-25 17:22:13 UTC

Within this resource there are "tools" on the left hand side of the page that can be utilized, as well as strategies, in hopes to connect with families.

Benefits of School-Family Partnership

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-25 17:23:23 UTC

Contents:

1. What do partnerships

between families and early

childhood staff look like?
2. Partnerships benefit

children, families and early

childhood staff

3. The building blocks of

partnerships

4. Building positive

partnerships

20 Tips to Build Relationships with Families

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-25 17:36:04 UTC

A tremendous amount of trust is needed for a parent to leave their child at your school, especially when they are so young. Your school may be where the child and parent have been separated the most since birth. Keep that in mind when you’re communicating with each and every parent. You are taking care of a precious gift to them and you want them to feel at ease when they walk out the door.

TedTalk for Parents and Teachers on Relationships

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-09-25 21:37:50 UTC

Parents and teachers have a lot in common. They want the same thing for their kids. Social connections can be one of the many "gaps" that children are experiencing. Taking the time to make one phone or one email a day to families can make a huge difference.

Resource for Teacher/ Parent - Sensory Processing Explained

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-01 00:03:01 UTC

"Kids with sensory processing issues might act in ways that their others often find confusing. They might react strongly to loud noises or bright lights or complain that their clothes are uncomfortable. They may be clumsy or have trouble with fine motor skills like fastening buttons. Some kids show extreme behaviors like screaming when their face gets wet.

These behaviors happen because the child is having trouble processing the information they receive from their senses. In addition to the traditional five senses, there are also two internal senses that give us information about movement and where our body is in space. Hyposensitive kids need more sensory stimulation. They often love to move around and crash into things. Hypersensitive kids avoid strong sensory stimulation and get overwhelmed easily."

Parent Resource - Sensory Checklist

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-01 00:06:44 UTC

The sensory checklist targets both fine and gross motor function. This checklist can help parents understand their child's specific sensory issues.

Parent Resource - Sensory Processing Disorder Explained Video

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-01 00:16:07 UTC

The seven senses do not communicate with the brain effectively with sensory processing disorder. It's like having the volume up too high or too low. The senses referenced are taste, touch, sight, smell, hear, vestibular, and proprioceptive. Some people grow out of their processing disorders, but others need help. Occupational therapy helps build the connections between the senses and the brain.

Parent Resource - Activities for Sensory Seekers

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-01 00:26:08 UTC

Activities to support a sensory seeker. Signs of a sensory seeker are always being on the go, always craving more input, or fidgeting.
1. Use swings - vestibular input (balance)
2. Jump and Crash - bean bags, couch cushions, etc. - vestibular input as well as calming proprioceptive
3. Resistive Oral Motor Input - Use crunchy or chewy food, gum, chewy teethers, etc.
4. Proprioceptive Input - Heavy work and deep pressure. Weighted blankets, lap pads, crab walks, etc.
5. Using Sensory Bins - Use wet or dry mediums, hiding small items within bins, or for added challenge use their feet.

Teacher/ Parent Resrouce

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-01 00:31:28 UTC

There are two ways kids with sensory processing issues respond to sensory input.
When kids underreact to sensory input, they may seek out more input.
When kids overreact, they become overwhelmed and may avoid the input.

FREE Online Sensory Resources and Courses for Teachers/ Parents

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-01 00:37:41 UTC

Free courses that are specific to your role in the situation. Whether that be a therapist, teacher, or parent. By educating yourself on the needs and ways to support a person with sensory processing disorder you can improve the quality of their life.

Parent Resource - Activities Vestibular

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-01 00:43:53 UTC

The sensations detected by even slight changes in the head’s position are considered vestibular input.
All types of activities that move the head in different positions are helpful and often suggested by occupational therapists.
Children with overly sensitive vestibular systems seem clumsy, often avoid movement like swinging, and have trouble learning to climb.

On the other hand, some kids seek out vestibular sensory input through intense movements like whirling and spinning, in order to stimulate an underactive system.

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-01 00:52:18 UTC

Page 6/18 is a great visual with detailed explanation of how maltreatment directly effects the brain. Reduced hippocampus, which directly effects memory, and reduced size in the cerebellum, which is responsible for executive functions, are both examples of traumas effects on the brain.

Teacher/ Parent Resource - Sensory Checklist and Red Flags

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-01 00:57:00 UTC

By using the sensory checklist, parents or teachers can start to pinpoint where they can help the child. This familiarizes us with signs of sensory disorders.

Parent/ Teacher Resource - Defining Self-Regulation and the 5 Domains

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-07 16:35:26 UTC

This webpage describes self-regulation as awareness of our stressors. Our ability to develop ways to manage it and the effect it has on us.
It explains each domain and gives examples of ways that parents and schools can both support the child.

You can teach your child to self-regulate by helping your child:

Understand what calm and alert looks and feels like
Recognize when they are stressed
Identify what is causing stress
Decide to take action
Figure out which strategy will help
Return to a calm and alert state

Parent Resource - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Explained

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-07 16:47:13 UTC

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a permanent, preventable condition that occurs when women drink alcohol during pregnancy.
Infants

Symptoms that infants with fetal alcohol syndrome could experience include:

Abnormal facial features, including a smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip, a thin upper lip, and small eyes.
Low body weight.
Short height.
Sleep and sucking difficulties.
Small head size.
Vision or hearing problems.

Early childhood and beyond

Symptoms that may develop over time in people with fetal alcohol syndrome include:

Delayed speech and language development.
Difficulty concentrating and short attention span.
Difficulty telling the difference between reality and fantasy.
Hyperactivity.
Learning disabilities.
Low IQ.
Poor coordination.
Poor reasoning and judgment skills.
Poor school performance.
Poor short-term memory.

Parent Resource - Attunement

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-07 16:59:09 UTC

What is a mindful parent and how can you be a mindful parent?
Being attuned to your child means being aware paying attention to the relationship.

Parent Resource - Baby Sensory - High Contrast Color Shapes & Patterns Visual Stimulation - Helps Soothe Baby

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-07 17:05:37 UTC

Parent/ Teacher Resource - Strategies and Alternative Choices for Children With Sensory Processing Disorder

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-07 17:09:58 UTC

The five most common sensory systems include the tactile system (sense of touch), the auditory system (sense of hearing), the visual system (sense of sight), the gustatory system (sense of taste), and the olfactory system (sense of smell). There are two additional systems, the first system is the proprioceptive system, which provides the brain with information as to the entire body’s location and its interaction with the environment around them. The other system is the vestibular system, which provides the brain with information as to the head’s motion, positioning, and its interaction with the environment.

Parent Resource - Managing Emotions Toolkit -

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-07 17:18:09 UTC

This toolkit is packed with graphics, examples of what to say and do when trying to help your child manage emotions, useful links and books, and so much more. If this printable resource would benefit you, please let me know and I will print it for you.
The toolkit also provides various calming techniques and strategies that children may find helpful when trying to calm down and de-escalate their feelings.

Parent Resource - Conscious Discipline Breathing Techniques

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-07 17:28:12 UTC

Breathing techniques are used for self-regulation. As adults, our stress influences our children's stress. It is important to check-in with yourself and ensure that you are calm before engaging with the child. Check out the S.T.A.R., Pretzel, Balloon, and Drain.

Teacher Resource - Promoting Cognitive Regulation Video

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-07 17:47:36 UTC

Webinar that provides an overview and strategies to promote cognitive self-regulation.

Young children need their families’ support to build cognitive self-regulation — or executive function — skills like focusing, maintaining attention, and controlling impulses. Explore research, home visiting strategies, and resources that support home visitors as they partner with families to promote cognitive self-regulation in young children.

Parent Resource - Working Memory and Activities to Boost it

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-07 17:53:29 UTC

The working memory helps us process information and remember information simultaneously. Ways to boost your child's working memory include:
1) Be clear and concise when giving directions.
2) Ask your child to repeat directions back to you.
3) Teach visualization.
4) Break tasks down.
5) Teach and supervise organization efforts.
6) Encourage note taking.
7) Use praise.

Parent Resource - Sequencing and How it is Taught

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-07 17:57:15 UTC

Sequencing can be seen as an intimidating concept, but in reality it is much more simple. Things such as understanding the daily schedule, following instructions, or following a recipe are examples of sequencing.
Sequencing is the ability to logically order events, images, thoughts, and actions. Why is sequencing important for children? Sequencing is a very important concept for preschool children to develop since it allows children to recognize patterns that make the world more understandable and predictable.

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 12:39:50 UTC

"It’s normal for two-year-old's to have tantrums. But if your child is five or older and still having meltdowns a lot, they may need help learning to control their emotions or behavior. This is called “self-regulation.”

Some kids are born having a harder time with self-regulation. Some don’t develop the skills if parents always jump in to solve problems or help them calm down. Children with ADHD or anxiety may also have this problem.

Self-regulation is a skill that children need to be taught and practice. The trick is not to avoid hard situations. Instead, parents can coach kids through tough situations. Breaking an activity into smaller, more doable parts can help. For instance, if your child has a hard time brushing their teeth, start with just putting toothpaste on the brush. Praise them a lot when they do it and slowly add steps.

When kids act out, encourage them to slow down and reflect. Kids can learn to ask themselves: What went wrong? Why? How can I fix that for next time?

Practicing mindfulness can help with self-regulation. Mindfulness teaches kids how to focus on the present instead of the past or the future. For some families, parent training programs may also be helpful.

For older kids, a kind of therapy called dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can help with emotion regulation and distress tolerance."

Parent Resource - Self-regulation Series

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 12:44:29 UTC

Self-regulation series will help parents identify emotions, learn ways to communicate, and then how to regulate big emotions. Self-awareness and self-regulation are life long skills that take deliberate practice and time. This series will empower parents to take the appropriate steps in helping their child regulate their emotions.

Parent Resource - Directed Breathing Video for Self-Regulation

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 12:50:25 UTC

Calming song for children. This resource can benefit parents because the song verbally directs children in what to do. The calming music and tone can help bring a child back into their thinking brain.

Parent Resource- Perspective-Taking in Children

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 12:59:58 UTC

Perspective-taking is about being patient with another person about what they are feeling, what they are wanting, and what they are hearing and seeing. Knowing what empathy looks like at a young age will empower the child to be able to express empathetic care to another person. As educators and parents, we are our children's foundation for understanding how to navigate the world and how to treat others.
By checking in with your child about how they are feeling and explaining how to work through those feelings we are inadvertently teaching them how to treat others.

Parent Resource- Turn Taking

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 13:07:50 UTC

Turn-taking can be challenging for most people. If we help children flip the idea of seeing sharing as a conflict to seeing it as an opportunity to solve a problem, we are giving them the ownership of the situation. Children can struggle with ownership. "It's mine". Remember to take a step back and look at any potential traumas that could impact their ability to freely give-up something of value to them. Being able to see the situation through a different lens can help you, as the caregiver, to approach the situation in the appropriate ways.

Teacher/ Parent Resource- Tips on Sharing for Young Children

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 13:09:53 UTC

Sharing is about more than just tangible objects. Sharing allows children to balance the needs of both people involved. Ways that parents can help teach their child about sharing include:
-Teach the language of sharing
-Play cooperative games
-Allow your child to not share in some cases
-Positive reinforcement and direction
-Have multiple of favorite toys
-Use a timer to take turns
-Allow children to play with a toy until they’re done and then share
-Make a list

Parent Resource- Teaching Emotions to Young Children

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 13:14:27 UTC

"Do not teach your children never to be angry; teach them how to be angry."

-Lyman Abbott

By modeling, being supportive, getting down on eye-level, listening, proving assurance, and validating children's emotions we can help them learn self-regulation.

This site has daily activity, musical activities, dramatic play activities, and so many more ideas on ways to incorporate feelings into your day.

Teacher/ Parent Resource- Teaching Conflict Resolution to Young Children

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 13:21:48 UTC

For conflict resolution to be effective, we must foster the seeds of willingness by establishing a School Family. From there, we can teach even the most challenging children to resolve conflicts in a healthy manner.
Conflict is an opportunity to teach children a better way to communicate, resolve problems and meet their needs.
Children are developmentally programmed to seek help from adults. When a child tattles, he or she is telling us, “I need help. I don’t know what to do.” This is an opportunity to teach children how to use their assertive Big Voice.
With their Big Voices, children teach others how they want to be treated, a vital lifelong skill.
We teach children to use their Big Voice in the moment that conflict occurs. We also help them identify triggers and find strategies to use when they are triggered. Don’t forget to celebrate when your students use their Big Voice!

Women, Abuse and Trauma Therapy: An Information Guide for Women and Their Families

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 13:31:17 UTC

This information helps women feel more confident about seeking help. It helps women gain control over the healing process so they can:
• know what to expect from therapy
• choose the best therapy and therapist for themselves.
This guide will also help you:
• understand psychological trauma, post-traumatic stress and common responses to trauma
• learn about different types of therapy for abuse-related trauma
• learn what a trauma approach to therapy is and what to expect from trauma therapy
• understand the client/therapist relationship and how to assess your therapist
• know what to expect from trauma therapy at different stages of therapy
• know if the therapy is working
• get support from family and friends

Stress Reduction Exercises

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 13:33:24 UTC

This resource helps guide a person through stress by using mindfulness, simple movements, and breathing techniques. There are multiple videos that will guide you through learning different coping strategies.

COUNSELLING INSIGHTS PODCAST Episode 20: Self-Care Transformed

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 13:36:18 UTC

This podcast helps you develop your own insights including self-care and mental wellness. Through the different strategies and real-life stories, the listener is able to connect and grow.

Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 13:38:45 UTC

Crisis & Trauma Resource Institute

Contact information for the institute.

Phone: 204-452-9199
Toll Free: 877-353-3205
Email: info@ctrinstitute.com

They have over 65 training topics to help you help others, all developed from a trauma-informed perspective by people with experience. They are pre-approved for CECs, and topics range from trauma and mental health support, to counselling skills, to violence prevention.

Death by a Thousand Cuts: The Insidious Impact of Psychological Maltreatment

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 13:40:12 UTC

"For those who grew up in environments that were chronically critical, invalidating, lonely, dismissive, insulting, or all of the above, navigating life can often feel like stumbling through the world wounded by invisible cuts and bruises. Such experiences fall under the type of complex trauma exposure known as psychological maltreatment."

What is Complex Trauma?

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 13:42:23 UTC

"A Traumatic Experience Versus a Lifetime of Traumatic Experiences
Let’s talk about the difference between when one really scary, awful, or sad thing happens—like being in a car accident, a hurricane, or seeing someone get hurt—compared to when lots of dangerous or hurtful things keep happening over and over again, like sexual abuse, bullying, or neglect. Adults have a lot of names for these kinds of things: stress, tragedy, adversity, and trauma. None of these words really capture the difference between what it’s like to deal with one or a couple of bad things that happened, versus living with lots of terrible things happening all the time. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
After going through a traumatic event, many youth (and adults) have a hard time forgetting what happened. Sometimes they have nightmares, or can’t stop thinking about it. They can get jumpy or tense, feel afraid that the bad thing will happen again, or lose interest in things they used to like to do. These responses to trauma are normal, and aren’t just “kid” problems: they happen to athletes, soldiers, police officers, firemen, and parents. Sometimes this stuff gets better on its own. When it doesn’t, and people keep getting set off by things that remind them of what happened, this is called PTSD."

Parenting In The Wake of Past Trauma

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 13:44:17 UTC

"A note from the authors,
Our inspiration for creating this resource stemmed from the stories we have witnessed in the lives of our clients, our peers, and within our own families of origin.
Stories and experiences of deep insecurities and countless questions about the ability to nurture and protect children, due to the impact of surviving childhood trauma.
As trauma therapists working with individuals with complex histories, we found we were lacking a resource which provided accessible information about the impact of childhood trauma on parenting.
In the pages below, it is our goal to illuminate some of the challenges inherent in parenting as a survivor of past trauma and adversity. We offer suggestions to support parents in building increased self-awareness and self-compassion, as well as skills to better care for ourselves and our children. It is important to note some parents may experience one or several of the challenges we describe, while others may have additional experiences that are not explicitly named below. In the pages to follow, we hope you find useful information and tools to begin to turn the tide ."

Movement Therapy for Children

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 13:49:25 UTC

The SMART manual details three foundational and intersecting components of treatment: Somatic Regulation, Trauma Processing, and Attachment Building.

SMART is a comprehensive approach that features embodied, sensory experience as its primary mechanism of therapeutic change.

SMART is a mental health therapy. Using this approach we use our bodies to feel a sense of calm, rather than words. Using this form of regulation can help adults find effective ways to help children form a strong sense of security.

What is Trauma?

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 13:55:02 UTC

Trauma is an event or series of events that can be physically or emotionally harmful.
Examples include:

Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse
Childhood neglect
Living with a family member with mental health or substance use disorders
Sudden, unexplained separation from a loved one
Poverty
Racism, discrimination, and oppression
Violence in the community, war, or terrorism

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 13:56:29 UTC

"ACEs can have lasting, negative effects on health, wellbeing in childhood and life opportunities, such as education and job potential, well into adulthood. These experiences can increase the risks of injury, sexually transmitted infections, maternal and child health problems (including teen pregnancy, pregnancy complications, and fetal death), involvement in sex trafficking, and a wide range of chronic diseases and leading causes of death, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and suicide.

ACEs and associated social determinants of health, such as living in under-resourced or racially segregated neighborhoods, can cause toxic stress (extended or prolonged stress). Toxic stress from ACEs can negatively affect children’s brain development, immune systems, and stress-response systems. These changes can affect children’s attention, decision-making, and learning.

Children growing up with toxic stress may have difficulty forming healthy and stable relationships. They may also have unstable work histories as adults and struggle with finances, jobs, and depression throughout life. These effects can also be passed on to their own children. Some children may face further exposure to toxic stress from historical and ongoing traumas due to systemic racism or the impacts of poverty resulting from limited educational and economic opportunities."

Adverse Childhood Experiences Prevention - Resource for Action

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 14:00:15 UTC

This resource is a compilation of the best, most recent evidence in regard to ACES. It includes a list of strategies for prevention as well as strengthening families and teaching skills.

Adult PTSD Self-Report Measures

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 14:12:04 UTC

Adult PTSD Self-Report Measures

Below is an alphabetical list of adult self-report measures for PTSD. For each measure, a brief description, sample items, versions, and references are provided. Information on how to obtain the measure is also provided.

Parent/ Teacher Resource - CTAC Trauma Screening Checklist: Identifying Children at Risk Ages 0-5

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 14:12:54 UTC

This is a trauma screening checklist. Trauma screening is designed to be able to be administered to every child within a given system (such as child welfare) to determine whether he or she has experienced trauma, displays symptoms related to trauma exposure, and/or should be referred for a comprehensive trauma-informed mental health assessment.

CHILDREN'S HOPE SCALE

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 14:14:36 UTC

A 6-item self-report questionnaire assessing children’s dispositional hope.
Pros:

1. The measure offers information on two components of dispositional hope (Agency and Pathways), although in general, there is only one score for the total measure.
2. Children’s ability and belief in their ability to reach goals is a potentially important domain to assess.
3. Similar reliability and validity data were obtained across samples that included clinical and nonclinical samples and medical samples.
4. The measure is brief (6 items), easy to administer and score.
5. The wording of the items is simple and easy to understand.
6. The measure is easy to obtain.
7. The measure is free.

Cons:

1. Longitudinal data are not available.
2. Although agency and pathways are separate concepts, the measure does not appear to yield separate scores, or at least the psychometrics were not examined separately for these scales.
3. Research is needed to determine whether the scale can detect change resulting from treatment and examining the use of the measure with trauma-exposed children and adolescents.

University of Minnesota’s Traumatic Stress Screen for Children and Adolescents (TSSCA)

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 14:16:52 UTC

PURPOSE: The TSSCA is intended to assist child-serving professionals in using a trauma screening approach with children ages 5 to 18, who have exposure to a known or suspected traumatic event. The screen provides information for individuals considering a referral for a trauma assessment or additional services. The screen is not intended to assess for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or to make a clinical diagnosis.

Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services - Includes Barriers and Cultural Positions

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 14:21:54 UTC

"It is not necessarily easy or obvious to identify an individual who has survived trauma without screening. Moreover, some clients may deny that they have encountered trauma and its effects even after being screened or asked direct questions aimed at identifying the occurrence of traumatic events. The two main barriers to the evaluation of trauma and its related disorders in behavioral health settings are clients not reporting trauma and providers overlooking trauma and its effects.

A trauma-informed assessor looks for psychological symptoms that are associated with trauma or simply occur alongside it. Symptom screening involves questions about past or present mental disorder symptoms that may indicate the need for a full mental health assessment.

Culture-bound concepts of distress exist that don’t necessarily match diagnostic criteria. Culture-specific symptoms and syndromes can involve physical complaints, broad emotional reactions, or specific cognitive features. Many such syndromes are unique to a specific culture but can broaden to cultures that have similar beliefs or characteristics. Culture-bound syndromes are typically treated by traditional medicine and are known throughout the culture."

Trauma - Stress or Trauma?

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-15 14:26:29 UTC

Your body continues to live the trauma even after the event is over. Stress on the other hand, when it's over-it's over.
A veteran and psychologist explains how the body keeps score of the traumatic experiences.

Teacher/ Parent Resource - Autonomy

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-18 15:31:44 UTC

Autonomy means feeling of learner choice and this Ted Talk talks about how we can support that.
Supporting children and their interests can empower them to try new things, comfortably. Even if as educators or parents, we know that the child may fail, allowing them to work through these situations and want to figure out why. Like Jon mentions with his story, he does not remember his experience as a negative one. He remembers actively trying to find a solution in the moment he realized that his idea was not successful.

Parent/Teacher Resource - Promoting Autonomy

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-22 13:13:06 UTC

This site has a plethora of examples of how to encourage autonomy with different developmental stages.

In most children (even toddlers and preschoolers), key ways to encourage autonomy include:

explicitly role modeling desired tasks,
encouraging your child to try tasks that he/she has not done before,
offering realistic choices,
respecting their efforts to complete the task.

Parent Resource - Object Permanence - What is it?

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-22 13:19:32 UTC

Object permanence is when a child understands that even though an object or person still exists even when it is out of sight.
A way to test a child's understanding would be to observe their expression when you hide a toy behind your back. If the child get's upset or seems confused, that would be an indicator that they are working on developing this understanding.
Examples of activities:
Play peek-a-boo. Vary the game as children’s awareness develops – for example, pop out from behind your hands, instead of simply removing them from your face.

Play ‘hide and seek’. Cover and uncover small objects with a scarf or piece of fabric. Or hide a toy and encourage the child to find it. Always show the child the object first, talk through what you are going to do and perhaps encourage the child to start hunting by looking for the toy under some cushions.

Share action or finger rhymes that involve objects vanishing and then reappearing, such as ‘Two little dicky birds’ and ‘This little piggy went to market’.

Provide containers with small objects in them. The child will enjoy ‘experimenting’, taking things out and putting them back in.

Parent Resource - Separation Anxiety Tips

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-22 13:26:30 UTC

This article breaks down separation anxiety by age group and gives tips on how to ease the separation.
"Preschoolers: By the time children are 3 years of age, most clearly understand the effect their anxiety or pleas at separation have on us. It doesn’t mean they aren’t stressed, but they certainly are vying for a change. Be consistent; don’t return to the room based on a child’s plea, and certainly don’t cancel plans based on separation anxiety. Your ongoing consistency, explanations, and diligence to return when you say you will are key."

Parent Resource - Language Delays

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-22 13:32:04 UTC

If you suspect your child has a language delay, please reach out to their teacher. Once you have expressed concern, your teacher will fill out a "Request For ISD Consult" form. This form will have information about what the concern is, if there is any evidence to support these concerns, and a parent signature giving consent for the child to be observed by our ISD.
Once the speech pathologist has had an opportunity to observe the child and gather sufficient evidence then the pathologist, parent, and teacher all sit down to discuss the results. At this time, the parent will be walked through the assessments and observations and will know if their child qualifies for services.

Teacher/ Parent Resource - Wexford-Missaukee ISD Webpage

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-22 13:34:42 UTC

Address: 9907 E 13th St, Cadillac, MI 49601
Quicklinks on the webpage:

Parent Resource - Sequencing

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-22 17:30:34 UTC

"Children learn how the world and its systems function according to patterns and stages, from getting ready for bed at night, to growing a tree. There is a certain predictability to how things happen and in what order they occur."

Use the following examples when teaching sequencing:

What comes next?
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Then, what do you do?
Can you go to school before you’ve brushed your teeth?
What happens after that?
What will happen if we forget to mix the ingredients first?
What’s the last step in this recipe?

Parent Resource- Trauma Informed Space in the Home

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-29 12:08:58 UTC

Environment can play a huge factor in how a child feels or acts. Arrangement of furniture, clutter on the walls, lighting, sounds, smells, and even the color of paint can effect a child's overall mental health.

"Trauma-informed design requires recognizing that the physical environment has an impact on attitude, mood and behavior because there is a strong link between our physiological state, our emotional state and the physical environment. It also means that intentionally designing and maintaining healing environments leads to empowerment and resists retraumatizing those who have already experienced so much trauma. Connecting the indoor space to the outside natural world is also important. Including plants, nature objects, and natural light in an office space brings the beneficial elements of the natural world inside."

Parent Resource- Trauma Informed at Home

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-29 12:15:56 UTC

In this video, you will watch two guest speakers who talk about ways that parents can be trauma informed at home. They talk about how we can use our design choices to make people feel welcome, safe, and not overstimulated. There is a lot of unlearning that occurs when we begin to make trauma informed decisions for our children and our living spaces. Some of these design choices are habits from our upbringing. Making the conscious effort to make these changes can have a lasting impact on a child.

Parent Resource- Creating a Safe Space or Calming Corner instead of "Time-out"

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-29 12:23:02 UTC

Conscious discipline is used within the classroom to help children regulate their emotions and return to their executive state. For families, this website goes in depth about what a safe space is, how you can create a safe space of your own, and then goes on to give links, helpful resources, and free printable resources.

A webinar about creating a safe space at home:

https://consciousdiscipline.com/e-learning/webinars/the-safe-place-at-home/

Parent Resource- Fostering Independence at Home!

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-29 12:28:23 UTC

Demonstrate, take breaks, and offer assistance are three ways that we can foster independence safely for young children. At home, providing child sized materials such as a broom or a table can create a space that allows the child to feel as much independence as possible.

Another important way that we can foster independence is by asking thoughtful questions.

Examples include:

a. "How do you think we can solve this puzzle together?"

b. "What would you like to do today? How can we make it happen?"

c. "Why do you think the ball rolled faster on the hard floor than on the carpet?"

The Body Remembers: Nature-Informed Approach

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-29 12:35:45 UTC

Bringing natural elements into your space engages cognitive, social, emotional, complex problem solving, sensory, and creativity within those immersed. Anyway that you can bring natural elements inside, such as: Lighting, window gardens, potted plants, nature bins, or even a beta fish are ways to add subtle elements to your space.

"Six modalities/channels that constitute/contribute to resiliency:

Beliefs, (What meaning do I give my situation?)

Affect, (Calm and alert…emotionally regulated)

Social Functioning, (Are my relationships healthy and trustworthy?)

Imagination, (Creativity and Innovation) Cognition (The story I’m telling myself?)

Physiology (Do I have agency?)

The unique, individual combination of channels helps people cope effectively with stressful situations and lessens the chances of developing psychopathology as a result of exposure to traumatic incidents."

Parent Resource- Ways to Bring the Outdoors Into Your Home to Improve Mental Health

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-29 12:42:12 UTC

"One great way to bring the outdoors inside is to fill your home with nature inspired furniture and décor. You can purchase furniture made from natural fibers like wood, bamboo, wicker, rattan, or cotton.

Floor seating is a great way to create space in your home and add the playfulness of the outdoors inside

Use lighting to create a sense of the outdoors inside your home. It can be as simple as opening windows, or you can purchase a few sky, stars, and sun inspired lighting to create that sense of natural lighting even in a home that does not have many windows, indoor water fountains are the best way to add this natural component into your space. Not only do indoor water fountains add the element of water into your home, they are also very calming and relaxing. Indoor water fountains bring a sense of Zen to your space with its calming sound, look, and feel."

Teacher Resource- Creating Trauma Sensitive Classroom

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-29 12:47:29 UTC

Aspects of the physical environment to consider include:

Lighting, color, noise, smell, and temperature.

Seating options (comfort, accessibility for all types of bodies, etc.), a dedicated play space for very young children, and direct access to exits.

Language accessibility, as well as the images, amount, and tone of language on signage, posters, and magazines.

Availability of patient bills of rights and/or privacy, billing, and confidentiality policies.

Availability of private spaces for youth and families to have conversations with staff members and/or regroup after a triggering event.

A clean, inviting, and healthy atmosphere providing respect for the diverse needs (e.g. cultural, linguistic, gender, religious, etc.) of clients and staff.

Teacher Resource- Trauma Informed Classroom Training Packages

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-10-29 12:49:19 UTC

"The Trauma-Sensitive Schools Training Package offers school and district administrators and staff a framework and roadmap for adopting a trauma-sensitive approach school- or district wide. The Training Package includes a variety of resources for educating school staff about trauma and trauma-sensitive practices and for providing school leaders with a step-by-step process for implementing a universal, trauma-informed approach using package materials. School and district leaders are encouraged to begin by reviewing the Implementation Guide for an overview of the package components and their intended use."

Parent Resource- Importance of Schedules and Routines

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:08:51 UTC

Schedules and routines are important because they make the child feel safe and give them a predictable environment.

What is the difference between a schedule and a routine? A schedule represents the big picture and includes main activities that happen across the day. Routines are the steps needed to complete each part of the schedule.

Parent Resource

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:12:35 UTC

This resource has a great video within that demonstrates the importance of having a structured schedule. It talks about how it can be flexible, but consistent. Using visuals can help meet those needs of all children who learn in all different ways. Children are able to thrive when they are able to predict what comes next. The video talks about how we can translate these types of visual schedules within the home as well.

Parent Resource- Creating Your Own Visual Schedule for Home

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:15:47 UTC

This website gives free templates and other resources to help parents create their own daily schedule at home.

If you would like to work hand-in-hand with Ms. Jessica, please email her and she can assist in printing out and editing your personalized daily schedule.

Parent Resource- Explains How to Use Schedules

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:17:44 UTC

How to Use

►Teach your child how to use the schedule by explaining and demonstrating how to use the pictures.

►Refer to the visual schedule throughout the day (e.g., “We just got home, let’s go check your schedule to see what is next.”). ►Talk about the schedule (e.g., “Look, you just got dressed. Now it is time for breakfast!”).

►Make it active! Teach the child to indicate what is complete. You can have your child flip the card over or remove it from the schedule and put in the “finished” pocket depending on how your schedule is set up.

►Celebrate! Be sure to celebrate your success and the child’s success. Acknowledge and provide positive feedback to your child after activities or routines, especially ones that are not as fun (e.g., “You cleaned up! You must be feeling so proud!” or “Your teeth are so clean now. You are so healthy!”).

Parent Resource- Family Transitions

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:22:02 UTC

Transitions are moving from one activity or time of day to another. Tranisitons can be challenging for all kinds of people. Within this source, you will find information about setting realistic expectations and what you can do to assist those in your life with transitions.

This transition resource is PACKED with books, songs, rituals, tv options, movies, sample schedules, and SO MUCH MORE.

Parent Resource- Potty Training

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:25:25 UTC

Common potty training problems include anxiety, refusal to use the potty, and attempts to delay or avoid defecation. In addition, it’s common for kids to have daytime accidents and wet the bed. Children may also feel reluctant to use toilet facilities when they are away from home.

It’s important to be realistic. Accidents are very common throughout the toilet training process! In fact, even after you’ve finished toilet training, you should expect the occasional mishap.

Parent Resource - Healing Private Wounds

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:33:49 UTC

The Mission of Healing Private Wounds is to be an advocate for the health and welfare of all victims of sexual abuse. We do this by providing faith inspired programs, services, funding and education that will promote health and wholeness to victims and their families.

Parent Resource - Healing Roots

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:35:08 UTC

Healing Roots is a program in our local area. It is supporting families by having events such as self-esteem, growing through grief, love and logic, and so much more.

Parent Resource - Healing Private Wounds Event

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:35:44 UTC

Healing Private Wounds is an inclusive, caring community dedicated to providing emotional healing and hope for hurting individuals of all ages, by offering a confidential and compassionate atmosphere with free services in professional counseling, resources, advocacy, education, peer-driven mentorship, and support.

Parent Resource - How Stress Impacts the Brain and Behavior

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:38:50 UTC

Building resilience—the ability to adapt well to adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or even significant sources of stress—can help our children manage stress and feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. However, being resilient does not mean that children won't experience difficulty or distress.

Teacher Resource - Feeling Sign-In

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:40:34 UTC

The Feeling Faces assist children with understanding their feelings and the feelings of others. It is important to teach children words to use to express feelings in replace of the use of challenging behavior. The feeling cards that follow can be used in a variety of ways to help children learn social emotional skills around use of emotional literacy and vocabulary.

Spanish Resource - Feeling Wheel

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:41:28 UTC

Feeling Wheel can be used in the classroom. This resource is in spanish! It is important to have other languages represented in the classroom.

Parent/ Teacher Resource - Self-Regulation Skills

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:42:10 UTC

How You Can Help Children Self-Regulate

►Teach clear positive expectations/rules daily.

►Model and discuss reasons for desired behaviors. ►Validate feelings.

►Assist with language through labeling actions, feelings, and emotions.

►Provide positive feedback in response to the child regulating their behavior and help child regulate by modeling ways to calm down when needed.

►Provide opportunities for developmentally appropriate play.

►Promote children’s independence across the day. ►Provide a place child can go to take a break and calm down.

Teacher Resource - Peer Skills

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:42:54 UTC

Exposure to peer relations helps children's development in different ways to parental relationships. Kids can develop their own skills and build on what they have already learned. Peer relations can help with the process of individuation, an essential part of child development.

Teacher Resource - Stop and Go Activity - Self-Regulation

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:44:35 UTC

Stop and Go games are common in classrooms and tend to vary on some points. The core concept of the game is that it is a game based on following instructions - not dissimilar to Simon Says. This can help children develop their listening skills and can also be a useful classroom management tool.

Family Resource - Book Ideas

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:47:42 UTC

Social-Emotional Children’s Book List

Feelings

My Big Feelings by Sarah Read
The Boy with Big, Big Feelings by Britney Winn Lee
Little Monkey Calms Down by Michael Dahl
When Sophie Gets Angry, Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang
Little Faces, Big Feelings by Amy Morrison
My No, No, No Day by Rebecca Patterson
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
Sheila Rae, the Brave by Kevin Henkes
The Way I Feel by Janan Cain
The Color Monster: A Story About Emotions by Anna Llenas
I’m Happy-Sad Today by Lory Britain Ph.D.
The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too! By Mo Willems
Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
Crankenstein by Samantha Berger
Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
Sophie/Shubert Rants and Raves by Dr. Becky A. Bailey
Heart’s Treasure Hunt by Tucker Patel
Gorilla Thumps and Bear Hugs by Alex Ortner

Friendship Skills/Kindness

The Adventures of Gary and Harry - A Tale of Two Turtles by Lisa Matsumoto
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen
Llama, Llama Time to Share by Anna Dewdney
Llama, Llama and the Bully Goat by Anna Dewdney
Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes by James Dean
The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
How Do Dinosaurs Play With Their Friends? By Jane Yolen
How Do Dinosaurs Stay Friends by Jane Yolen
Can I Play Too? An Elephant and Piggie Book by Mo Willems
Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry
We Are (Not) Friends by Anna Kang
I Am Love: A Book of Compassion by Susan Verde
Sophie Wants a Turn by Dr. Becky A. Bailey
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Maddi’s Fridge by Lois Brandt
How Full is Your Bucket? For Kids by Tom Rath
Peanut Butter & Cupcake by Terry Border
Same, Same But Different by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
The Rabbit Listened by Cory Doerrfeld
Should I Share My Ice Cream? An Elephant and Piggie Book by Mo Willems
It’s Mine! By Leo Lionni
Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard

Perseverance

The Tiny Seed by Eric Carle
The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

Delayed Gratification

Waiting is Not Easy by Mo Willems
Llama, Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney
My Mouth is a Volcano by Julia Cook

Separation from Family

Llama, Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

Confidence

Be Who You Are by Todd Parr
The Girl with Big, Big Questions by Britney Winn Lee
The Boy with Big, Big Ideas by Britney Winn Lee
A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon
Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell
Sophie’s/Shubert’s Big Voice by Dr. Becky A. Bailey
I’m Not Cute! By Jonathan Allen
I Am Enough by Grace Byers

Responsibility/Safety

Llama, Llama Mess, Mess, Mess by Anna Dewdney
How do Dinosaurs Stay Safe by Jane Yolen
No, David! By David Shannon
Hands Are Not for Hitting by Martine Agassi Ph.D.
Feet Are Not for Kicking by Elizabeth Verdick
Teeth Are Not for Biting by Elizabeth Verdick
What To Do When You Feel Like Hitting by Cara Goodwin, Ph.D.
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

Independence Skills

All By Myself by Mercer Mayer
Sophie/Shubert Makes a Choice by Dr. Becky A. Bailey
The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi

Friendship Kit Ideas

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:48:07 UTC

Friendship Kit Ideas

Blocks in a Box (take turns adding a block to a tower or structure)
Friendship Bracelets (each make a bracelet to give to the other, could also practice giving compliments “You did a great job making my bracelet”)
Feelings Charades (take turns acting out an emotion for the other to name)
Felt Stories (practice offering play ideas, teamwork, sharing materials)
Puzzles (teamwork, taking turns putting in pieces)
Color Together w/one paper (practice offering ideas, teamwork, sharing materials)
What’s Missing-items on a tray, one student takes an item away and friend guesses what’s missing (taking turns)
Legos (practice offering play ideas, teamwork, sharing materials)
Popsicle Sticks (practice offering play ideas)
Clothes Pins (practice offering play ideas)
Any loose parts (practice offering play ideas)
Puppets/Finger Puppets (practice offering play ideas, teamwork, sharing materials)
Tic Tac Toe/Connect 4/other simple games (taking turns)
Name Writing
Two Popular Toys and a Timer (practice taking turns)
Around the Classroom Scavenger Hunt (teamwork)
Handheld Mirror-take turns looking at themselves and saying something nice about themselves, then other child says something nice about them (giving compliments, having confidence)

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:50:20 UTC

Here is the link for mothers to sign up: https://forms.gle/mKMEHuNav9uqk7N4A

Sign-up is open for the Mom Power group. This group is open to Wexford-Missaukee and Manistee mothers.

A description about the program: "Parenting a young child, while often one of life’s most meaningful and joyful experiences, can also be one of the most challenging. Mom Power is a strengths-based program that engages mothers of young children facing adversity and stress in a nurturing environment that applies attachment theory, cognitive behavioral, and dialectical behavioral strategies to facilitate growth and new skills. A strength of the intervention lies in its multigenerational approach that facilitates each mothers’ insights and reflections and promotes her emotional health and the development of skills that enhance child health and well-being."

Parent Resource - Healthy Meals - Breakfast

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:53:14 UTC

Healthy eating is essential for your child's good health, growth and development. Healthy eating in childhood means they will have less chance of developing chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and some cancers. It will also mean they feel better and enjoy life more.

Preschoolers need to eat foods from all five healthy food groups – vegetables, fruit, grain foods, dairy and protein. Healthy foods have nutrients that are important for growth, development and learning. Limit salty, fatty and sugary foods, low-fiber foods, and drinks with caffeine or a lot of sugar.

Parent Resource - Healthy Meals - Snacks

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:53:44 UTC

Parent Resource - Healthy Meals - Lunch

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:54:26 UTC

Parent Resource - Understanding a 504

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:55:31 UTC

Parents, the student, or school district staff may request evaluation. If you request an evaluation, do so in writing to the school’s Section 504 coordinator as well as the principal if you wish. The purpose of the evaluation is to determine whether your child has a disability that substantially limits one or more major life functions, which may need accommodation. The school district may either proceed with the evaluation or refuse the request to evaluate. If the school refuses to evaluate, it must provide parents with notice of the procedural safeguard rights so parents know their opportunities to appeal the decision
or proceed with an independent evaluation. Parental permission is required before an initial (first) evaluation can be conducted.

Family Resource - Special Education Eligibility vs. Diagnosis

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:57:30 UTC

Perhaps the most important aspect of an eligibility for special education (and the one that causes the most confusion) is that the child’s disability must adversely affects their educational performance (i.e., they demonstrate a significant academic need). This is the very reason why a child might have a diagnosis (autism, for example) and not qualify for special education services under a similar eligibility category (in this case, the eligibility category would likely also be autism).

Teacher Resource - Sensory and Autism

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 13:59:08 UTC

Autistic people may experience sensory differences. If you are autistic, you may be over-sensitive or under-sensitive to specific sights, sounds, smells or textures. This can be a positive thing, but can also cause distress or discomfort.

Hitting Book - Social Story

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 14:00:14 UTC

Read the book daily with your child. Practice the breathing techniques everyday with your child when he or she is calm. When the child is unable to breathe for themselves, an adult must breathe for the child.

Teacher Resource - We Are Friends Social Story

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 14:01:10 UTC

Social stories benefit children in many ways, including: Promoting Self-Regulation Skills. A child's ability to manage their emotions and behavior is tied to stronger academic performance, fewer behavioral difficulties, and higher resilience.

Parent Resource - Bedtime Rituals

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 14:03:57 UTC

In addition to improving sleep, bedtime routines teach your child self-care and lay the ground for working memory, attention, and other cognitive skills. View Source . They also foster parent-child bonding and may help improve mood, stress levels, and behavior.

Teacher Resource - Self Regulation Skills Games

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 14:05:16 UTC

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process of developing the self-awareness, self-regulation, and interpersonal skills that are vital for school, work, and life success. People with strong social-emotional skills are better able to cope with everyday challenges and benefit academically, professionally, and socially. Teaching kids to have self-regulation is one of the most important character traits we can teach. Experts believe that kids who master self-regulation become masters of their learning, are more critical thinkers, and make healthier choices; and the benefits are life-long.

Teacher Resource - Executive Functions

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 14:06:34 UTC

Executive functioning skills comprise abilities as basic as self-control, memory, self-awareness, reasoning, problem solving and more. In earlier articles in this series, we’ve explored what executive function is, stressed how it can predict academic success, and detailed developmental activities for babies and toddlers that will build executive function skills. This installment focuses on executive function in preschool kids (i.e., children aged 3 to 5) and activities that can help build their executive function skills.

Families Resource - How to Exercise Each Skill

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 14:07:01 UTC

Think about the last time you tried to focus, but the situation around you was noisy and distracting. How did you respond? Could you pay attention? Were you able to remember what you wanted to do or say? If we find it difficult to stay focused, imagine what it might be like for the children we teach! In a world overloaded with information, children need the life skill of focus and self control to achieve their goals. This skill is foundational to all the other life skills and involves the following abilities.

Teacher Resource - CLASS Observation Tool

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-05 14:09:31 UTC

What is CLASS®: Pre-K and what does it measure?

The Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®) is an observation instrument that assesses the quality of teacher-child interactions in center-based preschool classrooms. CLASS® includes three domains or categories of teacher-child interactions that support children's learning and development: Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support. Within each domain are dimensions that capture more specific details about teachers' interactions with children.

Parent Resource- What is Play Based Learning?

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-12 12:49:45 UTC

Learning through play helps a child develop holistically through social-emotional learning, developing confidence and motivation, and practicing cognitive skills.

Play-based learning includes the following elements:

Self chosen: A child voluntary chooses to play, how they’ll play, and for how long. An adult may initiate play insofar as he or she invites or suggests play but the child determines the rest.
Enjoyable: Play is enjoyable for the child. This emotional aspect is important. There may be some frustrations or disagreements during play but overall it’s pleasurable.
Unstructured: A child has ample time to explore and discover during play. They’re directed by their own interests, not by any prescribed rules or plans.
Process-oriented: There is no end or learning goal. Instead, it’s the process of play that’s important.
Make believe: Play often involves imagination, ‘make believe’, or ‘playing pretend’.

Parent Resource - 10 Ways To Facilitate Play-Based Learning At Home

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-12 12:51:12 UTC

"Play is an important vehicle for developing self-regulation as well as promoting language, cognition, and social competence… [Play] gives [children] opportunities to explore the world, interact with others, express and control emotions, develop their symbolic and problem-solving abilities, and practice emerging skills. Research shows the links between play and foundational capacities such as memory, self-regulation, oral language abilities, social skills, and success in school." – The National Association for Education of Young Children (USA)

Parent Resource - What Can You Do at Home to Facilitate Play?

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-12 12:54:12 UTC

Through play your child is learning important skills and concepts. Here are some examples:

• She observes when objects are put in water (for example, putting ice cubes in warm water). She talks about what she sees and what happens e.g., cause and effect (science concepts).

• She learns how to sort objects by color, shapes, size, and use (mathematical and pattern concepts).

• She learns how to find familiar words in signs, retelling stories or printing a list (literacy skills).

• She figures out how to get along with others, making friends, and being respectful (social and emotional skills and concepts).

• She has opportunities to develop thinking skills such as how to recognize and solve problems (inquiry skills).

• She is encouraged to walk, run, hop, throw and catch, and to practice her balance (large and small muscle development, eye-hand coordination skills).

Parent/Teacher Resource - Importance of Music in Learning

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-12 12:56:39 UTC

Playing music is an emotional activity. One part of the brain that processes music is the amygdala, which is also the part of the brain that processes emotions. Different notes and combinations of notes evoke different emotions in people, which is how music can convey various tones and tell stories. Kids who learn how to make music and tell those different stories themselves through their voices or instruments are more attuned to recognizing when people express their own emotions through sounds and tone of voice.

Music education can also instill values of inclusion and social acceptance in kids from an early age. Music engagement in schools can decrease bullying by increasing kids’ self-esteem, self-awareness, cooperation, sense of belonging and communication skills, all of which counteract the common reasons why bullying takes place.

Teacher Resource - Creating a Language Rich Environment

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-12 13:00:26 UTC

What is a Language-Rich Environment?

A language-rich environment is a nurturing learning space which is purposefully designed to provide the necessary stimulus to develop children’s language skills effectively. Practitioners in language-rich environments seize every opportunity to use language, interact and encourage turn-taking. By building positive relationships with children, practitioners in language-rich environments build children’s confidence in using language and are best positioned to help them develop important communication skills.

Parent Resource - Printable Language Rich Environment Tips

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-12 13:01:54 UTC

A language rich environment is one in which children are surrounded by talking, singing, and reading and have many opportunities throughout their day, across all activities, to communicate with others and engage in back-and-forth conversations. A rich language environment is important to children’s early learning, and can have strong effects on early language, vocabulary, reading, and math skills, as well as on children’s social-emotional development.

Parent Resource - Language Activities to do at Home

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-12 13:03:52 UTC

The key to language development is interaction and along with interaction comes encouragement. Here are a few tips to help encourage children as they develop language.

Pay attention to your children when they are talking to you.
Praise good speech and vocabulary.
Help with new words by repeating them.
Add onto phrases or words and boost vocabulary (For example – Your child says “my ball” and you say “yes, your ball is a big ball”).
Never make fun of mistakes – correct gently by repeating the sentence correctly.
Use TV and screens sparingly.
Check your children for ear infections.
Talk about what you are doing as you go about your daily chores.
Be a good role model.

Parent Resource - Handling Trauma. What Can I Do?

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:15:16 UTC

Within this resource you will find signs of trauma by age group. You will also find impacts of trauma, ways to help, and treatment options.

Signs of trauma in Preschool children can be as follows:

Fearing separation from parents or caregivers
Crying and/or screaming a lot
Eating poorly and losing weight
Having nightmares

Parent Resource - Recognizing and Treating Child Traumatic Stress

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:15:36 UTC

As a family member or other caring adult, you can play an important role. Remember to:

Assure the child that he or she is safe. Talk about the measures you are taking to get the child help and keep him or her safe at home and school.
Explain to the child that he or she is not responsible for what happened. Children often blame themselves for events, even those events that are completely out of their control.
Be patient. There is no correct timetable for healing. Some children will recover quickly. Others recover more slowly. Try to be supportive and reassure the child that he or she does not need to feel guilty or bad about any feelings or thoughts.

Parent Resource - 3 Ways to Help Children Cope with Trauma

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:16:05 UTC

1. Reassure

Remind your child that they are safe and loved.

2. Return to routine

Try to maintain regular daily routines. These can promote a sense of safety and normalcy for your child and let them know what to expect.

3. Regulate

Help your child learn "self-regulation" skills to calm themselves and manage their emotions and behaviors.

Teacher Resource - What's the Best Treatment for PTSD in Children?

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:16:43 UTC

In the video above, Joan Kaufman, PhD, of the Department of Psychiatry at Yale University, discusses the different stages of trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy, or TF-CBT, the best evidence-based intervention for children who have impairing reactions to traumatic events. One key insight, she says, is that caregivers and children must work together, and that clear communication and understanding can make all the difference.

Parent Resource - Self-Care Lessons

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:17:12 UTC

Within this resource you will find personal self-care stories from other parents. They share their stories about how self-care has impacted their life in a positive way. Other resources can be found within this site. Such as developmental milestones by age, self-care lessons, how to make time for yourself ideas, and so much more.

Parent Resource - Self-Care Ideas

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:18:00 UTC

Many parents are overworked and exhausted. In fact, a recent study showed that moms works an average of 98 hours per week! Parents also survive with minimal free time. The average mom gets only 17 minutes of free time to herself each day.

Take a look at some self-care ideas to keep your mind and body healthy.

Helping Resource Parents and Caregivers Embrace Trauma-Responsive Parenting Strategies

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:19:18 UTC

A parent support specialist and mother of a daughter with FASD discusses the parenting strategies needed for children who have experienced trauma, including trauma in-utero, such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Teacher Resource - How Does Trauma Affect a Person’s Interaction with Their Child?

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:19:50 UTC

In the video below, Ruth Lanius, MD, PhD describes what we’re discovering about the connections between a parent’s trauma and their child’s developing brain.

Take a look – it’s about 4 minutes.

Teacher Resource - Warning Signs/ Different Reactions to Trauma

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:20:33 UTC

This video was created as a visual tool for understanding reactions to traumatic experiences at different ages, and to highlight the powerful role of caring adults. As you watch, notice, consider, and reflect upon your own feelings and reactions.

Parent Resource - Clear Directions

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:22:04 UTC

Listening and following directions are skills that children learn through their daily interactions. When children do not follow directions, for any reason, it can be extremely frustrating for parents. You can increase the chances that your child will listen and successfully follow your directions when you make sure that your direction is clearly stated and you follow through.

Parent Resource - Anger

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:22:18 UTC

Anger is a feeling all parents and children experience from time to time. The goal is not to try to get rid of anger in your child or yourself, but rather to teach your child useful and acceptable ways to manage her feelings. You can teach your child that anger is a natural, healthy emotion and like other emotions (i.e. joy, sadness, frustration), anger needs to be expressed appropriately.

Parent Resource - Successful Mornings

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:22:35 UTC

It is important to understand that your morning routine serves as the foundation for your family’s entire day. You can create a morning routine that not only helps your day to begin more smoothly, but also teaches your child important skills that he needs to become more independent and confident. A morning routine can also reduce challenging behavior such as crying, whining and tantrums.

Teacher Resource - Strengthening Families

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:23:36 UTC

From a professional development, ideas that educators in the community collaboratively came up with to help build relationships with families.

Parent Resource - Free Book a Month Until Age 5

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:25:50 UTC

Sign up online at: www.usa.imaginationlibrary.com or mail the attached form.
For any questions or problems please email us at: wmisdimaginationlibrary@gmail.com,
Visit our website: www.wmgreatstart.org

Or ”Like” us on Face Book: Wexford Missaukee Manistee Early Childhood Connection.

Teacher Resource - Early Screening Inventory

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:27:02 UTC

The Early Screening Inventory, Third edition or better known as ESI-3 is an individually administered screening instrument that helps identify children who may need special education services.

Parent Resource - Adult Trauma Assessments

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:27:39 UTC

Universal screening for trauma history and trauma-related symptoms can identify individuals at risk of developing more pervasive and severe symptoms of traumatic stress. Screening is the process by which an individual is determined to be appropriate and eligible for admission to services.

Teacher Resource - Assessing and Improving Trauma Informed Care in a Children’s Advocacy Center

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:28:51 UTC

This webinar reviewed the use of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) Trauma-Informed Organizational Assessment (TIOA) tool for the assessment of a children’s advocacy center. It discussed how changes in that organization could improve staff skills and services provided to children and youth that have experienced trauma.

Parent Resource - Screening for Trauma

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:29:13 UTC

Trauma-informed screening and assessment practices help providers identify children's and families' needs early in the process and to tailor services to meet those needs.

Parent Resource - Fact Sheet to Understand Trauma

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:30:16 UTC

This factsheet discusses the nature of trauma, its effects on children and youth, and ways to help your child. By increasing your understanding of trauma, you can help support your child’s healing, your relationship with him or her, and your family as a whole.

Teacher Resource - Getting Your Attention

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:30:52 UTC

Behavior is meaningful and communicates a message. If a child does not have an appropriate way to communicate, he will often use challenging behavior (e.g., hitting, screaming, whining) to communicate his needs. If his needs are then met, the behavior is reinforced and he will continue to use the challenging behavior to communicate. When parents teach their child how to appropriately get attention, the child will be less likely use the challenging behavior to communicate.

Teacher Resource - Transitions

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:31:08 UTC

The more a child can predict and participate in the schedule and activities of her day, the less likely it is that challenging behavior will occur and the more likely it is that she will eagerly engage in transitions to new people and places. Taking the time and making the effort to teach her what to expect, when it will happen, and what happens before the transition occurs can be a rewarding experience. Most importantly, it is also an opportunity for quality time that can help lead to smoother transitions.

Familiy Resource - Stress and the Brain - Contact Information for Wexford

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:31:58 UTC

Anyone, including a child, who suspects child abuse or neglect, can make a report to MDHHS by calling 855-444-3911.

Past Date, but Source is Good

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:32:52 UTC

Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACES
are potentially traumatic events in an
individual’s childhood (0-17 years). ACES
that children may endure include
experiencing entities such as violence,
abuse, or neglect. These experiences are
relatively common, especially amongst
woman and other minority groups as they
are the most at risk for ACES.

Teacher Resource - 7 Essential Life Skills

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:33:49 UTC

Research has shown that these essential life skills can be taught and improved with support and practice, even with young children. It is never too early—or too late—to promote them. Think of these abilities as muscles: the more we work on them, the stronger they become. And this is just as true for adults as it is for children. What strategies can you use to practice and improve focus and self control? Take time to reflect on the role of this life skill in your own life, as well as on its importance in the lives of children

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-15 16:34:29 UTC

Parent Resource - Dramatic Play Importance

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-17 21:43:05 UTC

Dramatic play helps teach empathy and understanding because children can 'take a walk in someone else's shoes' and think about how they would behave, feel, and react. During dramatic play with each other, preschoolers are learning how to negotiate, cooperate, and navigate group dynamics.

Teacher Resource - Talking with Parents about Play and Learning

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-17 21:44:25 UTC

Here are nine suggestions for communicating the importance of play to families. You’ll find explanations and examples of these ideas in the article.

Use words that will help parents understand play, learning, and development.
Describe different types of play to expand families’ understanding of what play is.
Offer opportunities to analyze the connections between play, learning, and development.
Provide time for parents to observe play, engage in play, and reflect on learning and development.
Post images of children playing and learning—both indoors and out. Label them with information about what the children are learning.
Use newsletters or blogs to reinforce the connections between center activities and learning.
Become more comfortable talking about play and learning. Practice with a colleague.
Explain key play materials in your preschool setting and how to use them at home.
Provide books, articles, and other resources during enrollment, then share more at parent meetings and home visits.

Parent Resource - How Math Manipulatives Can Help Kids Learn

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-17 21:51:45 UTC

Research shows that when manipulatives in mathematics are used effectively, student understanding and engagement increases because manipulatives aid in the understanding of visual concepts through the use of visuals, scaffolding learning, and engaging students in learning.

Parent Resource - Art Area

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-17 22:04:09 UTC

Creative Thinking & Imagination: Looking at and creating art nurtures a child's early critical thinking and helps them learn to creatively solve problems. Children learn to be flexible thinkers who are able to adapt to new situations and find new ways of doing things.

Parent Resources - Setting Up Library Center

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-17 22:17:03 UTC

Studies have shown that children who have been exposed to library preschool programs showed a greater number of emergent literacy behaviors and pre-reading skills than those in a control group – the greater the exposure, the greater the involvement!

Books are very important for young children. A book center can help stimulate children's imagination and creativity while also building language skills. The book center is a great place for adults to read to children and for children to spend time looking at pictures and interacting with different books.

Teacher Resource - Play Lessons in ECE

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-17 22:20:55 UTC

Play lessons are powerful when it comes to effectively teaching through play in Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms. Teachers who want their little learners to build stamina, make plans for their play, problem solve (and so much more) use play lessons during their free choice time.

Parent Resource - How to help young children keep developing new skills

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-17 22:22:48 UTC

Wooden blocks, Legos and other building toys, and playdough all provide children with open-ended stimuli that allow them to play as they choose. Add props to encourage pretend play—people or animal figures in the block area, baby dolls or plastic dishes in the water table.

Parent/ Teacher Resource - Trauma Informed Books

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-25 16:55:47 UTC

Books can be wonderful tools to use with children who have experienced difficult times such as trauma or loss. Reading (or being read to) and talking with adults can help them understand and cope with their feelings in a developmentally appropriate way.

Parent/ Teacher Resource - Trauma-Informed Diverse Reading List Grades PreK-2

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-25 16:57:05 UTC

"Many children experience trauma, or adverse childhood experiences, and go through times of extreme stress. Trauma has the ability to impact children’s learning, social interactions and relationships, and overall well-being. Literature can be a safe space for young people to talk about characters’ actions and situations and the ways that they navigated distressing scenarios. The following books showcase child protagonists who cope with trauma in a variety of ways and provide students the opportunity to discuss trauma through the lens of a relatable and engaging character."

Teacher Resource - Classroom Strategies - Trauma Informed

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-25 17:00:26 UTC

This PDF is an excellent resource to have in the classroom or to share with parents. This resource gives a general overview of how to be trauma informed. It goes over relationships, safety, classroom strategies, and then gives example activities.

Teacher Resource - The Benefits of Gardening with Preschoolers

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-25 17:03:45 UTC

Gardening has many benefits for everyone in a family, both children and adults. Studies show that when parents involve children in the process of growing and preparing food, positive increases occur in diet and nutrition. While working in the garden, preschoolers develop fine motor control and also work larger muscles: gardening uses practically every muscle in the body.

Teacher Resource - Virtual Conference PDF - Getting to “Calm”

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-25 17:05:30 UTC

OBJECTIVES

● Understand the need for prioritizing self-care

● Gain more awareness of the relationship between ACEs, toxic stress & behavior.

● Leave with some strategies to use immediately with children exhibiting stress and/or trauma behaviors.

Parent Resource - Toolkit for self-assessment

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-25 17:07:46 UTC

The Trauma-Informed Organizational Toolkit includes:

1. The Trauma-Informed Organizational Self-Assessment.

The Self-Assessment is designed to help programs evaluate their practices and based on their findings, adapt their programming to support recovery and healing among their clients.

2. A User’s Guide. The User’s Guide is designed to assist programs in implementing the Self-Assessment and contains additional information about this assessment tool and what it means to provide trauma-informed care.

3. A How-To Manual for Creating Organizational Change. The Manual identifies concrete steps that organizations can take if they are interested in becoming trauma-informed. These steps include the use of the Self-Assessment and User’s Guide to begin this process.

Parent/ Teacher Resource - Executive Function

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-25 17:18:22 UTC

Organizing (also known as executive functions) in childhood refers to the child’s set of thinking skills that include planning, initiating tasks, self-monitoring, paying attention, and using effective problem-solving approaches.

In the articles, you will understand and name which skills are challenging for your child and learn some everyday strategies you can employ at home. Further, you will learn how to tell whether or not to seek professional help for these difficulties.

Teacher Resource - Medical Trauma

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-30 00:17:46 UTC

In the aftermath of a potentially traumatic event such as illness or injury, traumatic stress can be caused by a loss of a sense of personal safety, and by feelings of fear and helplessness. Children are especially vulnerable to the loss of safety that a medical experience may bring. Age and developmental stage impact how children understand illness, injury, and treatment, as well as their range of coping strategies.

Teacher Resource - Educate Children With Trauma

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-30 00:18:34 UTC

Children’s early life experiences greatly influence their early development . Research indicates that because most brain development occurs when the brain is most “plastic,” that is, during a child’s early months and years, traumatic experiences—such as poverty, abuse, neglect, and violence—during those early years profoundly impact and limit brain development . Physiological changes to the developing brain in response to trauma cause cognitive losses and delays in physical, emotional, and social developments, and they provoke emotional and behavioral responses that interfere with children’s learning, school engagement, and academic success (Harvard University, 2007) .

Teacher Resource - Effects of Medical Trauma

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-30 00:19:23 UTC

There are three main types of traumatic stress reactions:

-Re-experiencing. Re-experiencing means that the child keeps thinking a lot about the trauma, even when he does not want to. Some re-experiencing is normal and natural.

-Avoidance. Avoidance symptoms can start by trying not to think or talk about the trauma, or anything connected with it. Sometimes kids want to stay away from people, places or activities because these reminders upset them.

-Hyper-arousal. Hyper-arousal also starts with a natural and normal response to danger, the “fight or flight response.” After an injury or accident, this “fight or flight” response might not turn off, even when the child is safe.

Teacher Resource - Illness affects Whole Family

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-30 00:30:01 UTC

Injury or illness can affect the whole family. When a child experiences injury or illness, siblings may be sad, worried, frightened, or even angry.

It’s hard for parents to meet everyone’s needs at the same time.

Siblings will need time to adjust to their brother/sister’s medical needs and treatment. Most siblings react in very positive ways and often describe feeling glad they’re able to help. But some will also have trouble adjusting. They will miss you and may not understand what happened to their brother/sister. They might want to help out, but not know what to do. They might also feel angry, jealous or even guilty and aren’t sure if that’s okay.

Parent Resource - Pediatric Traumatic Stress

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-30 01:10:44 UTC

Assessments

STEPP – Screening Tool for Early Predictors of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (Emergency Medicine / Pediatric Injury)
ASC-Kids - Acute Stress Checklist for Children (Pediatric Injury / Acute Medical Event)
PAT 2.0 – Psychosocial Assessment Tool (Oncology / Pediatric Illness)

Interventions

SPC – Stepped Preventive Care (Injury)
SCCIP-ND – Surviving Cancer Competently Intervention Program for Parents of Children Newly Diagnosed with Cancer (Illness)
SCCIP – Surviving Cancer Competently Intervention Program for Adolescent Survivors of Pediatric Cancer and their Families (Illness)

Teacher Resource - Medical Trauma Defined

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-11-30 01:14:57 UTC

Medical trauma is defined as a set of psychological and physiological responses to pain, injury, serious illness, medical procedures and frightening treatment experiences.¹

Medical trauma can be viewed as an acute onset of a disrupted physiological system in which the ongoing threat is internal (i.e., the body) and may be long-term or permanent (e.g., cancer treatment). This differs from an external trauma (e.g., car accident) where once the event ends, the external threat ends.

Resources on Trauma for Caregivers and Families

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-12-06 18:17:03 UTC

Many children in the child welfare system have experienced complex trauma. Complex trauma occurs when children are exposed to multiple traumatic events over time that are severe, pervasive, and interpersonal in nature, such as repeated abuse and neglect, and cause long-term harmful consequences (National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Complex trauma may interfere with a child's ability to form secure attachments to caregivers and many other aspects of healthy physical and mental development. In this section, find resources to help support children in your care who have experienced complex trauma, including specific trainings.

Teacher and Parent Resource - Adoption

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-12-06 18:19:14 UTC

Looking for even more information about adoption? We’ve got you covered. We compiled some of our favorite websites, books, blogs and organizations — sorted by topic — to help you navigate your adoption journey. Consider it an extension of the Adoption Support Alliance community — friends of friends who are here for you, no matter what you need.

Parent Resource - Pre+Post Adoption Support

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-12-06 18:20:12 UTC

Many children who have been impacted by adoption and/or foster care have experienced abuse, trauma, neglect, and early attachment injuries. In order to continue to restore hope and promote healing, we work to provide adoption and foster care support through practical teaching and resources to equip parents, churches, and professionals in this journey.

Post-Adoption Resource Centers

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-12-08 18:39:05 UTC

Our local region is region 3

Region 3
Service Provided by: Bethany Christian Services
Mahrah Jensen
231-924-3390
mjensen@bethany.org
www.postadoptionrc.org

The centers provide individuals under the age of 21, who were adopted from Michigan's foster care system or who were adopted in Michigan through an international adoption or direct consent/direct placement adoption and their families with support, education, training, advocacy, information, service coordination and case management services. Services are also available to children under the age of 18 who were placed in guardianship from Michigan's foster care system and who are eligible for Michigan's guardianship assistance program.

Michigan Medically Fragile Foster Care

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-12-08 18:40:39 UTC

Children in foster care have experienced trauma from past abuse and neglect, and placement moves likely add trauma. Many have medical conditions, developmental disabilities, and behavior problems that require extra care.

Teacher/Parent Resource - Adoption Trauma And What It Can Look Like

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-12-08 18:47:33 UTC

Adoption trauma refers to the negative effects that can occur as part of the adoption process. This can include the effects of early separation from biological parents, problems with attachment and bonding, grief, or the lack of stability that comes with multiple placements.

Parent Resource - I Am Grateful To Be Adopted—and Yet, Adoption Is Still Traumatic

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-12-08 18:48:39 UTC

Adoption narratives, like many other things on social media, paint things much more black and white than they actually are for many people. Anti-adoption advocates paint adoption as akin to human trafficking; adoptive parents and adoptee advocates paint adoption like it’s a fairy tale with a happy-ever-after ending.

But what if it’s somewhere in between?

Family Resource - TRUST

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-12-11 17:50:51 UTC

TRUST is a community action organization dedicated to creating safe, stable, nurturing environments and relationships for children and families. We focus on education and awareness of the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) and toxic stress and the importance of promoting resilience through protective factors. Building a compassionate and supportive network creates the opportunity for community collaboration and wellness advancement.

Family Resource - Directory

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-12-11 17:51:19 UTC

Anything that you could possibly need can be found in this PDF. It's the same one that I have at my desk to give information to families.

Family/Teacher Resource - Trauma Faced by Children of Military Families

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-12-11 22:07:58 UTC

After nearly a decade of war, a growing area of research shows the negative impact on children, youth and families of U.S. military personnel. Children of military families often experience multiple stressors before and during their parent’s deployment and when they come home. Without appropriate mental health support systems, children of military personnel may be at a significant disadvantage compared with their peers in non-military families.

Family Resource - Military Families Resource Center

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-12-11 22:09:34 UTC

As a result of duty assignments, members of the military are often separated from their families for lengthy periods of time. A family that loses the active presence of a parent through separation faces significant challenges and stress.

During the parent's deployment, family members may feel isolated, unsupported and anxious. Some families must also deal with the trauma of having a parent seriously injured or killed. Families who have little or no contact with extended family and/or the military community may be especially vulnerable to stress.

Children who have one or both parents enlisted are perhaps most impacted by the reintegration of the mother, father or both into the family. The health and well-being of the parent or parents, and knowing how to handle reintegration in a healthy way, are crucial to the mental health of children and adolescents.

Teacher Resource - Supporting Behavioral Health in Military Families

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-12-11 22:10:53 UTC

Military families may experience unique behavioral health concerns due to stressors such as deployment, relocation, injury, and exposure to combat while deployed, which can lead to mental and physical injuries and trauma. The stressors and experiences of military life and deployment can affect a family in areas such as readjustment before and after a deployment, handling finances, parenting, and coping with long separations under life and death circumstances. The following resources provide information to help support the mental and behavioral health of military children and their families.

Parent Resource - How to Cope With a Traumatic Event

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-12-11 22:12:30 UTC

A violent act, catastrophic accident, or sudden loss can leave you feeling anxious and fearful, which are normal reactions. But if anxiety and fears are taking over your or a loved one’s life, you may want to consider professional help.Reminders and events can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder, bringing back painful memories and emotions for months or even years after the trauma. Tragic events reach us in different ways, sometimes in close proximity but also through exposure to news and social media.

MILITARY CHILDREN RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-12-11 22:14:35 UTC

The Veterans Art Project (VETART) is a community based arts organization serving Veterans, Active Duty, Spouses, dependents, their caregivers, and the community through process-driven, Deep Arts Engagement, D.A.E.(c) and Art Therapy. Providing a process-intensive arts encounter proven to help Veterans and Active Duty (some with post-traumatic stress, TBI, and MST) find their voice and work through the life-changing process of transitioning from military to civilian life.

Parent Resource - Child-Friendly Resources for Military Families

jessicagrzybowski — 2023-12-11 22:16:48 UTC

Military life might have its ups and downs, but Sesame Workshop is here for families who serve throughout their journey, whether families are facing deployment, caregiving, exiting the military, or even grief. Of caregivers using When Families Grieve materials, 83% said they “have more appropriate language to discuss death with my child.”