A twelve-hour program focused on introducing participants to the mental health and behavioral philosophies needed to create responsive classrooms from day one.

Content is developed based on trauma informed, behavioral focused research.

PARTS 1 & 2

Designed with a focus on mindfulness and attention to that diverse, emotional and mental health needs of children, day one is all about being proactive. Participants will be introduced to FirstDay Learning’s key pillars of a proactive approach to preventing challenging behavior. Sessions will explore the complex connections between these pillars and various aspects of our shared human experience. Participants will consider ideas in new ways, create interesting and unique cognitive connections, reflect on their own practice and plan for continuous improvement.

Topics Include:

Hidden Influence: Proactive Philosophies on Behavior (Relationships, Environments, Intentionality)

In it for the Long Haul: Professional Stamina (Self-care and Mental Health, Peer Support and Community, Supportive Professional Relationships)

PARTS 3 & 4

These days focus on the psychology of behavior change and considering this important field through the lens of real world experiences. Participants will examine background factors influencing behavior and will be introduced to the basics of Applied Behavior Analysis: a powerful tool for examining the sequence of events surrounding challenging behavior. Participants will reflect on and plan for ways to ensure their efforts at influencing behavior change are long-lasting and well supported.

Topics Include:

Cause and effect: The Psychology of Behavior Change: (Understanding Behavior, Documenting Behavior, Teaching Replacement Behaviors)

In it for the Long Haul: Supporting Ongoing Behavior Change (Planning, Teamwork, Maintenance)

FOUR, 3-hour virtual sessions on Monday Evenings:

• June 24, 2024
• July 1, 2024
• July 8, 2024
• July 15th