Download: Mental Health & Trauma Supports
MAEC’s Tools and Resources for Out-of-School Time Providers of one-page resources brings together practical strategies and lessons from OST practitioners and experts. The series covers topics including program quality and equity, family engagement, mental wellness, positive youth development, and school-community partnerships. Each resource summarizes key takeaways, actionable strategies, and additional resources to support OST providers in their work with youth and families. See also:
- Ensuring Program Quality & Equity in OST
- Amplifying Family Voice in OST
- Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
- How School and Community Partners Can Work Together in OST
Mental Health & Trauma Supports
What providers should know
- Mental wellness is essential for learning and development for youth and staff.
- Trauma can manifest as behavioral challenges in children and youth.
Strategies for OST providers
Recognize signs of stress and trauma.
- In youth, this might show as withdrawal, aggression, difficulty focusing, or changes in behavior.
- In staff, this might show as fatigue, irritability, loss of motivation, or difficulty concentrating.
Use trauma-informed practices.
- Build predictable routines and safe spaces.
- Respond with empathy, not punishment.
- Use de-escalation and redirection techniques.
Practice self-regulation and coping.
- Use tools like 4-7-8 breathing, mindfulness, and reflection.
- Model emotional regulation for youth.
Foster connection and belonging.
- Build relationships with youth through PRIDE skills (Praise, Reflect, Imitate, Describe, Enjoy).
- Use mood meters and debrief after a problematic behavior to help youth name and manage emotions.
Resources
- Managing Mental Wellness: Tools for Yourself, Your Students, and Your Classroom (MAEC): https://maec.org/mental_wellness
- 4-7-8 breathing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8fjYPC-k2k
This content was informed by MAEC’s “Complementing the School Day: Tools and Resources for OST Providers” webinar series.
The third session was titled “Taking Care of Youth and You: Mental Health & Trauma Supports for Providers,” facilitated by Seth Shaffer, Clinical Psychologist. This session focused on recognizing and responding to trauma and stress in youth through OST programming.
