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JUSTICE IN THE CLASSROOM: Mitigating the Impact of Adversity on Children 
FOR EDUCATORS & CHILD WELFARE PROFESSIONALS

Educators and Child Welfare Professionals are tasked with the challenging responsibility of meeting the needs of a diverse group of learners. When these individual differences are combined with adverse experiences, the classroom and curriculum can feel unsafe and confusing for students. Adversity in childhood is common; every child likely experiences family, societal, and community events that negatively impact the lens through which they see the world. For the percentage of youth who experience highly intense or numerous experiences of adversity in childhood, research demonstrates that the impact of these events inhibit social and emotional function and contribute to a cascading effect of educational difficulties. This can be compounded by the lingering effect of a sustained crisis like a pandemic which will likely have a long-term impact.  Training social workers, teachers, administrators, and caregivers to create environments that are culturally responsive to childhood adversity provides a safe space within which all students can achieve successful outcomes. This immersive training is designed to meet the needs of child welfare professionals and educators and the administrators, staff, and community stakeholders who support youth outcomes. More information is available at,  Peace4Kids.

We offer a complimentary consultation to discuss your district's specific needs and goals.

  • Objectives

    • Understand the unique cultural assets and strengths that every child and youth contributes ​

    • Strengthen/Develop the behavior management skills necessary to improve learner behavior and retention for children coping with adversity

    • Re-imagine/Redesign the physical classroom to create safe spaces that meet the needs of all children and youth

    • Self-evaluate/Audit language to create an inclusive environment that minimizes unintended triggers

    • Audit/Redesign existing curriculum and policies to be inclusive and sensitive to the impact of adversity on cognitive, social, and emotional development

  • Tier 1

    • 6-hour training divided into three 2-hour sessions (online or onsite) after a brief online orientation

    • Interactive and reflective large group, small group, partner, and individual opportunities to learn

  • Tier 2

    • Comprehensive, immersive approach over 4 - 8 month period

    • Weekly meetings, instructional rounds, observations, partner accountability, curriculum and policy audits

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