ADDRESSING CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS:

Using Positive Behavior Supports and Trauma Awareness to Support Preschoolers

ADDRESSING CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS:

Using Positive Behavior Supports and Trauma Awareness to Support Preschoolers

ADDRESSING CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS:

Using Positive Behavior Supports and Trauma Awareness to Support Preschoolers

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The Positive Behavior Support Initiative (PBSI) is a comprehensive training program that equips early childhood educators with essential knowledge, skills, and strategies to create safe learning environments, understand the impact of trauma on development, and implement responsive interventions for challenging behaviors. Participants can engage through multi-modal learning opportunities, including live training, communities of practice, and resource toolkits.

Learning Pathways

Understanding the Impact of Trauma

This pathway will help teachers and providers recognize the signs of trauma in children and understand how adverse childhood experiences influence classroom behavior and academic performance.
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Creating
Safe Spaces

This pathway will help teachers and providers establish emotionally safe classroom environments, including techniques for establishing relationships, predictable routines, and calming spaces that help children feel secure and ready to learn.
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Responsive Interventions

This pathway will help teachers and providers respond effectively to challenging behaviors utilizing a tiered approach. It starts with universal support, followed by targeted interventions for students needing additional support and individualized interventions for students requiring intensive interventions.
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Training Modalities and Resources

Summer Training
(Live & Remote)

Intensive in-person and virtual learning experiences that build foundational knowledge and relationships among cohort participants.

Communities of Practice

Year-long professional learning communities focused on implementation, including assessing current practice, developing actionable goals, and evaluating impact.

Asynchronous Trainings

Self-paced digital learning modules that allow educators to deepen knowledge on specific topics according to their schedule and interests.

Consultation and Resources

On-site coaching, toolkit resources, and material stipends to support classroom implementation of trauma-informed practices.

Summer 2025 Training Opportunities

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FirstUp

FirstUp’s training tracks aim to cultivate educators’ ability to implement trauma-informed classrooms, supportive learning environments, positive relationship building, and communication and leadership practices.

Learning Pathway(s): Understanding the Impact of Trauma, Creating Safe Spaces

Register Here
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Lakeside Global Institute

Lakeside Global Institute is offering comprehensive trauma-informed training to educators to support trauma-impacted children. These include workshops, certification series, and communities of practice.

Learning Pathway(s): Understanding the Impact of Trauma, Creating Safe Spaces

Register Here
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SPARK Quality Support Center

SPARK QSC’s training sessions aim to cultivate educators’ ability to facilitate courageous conversations, demonstrate active supervision and positive interactions in the classroom, and understand developmentally appropriate practices.

Learning Pathway: Creating Safe Spaces

Register Here
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Lakeshore Learning Materials

Lakeshore’s training sessions will focus on an in-depth understanding and application of the Pyramid Model and creating calming spaces for young learners.

Learning Pathway: Creating Safe Spaces

Register Here
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Dr. Ashlee Brown

Assistant Professor at West Chester University

Dr. Ashlee Brown’s training sessions will focus on preschool early intervention and special education. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of key aspects of Pennsylvania's Preschool Early Intervention (EI) system, including identifying developmental delays, understanding EI eligibility criteria, and navigating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.

Learning Pathway: Responsive Interventions

Register Here

Learning Pathway: Creating Safe Spaces

Trainings Facilitated by SPARK Quality Support Center

Trainings Facilitated by FirstUp

Trainings Facilitated by Lakeshore Learning Materials

Trainings Facilitated by Lakeside Global Institute

Learning Pathway: Understanding the Impact of Trauma

Trainings Facilitated by FirstUp

Trainings Facilitated by Lakeside Global Institute

Trainings Facilitated by Lakeshore Learning Materials

Learning Pathway: Responsive Interventions

Trainings Facilitated by Lakeshore Learning Materials

Trainings Facilitated by Dr. Ashelee Brown
(Assistant Professor, West Chester University)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for the trainings?
No! All of the trainings are free for publicly funded preschool educators (teachers that work in Head Start, Head Start Supplemental, PreK Counts or PHLpreK programs).
How do I register?
Select and sign up for the trainings that you are interested in. To accommodate as many educators as possible, please only sign up for one day/time slot per training. You will receive an email confirmation and Zoom link for the training.
Can I earn PQAS credit?
Yes! Each training description includes information about PQAS/Act 48 eligibility.
Are training stipends available?
Yes! Stipends may be available to eligible teachers that attend and complete trainings. More information will be provided at a later date.

Reach Out Today to Speak with Our Team About Programming

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Do you currently work in the Philadelphia School District?(Required)
The Office of Children and Families is committed to supporting publicly funded preschool programs in being able to meet the needs of the children and families served. Understanding the underlying causes of challenging behaviors is essential for educators to be able to provide appropriate support and interventions to help children develop positive coping skills and social-emotional competence which will result in the reduction of challenging behaviors exhibited.