Training & Professional Development

Quick Guide Videos

1. Supervisors

   Supporting PD for your staff. This video shares how you can support your staff’s professional development through these video supports that introduce specific topics along with reflective prompts for viewers to make meaning of the content and how it applies to their work. We also break down ways you can use these guides as conversations starters in staff meetings or coaching sessions. Download "Supporting PD for your Summer Staff" Handout

   Mandated Reporting. Working with young people comes with many different responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is the legal requirement to report suspected or known maltreatment. This overview shares the basics of what you need to know as a mandated reporter. You can also access Mandated Reporter training through the MN Child Welfare Training Academy and more information about Ramsey County mandated reporters. Download "Mandated Reporting" Handout

2. Quality Frameworks

   SEL PQA. The SEL Youth Program Quality Assessment (SEL PQA) is a revised version of the YPQA designed by the Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality. This tool provides a framework of staff practices that include specific activities that support social and emotional learning. This video provides a brief history of the PQA tools, some of the changes from the previous tools, an overview of the 4 domains, and how you might consider it as a tool for program quality improvement with your staff team. Download "What is the SEL PQA" Handout

   YPQA. The Youth Program Quality Assessment (YPQA) is a validated instrument designed by the Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality. This video provides a brief overview of what the tool is all about, how the form is laid out, and how you might consider it as a tool for program quality improvement with your staff team.  Download "What is the YPQA" Handout

3. Behavior Supports

   Group Expectations. Having shared agreements on group expectations is an important foundation for youth programs to ensure a safe environment that increases a sense of belonging and participation. Understanding expectations from the beginning allows participants to know what is expected from them, and what they can expect from others. Download "Group Expectations" Handout

   De-escalation. What can staff do to prevent and respond to disruptive behaviors? This video addresses things to consider around supporting positive behaviors and how to support young people when they are exhibiting disruptive behaviors. Download "De-escalation" Handout

   The Hand Model of the Brain. *(Video 1 of the Behavior Management series) The Hand Model of the Brain, by Dr. Segal, is a simplified model to understand and build awareness of what is happening in the brain and how strong emotions can cause us to "flip our lids". When you understand the functions of the different parts of the brain, you learn to give attention to what is happening, make sense of what is going on, and increase your ability to self-regulate (or co-regulate with others). Download "The Hand Model of the Brain" Handout

   Co-Regulation. *(Video 2 of the Behavior Management series) The ability for a young person to understand and effectively manage and respond to emotional experiences is an important skill to develop. This video is informed by the work of Dr. Bruce Perry and shares how staff can use the 3 Rs of Emotional Regulation to support young people through co-regulation. Download "Co-Regulation" Handout

   Self-Awareness & Regulation Practices. *(Video 3 of the Behavior Management series) For young people to be able to learn to self-regulate, they need to learn and practice skills that support them being aware of how they are feeling, and strategies to regulate themselves when they are experiencing big emotions. This video shares a variety of strategies you can consider for your program. Download "Self-Awareness & Regulation Practices" Handout

4. Quality Practices

   Building Community. Out of school time programs are known for being spaces where young people feel a sense of belonging. But it doesn’t just happen, it takes intentionality. This workshop examines different ways you can intentionally build community that both create a space where people can show up as their full selves and develop positive relationships with peers and adults.  Download "Building Community" Handout

   Reflection. Including intentional reflection opportunities is a great way to make meaning of the different experiences young people have in your program. Intentional doesn’t mean it has to be time consuming. This video includes a variety of simple suggestions that can be used as quick reflection strategies or can create space to go deeper. Download "Reflection" Handout

   The DADA Method. How you structure your time with young people can directly impact the experiences of both young people and staff. The DADA method is a simple way for staff to plan for what happens before and after an activity and provides an easy framework that naturally embeds multiple aspects of quality including skill building and reflection. Download "The DADA Method" Handout

   Asking Powerful Questions. What is the most powerful tool in your youth worker toolbelt? Powerful questions help you build relationships, deepen learning, build investment with youth and create space for youth input. This video provides examples of how to leverage questions in your program. Download "Asking Powerful Questions" Handout  and  Download "Powerful Questions for Arts and Craft Activities" Handout

   Positive Guardian Communication.  Good communication with parents helps support a partnership in the success of your participants and your program. This video includes examples of how you can build rapport and navigate difficult conversations with parents. Download "Positive Guardian Communication" Handout

   Getting Youth Outdoors.  The outdoors is not only a great way to increase your program space but also provides additional benefits to young people and your program. This video shares tips that prepare you in bringing your participants outdoors and some tangible activity ideas and resources to start venturing outdoors. Download "Getting Youth Outdoors" Handout

5. Equity and Inclusion

   Pronouns. Using someone’s correct pronouns affirms a person’s gender identity and creates a safe and inclusive environment for your program. This video introduces the Gender Unicorn diagram as a resource to understanding gender identity and expression and gives ideas on how you can support all young people and adults who connect with your program in a variety of ways, including when you make mistakes. Download "Pronouns" Handout

   Land Acknowledgements. Recognizing indigenous communities is an important step in acknowledging the truth and recognizing the original inhabitants of the land. This video shares why land acknowledgements are important and what you can consider if you or young people in your program are interested in creating a land acknowledgement. Download "Land Acknowledgements" Handout