System-Level Policies, Routines, and Procedures
Systems-Level #1: Assess professional development needs around addressing trauma and stress and offer ongoing professional development opportunities tailored to meet these needs.
Systems-Level #2: Promote stress management skills and resources and allow adults to get help from other adults when they are upset (e.g., giving the educator a quick break if they have been working with an escalated student)
Systems-Level #3: Provide school-wide instruction to students on the effects of stress, what they can do to mitigate the effects of stress, and opportunities to practice stress management skills.
Systems-Level #4: Provide opportunities for parents/caregivers to learn about the effects of stress and what they can do to mitigate these effects.
Five Ways to Foster Well-Being and Resilience (written by HEARTS director during COVID lockdowns but still relevant for parents/caregivers and educators)
Systems-Level #5: Minimize unnecessary environmental triggers (e.g., doors that slam, whistles, jarring school bell sound, overcrowded or dark hallways).
Systems-Level #6: Establish explicit procedures for coping with and healing from a tragedy or major crisis impacting the school community.
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