The 2017 Wellness Annual Report

The Department of Afterschool Programming strives to make afterschool a positive experience for every student it serves. As programs endeavor to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student population, the scope of training for staff continues to increase.

Training offered to afterschool site staff during the 2015-2016 school year

• Autism Spectrum Disorder - The Autism Spectrum Disorder training was developed by Susan Lowenthal, Afterschool Programming Liaison. Its purpose is to teach participants vital information on the sensory needs, behavior and manifestations associated with Autism. This training is a requirement for all afterschool site directors, and is recommended for any afterschool staff working directly with children on the Autism Spectrum. 139 afterschool staff received the Autism Spectrum Disorder training.

• Bringing Back Behavior

This training is provided by Florida Atlantic University. It gives participants an overview of developmental delays with a focus on characteristics, strengths, and challenges one may encounter when working with an individual who has a developmental disability. 58 afterschool staff received this training.

• Professional Crisis Management (PCM) - PCM focuses on four primary strategies taught by certified Instructors. Strategies include crisis prevention, crisis de-escalation, crisis intervention, and post crisis management. PCM training requires a twenty-two hour course, a written exam and a practical exam. Upon successful completion participants are certified as PCM practitioners.

The Department of Afterschool Programming has three staff members certified as PCM Instructors.  Additionally, Afterschool Programming Liaison Nicole Childs received the status of PCM Co-Trainer in April 2014. These staff members have facilitated all initial and recertification trainings for afterschool staff since April 2013. During the 2015-2016 school year, 138 staff were trained and received certification or recertification in PCM.

• Inclusion 101 – The Arc of Palm Beach County offered Inclusion 101 training this year to afterschool staff working with specific needs students. The training offered participants the opportunity to experience what it is like to have a developmental disability. Experiences like this help staff learn how to include youth with special needs into their programs. 75 staff received the Inclusion 101 training.

Nursing Contract

The Department of Afterschool Programming has contracted with District-approved nursing agencies to manage training and supervision of afterschool site staff responsible for medically-involved students. This ensures comprehensive coverage of all medically-involved students enrolled in afterschool and winter, spring and summer camps.