Conscious Discipline approach equips parents and educators with tools, strategies, and skills to better manage emotions and support student success
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, rates of depression and anxiety in children ages 3 through 17 have increased significantly over the past fifteen years. It is estimated that one out of every six children ages two through eight are diagnosed with a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder.
Cowley County early childhood professionals see these struggles daily and are hungry for additional education and skill development to help children and families cope with these realities.
The Solution
Cowley County early childhood professionals partnered to host Conscious Discipline training. This trauma-informed, research-based program transforms everyday discipline issues into teachable moments, equipping children with the skills needed to manage themselves, resolve conflict, and develop healthy behavior.
Head Start, USD 470 Early Literacy Initiative, Winfield Early Learning Center, and Cowley County Special Services Cooperative spearheaded the training and invited other professionals to participate. They also hosted family nights to share what they learned with parents.
The Outcome
125 Cowley County early childhood professionals gathered for a joint Conscious Discipline training. Attendees included: USD 470 and USD 465 PreK and Kindergarten teachers, county-wide Head Start teachers, school counselors and administrators, child care providers, Four County Mental Health Center, and other early childhood professionals from across Cowley County.
Parents were invited to attended Conscious Discipline family night so they could incorporate at home the tactics the educators were utilizing in the educational setting. During their visit they learned quick and easy strategies that can be used in everyday situations like transition times, turn-taking, and routines at home.
“This event provided early childhood professionals with more tools, strategies, and skills to better manage emotions and support student success.”
~ Tara Taylor, Cowley County Head Start Director
Contact
To learn more about Conscious Discipline training and how to create a learning community, contact Lindsay Wilke, Early Literacy Coordinator with USD 470 at Lindsay.wilke@usd470.com.
What’s Next?
Up to four family nights are planned throughout the county during the 2021-2022 school year to continue sharing Conscious Discipline techniques and practices. At these trainings, families will receive take-home Conscious Discipline Caregiver kits of supplies that correspond with the training.
