Sanford Health

Social Emotional Program

One job a child has in “growing up” is to learn how to control oneself in a social setting in order to get along with others. It is normal for children under three years old to struggle with impulse control and socially acceptable behaviors. As children develop and learn, adults in their lives can guide them to self discipline and socially acceptable behaviors. Adults can help children learn these social/emotional skills by providing an age appropriate environment that encourages social emotional learning.

The Social-Emotional Program at Sanford Children’s CHILD Services provides education and assistance to help adults provide an environment where children’s social emotional learning is encouraged. Services available through our Social Emotional Project include:

 

Services:

  • Temperament assessments and consultations for children, caregivers and parents. By better understanding WHY people react the way they do to the world around them, it’s easier to accept their behavior, respect their concerns, and plan for their individual needs.
     
  • Environmental observation of child care settings.   Social-emotional experts offer suggestions to help create environments that can adapt to each child’s individual needs.
     
  • Social-emotional tools. Specific strategies assist caregivers and/or parents in their role of helping children develop the ability to understand their own feelings and skills in getting their needs met appropriately.
     
  • Team consultations.  A Family Life Educator works with parents and child care providers to help develop an individualized plan for shaping behaviors based on individual and situational circumstances.

 Trainings:

  • Training opportunities for licensed or registered child care providers.
     
  • Class instructors strive to help caregivers obtain information and confidence in one's ability to provide quality care for children

Technical Assistance:

  • CHILD Staff are available to do an on site observation.  This observation provides the means to develop an action plan to assist child care programs with program improvement efforts.

Aricles:

 

 To access services contact us at (605) 333-0698 or email us at childsrv@sanfordhealth.org 
 

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Social Emotional Classes

Every child has good days and not so good days with regards to their behavior. However, sometimes a child’s behavior seems more than difficult and we wonder “is that normal?” How do we know when a child’s response and reactions go beyond what is considered age appropriate, normal behavior? In this 4-part, in-depth series, we will explore and explain the how, what, when, where and why of these challenging child behaviors.

When Is This Normal?
Biting, hitting, yelling, and sexual exploring can be enough to drive any adult over the edge. This class will outline how and when these behaviors and others, can be a normal part of development for most children.

Where does Temperament Fit Into the Equation?
Children are born with unique temperaments. Explore what makes children tick and how you can transform your environment to enable children to react and respond appropriately based upon their individual temperament traits.

 What’s the Cause?
Could the behaviors that are being exhibited be attributed to ADHD, OCD, ODD, Traumatic Stress Disorder, or some other disorder? Learn about various diagnoses and how they affect a child’s behavior.

How Do We Help This Child?
By applying strength-based tools, we can recognize, respond, teach strategies and develop a plan of action to help manage their intensity and apply problem-solving skills.

For a current class listing click here

9/9/2008

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