Workshops
Ramapo Training Course Descriptions
MANAGING DIFFICULT BEHAVIOR
A Workshop for Youth Development Professionals
Learn practical techniques for therapeutically managing children's disruptive behavior. Focus on skills which enable the practitioner to change behavior by leading positively, building relationships, teaching strategically, structuring situations and intervening actively when required.
ADAPTING YOUR PROGRAM TO MEET STUDENTS' NEEDS WORKSHOP
A Workshop for Youth Development Professionals
This workshop is designed for programs whose staff have already been trained in basic behavior management skills and require focused problem solving around specific behavior management issues. Participants will learn to anticipate problems, recognize small occurrences that can trigger bigger issues, and head off more serious difficulties by stopping the current activity and substituting appropriate alternatives. This workshop will be adapted to fit the needs of individual programs. Participants will look at overall program structure, write individual behavior management plans, and perform role plays, among other practical techniques that can help staff better meet the needs of difficult students.
MIDDLE SCHOOL: INCREASING STUDENT PARTICIPATION AND BUILDING COMMUNITY
A Workshop for Youth Development Professionals
This workshop focuses on understanding the unique needs and perspectives of middle school youth. Workshop participants will explore basic concepts of experiential education, and discuss encouraging youth voice, providing authentic choices, clarifying goals together and active reflection, as key elements of effective middle school programming.
AVOIDING AND DE-ESCALATING CONFLICT SITUATIONS WORKSHOP
A Workshop for Youth Development Professionals
This workshop is designed for staff who have already been trained in basic behavior management skills and require focused problem solving around specific behavior management issues. This workshop focuses on identifying power struggles and recognizing triggers that may cause a situation to escalate. We examine the conflict cycle and discuss strategies for intervening and proactively approaching situations in order to keep conflict situations from getting out of control. Techniques and skills for setting limits, and using restitution and consequences as a learning experience are discussed.
SUPERVISING INEXPERIENCED STAFF
A Workshop for Youth Development Supervisors
Many youth service professionals move into management roles without any training in supervision. In this workshop, supervisors will learn to recognize and balance critical aspects of supervision: direction and relationship. Participants will learn to define tasks and adapt their supervisory style to their staff members' level of readiness. We will utilize models of consistent feedback, meaningful evaluation, and well-structured supervisory meetings as the cornerstones of effective teambuilding. In addition, we will define the characteristics of a successful supervisor.
COACHING FOR YOUTH SERVICE DIRECTORS: MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE AND INDIVIDUALIZED LEADERSHIP SKILL DEVELOPMENT
A Professional Development Program for Youth Development Supervisors
A multi-session program featuring on-site observation and coaching for youth service directors. Participants will learn practical strategies for effectively supervising underperforming staff; structuring disorganized programs and managing difficult behavior in children. Upon completion of this program participants will:
- Be more decisive and assertive.
- Demonstrate a wide range of supervisory strategies that improve program performance.
- Anticipate and avoid factors which impede staff and performance.
