Selected Content Updates in Q3 2024
The VLS integrates the latest research and best practices into its professional development system on an ongoing basis. Our content team reviews new research and updates made to national guidelines. Selected content updates over the last three months include:
New School-Age Emotional Check-In Activity
The Emotional Check-Ins Activity Plan and Reflection is a new activity designed for supporting school-age professionals in planning activities and experiences that promote social-emotional development by offering ways to engage school-age children about the wide range of emotions they may be feeling. Be sure to check out this new Apply activity, included in Lesson 4 of Social and Emotional Development in the School-Age track.
Review of Focused Topics Courses
The VLS Content team is currently reviewing the Focused Topics courses to ensure they meet the professional development needs of our users. This review includes confirming that lesson content and activities are presented in an accessible format and meet accessibility standards, updating references and resources with current URLs, and verifying that the video or interactive feature in each lesson is working and displaying properly. Updates have been made to the following Focused Topics courses: Leadership Essentials, Supporting Children With Challenging Behaviors, Sexual Development and Behavior in Children and Youth, and Trauma-Informed Care in Child Care Settings.
Highlights from the Field and Recent Research
Recess for Adults: Fun and Impactful!
Head Start and the Early Childhood Knowledge and Learning Center (ECKLC) recently published a set of resources focusing on increasing emotional regulation in adults through play. Adult Recess is a series of animated videos intended to lead adults through movement and activities that can relieve stress, increase joy, and promote emotional regulation. We know that when adults thrive, the children in their lives do too. Consider using these resources in addition to resources included in the SELF-T focused topic. View the webinar on the ECKLC website.
Supporting the Social-Emotional Needs of Children
A new fact sheet from the Institute of Educational Sciences (IES) outlines a framework for supporting children with elevated needs. Resources, considerations, and recommendations make this a helpful tool for thinking about how to collaborate with colleagues and families to better meet the social-emotional needs of children. View the fact sheet on the IES website.
Reducing the Digital Divide
Being able to access and use the internet affects every aspect of our life, including education, employment, and health. However, many families face challenges accessing, paying for, and using the internet. Historically marginalized and underserved families are disproportionately impacted by this digital divide. This has strong implications for education. In 2020, almost one-third of the student population did not have sufficient internet capabilities in the home, with Black, Latine, and Native American students disproportionately represented. Indeed, students without internet access take longer to complete homework, are less likely to email teachers or check grades, score lower on college entrance exams, and are less engaged with digital content—all of which can result in lower grades. Policies around removing the digital divide can improve academic outcome and workforce readiness and reduce health inequities. To read more about the implications of the digital divide and potential policy strategies, see the article on the National Council on Family Relations website.
Webinar on Supporting Youth Experiencing Trauma
OneOp is offering a webinar titled Coping Compass: Working in the Wake of School and Community Violence and Disaster on October 8, 2024, at 11:00 AM (EDT). This webinar is designed to support professionals working with military-affiliated middle- and high school-age youth affected by traumatic events. It will highlight the importance of understanding trauma responses, effective communication strategies, supportive environments, and fostering resilience. For more information and to register for the webinar, see the OneOp website.