Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs (DAEP) settings are uniquely positioned to transform lives—but only when staff are equipped with the tools, mindset, and systems to meet students where they are. Many students entering DAEP have experienced trauma, school failure, and repeated disciplinary action. Without intentional, skilled intervention, these patterns continue—and so does the harm. This session addresses that need head-on.
Through engaging, hands-on learning, DAEP staff will explore the root causes of challenging behavior, learn how trauma impacts brain development and behavior, and practice strategies to regulate, respond, and restore. Participants will develop behavior intervention plans aligned to student needs, practice restorative conversations, and build structured systems for reintegration back to the home campus.
The potential impact is significant: stronger student-teacher relationships, safer learning environments, fewer repeated removals, and ultimately, better long-term outcomes for students who need us most. This session is not just about managing behavior—it’s about shifting outcomes.
By the End of This Session, Participants Will:
- Understand the common types and underlying causes of challenging behaviors exhibited by students in DAEP settings.
- Demonstrate effective strategies to respond to and de-escalate challenging behaviors with empathy and consistency.
- Develop practical, individualized behavior intervention plans using functional behavior assessment principles.
- Apply restorative practices to repair harm, build student accountability, and foster positive relationships.
- Recognize the impact of trauma and other precipitating factors on student behavior and implement trauma-informed approaches in their work.
- Create comprehensive transition plans that prepare students for a successful return to their home campus.
- Collaborate effectively with DAEP and home campus staff to support student progress and reintegration.
- Commit to actionable steps to improve their practice in supporting students with challenging behavior