Iowa BEST: Behavioral, Equitable, Social-Emotional, Trauma-Informed Health in Sc

The need for addressing social, emotional, behavioral and mental health needs of children and youth has been increasing over the past decade, this critical need became more public during the past two years of the COVID pandemic. This session will explore why  addressing these issues now is critical if schools and programs are to be successful in providing children and youth access to and full participation in schools and programs and educational and life opportunities.  This session will also provide an overview of a newly released U.S. Department of Education document, Supporting Child and Student Social, Emotional, Behavioral, and Mental Health Needs.  In  addition to exploring the seven recommendations included in the document, the importance of prioritizing social emotional, behavioral, and mental health practices will be shared as well as evidence based  strategies for schools and programs to implement.