Social Emotional Learning

Social Emotional Learning opportunities offered by the Diagnostic Center, Central California

Professional Development Manual Home | Special Event Offerings | 2025-26 Learning Opportunities

C-1 The Trauma Informed Classroom (NEW!)

Presenters

  • Dení Dayan, School Psychologist, Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP)

Intended Audience

Special and General Education Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), School Psychologists, General and Special Education Administrators, Program Specialists, Paraprofessionals, and Behavior Support Personnel

Time

1.5 hours

Format

In-person

Summary

This workshop provides a clear understanding of how trauma affects behavior and the school community. Participants will learn about the five types of trauma, how they impact brain development and behavior, and gain insights into supporting students of all ages. Whether you're a teacher, support staff, or administrator, this session equips you with practical knowledge to better understand and support students in your school community.

Participants will

  • Describe the triune brain.
  • Name 5 types of trauma.
  • Describe how trauma impacts the developing brain.

C-2 Adult Social-Emotional Learning: Enhancing Educator Well-Being (NEW!)

Presenters

  • Dení Dayan, School Psychologist, LEP

Intended Audience

Special and General Education Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), School Psychologists, General and Special Education Administrators, Program Specialists, Paraprofessionals, Parents, School Nurse, and Behavior Support Personnel

Time

1.5 hours

Format

In-person

Summary

Being an educator is hard. The emotional load and nonstop pace take a toll. This workshop is about supporting the mental health and well-being of the adults on campus because when we feel better, we do better.

You'll learn what stress does to your brain and body, why we're wired to overreact (yes, really), and what you can do to bring more calm, patience, and resilience into your day. You'll also get some fun, practical tools to lower stress and inflammation and a better understanding of why people (yourself included) behave the way they do.

This is about putting your oxygen mask on first, so you can keep showing up in the ways that matter most.

Participants will

  • Name 9 elements that promote resilience.
  • Explain the mind-body connection between stress and health outcomes.
  • Create a plan of well-being for yourself.

C-3 Responsive Discipline (NEW!)

Presenters

  • Dení Dayan, School Psychologist, LEP

Intended Audience

Special and General Education Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), School Psychologists, General and Special Education Administrators, Program Specialists, Paraprofessionals, and Behavior Support Personnel

Time

1.5 hours

Format

In-person

Summary

This workshop explores four discipline styles through a trauma-informed lens, highlighting Social Emotional Learning (SEL) strategies that build critical thinking and accountability. We'll anchor our work in the Pillars of a Trauma-Informed Classroom, practical, everyday actions that help create safe and effective learning environments.

Participants will reflect on discipline that is both kind and firm and learn how to support students through the three steps of co-regulation. The goal: compassionate, responsive practices that help students manage emotions and behavior while minimizing power struggles.

Participants will

  • Explore four discipline styles.
  • Practice SEL strategies to enhance critical thinking and accountability.
  • Name the three steps for co-regulation.

C-4 Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques for Educators and Students (NEW!)

Presenters

  • Dení Dayan, School Psychologist, LEP

Intended Audience

Special and General Education Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), School Psychologists, General and Special Education Administrators, Program Specialists, Paraprofessionals, Parents, School Nurse, and Behavior Support Personnel

Time

1.5 hours

Format

In-person

Summary

This workshop introduces Mindfulness, a trauma-informed approach that combines mindful movement, breathing techniques, and centering practices to reduce stress and build resilience. Participants will learn simple, effective strategies to regulate emotions, focus attention, and create a calm, supportive environment perfect for both personal well-being and student engagement.

Participants will

  • Understand the science behind mindfulness and its positive effects on emotional regulation and resilience for both students and educators.
  • Experience brief movement-based mindfulness practices that can change the way you feel in moments.
  • Develop strategies to integrate mindfulness practices into daily routines to create a calm and supportive learning environment.