Resources

 

REACH Learning + Resource Hub 

REACH (Resilience Education to Advance Community Healing) is a statewide, evidence-informed initiative that is helping more than 900 K-12 schools create safe and supported learning environments so students can thrive and engage in their education.  

In the REACH Resource and Learning Hub, you will find tactical and educational resources and self-paced educational courses. New information and modules are added on a regular basis. The portal is free and open to K-12 and early care educators, clinicians, researchers, caregivers, and after-school providers. Professional Educator License (PEL) credits, Continuing Education (CE) credits, and Gateway to Opportunity Credentials are available for Illinois-licensed social workers, professional counselors, psychologists, as well as teachers, early care childhood educators, early care and afterschool providers.  

Caregiver + Provider Resources 

Childhood Trauma

When a child is significantly threatened by an event they experience or witness, we define it as trauma. Children and adolescents can face a variety of traumatic events. These may stem from intentional violence, such as physical or sexual abuse, domestic violence, or from natural disasters, accidents, and war. Additionally, young children can undergo traumatic stress due to distressing medical procedures or the sudden loss of a parent/caregiver. We've gathered resources to aid parents and providers in offering better support to children and adolescents affected by trauma.

Resources

Undocumented Youth

Validating the concerns of undocumented youth and acknowledging the seriousness of threats to immigrant rights are crucial to the support process. The slow speed of political processes and the debates and discourse that are taking place are often unwieldy and can cause undue stress on the community. While there is a great deal of uncertainty around the rights and protections for undocumented youth, there are resources in place to help support them in these uncertain times.

Education Resources

Quick Links on Childhood Trauma

Mass Violence

Mass violence, acts of terrorism, or community trauma can significantly impact children and families. Caregivers and adults might require support in managing their own emotions and understanding the reactions of the children under their care.

To address the recurring incidents of mass violence nationwide and in Illinois, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network has created resources aimed at assisting children, families, educators, and communities in understanding and coping with what they witness and hear, acknowledging their emotions, and finding collective coping mechanisms.

General

Children

Teens

College Students

Parents + Caregivers

Educators + Clinicians

Natural Disasters

Children who live far away from a natural disaster may need support as they witness the aftermath of the event on television or react to the emotions displayed by the adults around them. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has developed resources to help children, families, and communities navigate what they are seeing and hearing, acknowledge their feelings, and find ways to cope together.

Resources

Bullying

School-aged children engage in unwanted, aggressive behavior known as bullying, involving a power imbalance, whether real or perceived. We've gathered resources to equip parents and caregivers with information on understanding bullying, its impact, and how you and your community can prevent it.

Organizations / Websites

Recommended Books

  • The Bully, The Bullied, and The Bystander by Barbara Coloroso
  • Girl Wars: 12 Strategies That Will End Female Bullying by Cheryl Dellasega and Charisse Nixon
  • The Bully Free Classroom by Dr. Allan Beane
  • Cyberbullying and Cyberthreats by Nancy E. Willard
  • Mean Chicks, Cliques, and Dirty Tricks by Erika V. Shearin Karres
  • Odd Girl Out by Rachel Simmons
  • Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman
  • Bully Blocking: Six Secrets to Help Children Deal With Teasing and Bullying by Evelyn M. Field
  • Bullyproof Your Child For Life: Protect Your Child from Teasing, Taunting, and Bullying for Good by Joel Haber and Jenna Glatzer
  • Cyber Bullying: Bullying in the Digital Age by Robin M., PhD Kowalski, Susan P., PhD Limber, and Patricia W., PhD Agatston
  • Bullying, Victimization and Peer Harassment: A Handbook of Prevention and Intervention by Charies Maher, Joseph E. Zins, and Maurice J. Elias

Other Resources