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The OST Professional

Prime Time Training Offers Practitioners the Tools to Help Youth Spark Deeper Connections

Prime Time Training Offers Practitioners the Tools to Help Youth Spark Deeper Connections

The Power of Circles in Out-of-School Time (OST)

Prime Time Palm Beach County empowers out-of-school time (OST) practitioners to create safe, supportive and welcoming environments, encourage positive social interactions and engage youth through many offerings, one being professional development trainings.  

In a recent training offering, entitled The Power of Circles in OST, Prime Time’s training facilitators showed attendees, how to facilitate meaningful circles with youth in their program step-by-step. Keeping social and emotional learning at the forefront, training attendees were given the tools to help youth process their thoughts and feelings so they can better handle situations that arise. In an environment outside of a child’s school schedule, circles can help build the relationships and skills youth need to support one another and successfully face challenges. 

Circles are a great place for youth and adults alike to make connections with one another. During the training, Prime Time’ middle school professional development specialist used the virtual circle, happening during the training, to ask OST practitioners where they find inspiration to help spark a deeper connection among attendees.  

“For me, I like to look at all the positive things coming in my future and that’s what keeps me going rather than all the negatives…” Andrew Saunders, Verde K-8 Afterschool Program 

“I will try to do my best to continue to be empathetic with those that I work with and make sure that I say something positive to my co-workers, my peers because I find that that is a simple and effective way of encouraging confidence in others and also inspiring them to be their best.” – Lana Chehabeddine, FLIPANY 

When Prime Time asked participants what l they will take from the training that will impact their work in the future, here is what they had to say. 

“How to work with students in a harmonious way.” 

“Everything!” 

“Inspiring my students and working on showing them that they are all equal.” 

“Everything and start circle time today.” 

“I will be able to apply the elements of circle time with coworkers to build our relationship bonds.” 

Prime Time’s Power of Circles will be offered in the fall  2021. Prime Time encourages OST practitioners to sign-up for Prime Time’s e-blasts to receive the latest information on all Prime Time offers. Click here to subscribe. 

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