Well-being has become fundamental to learning, thriving and succeeding in life. Well-being is cultivated through the strengthening of resiliency and life skills. Studies show that when youth name, notice and reflect on their experiences, thought and emotion processes, behaviors and social interactions in a positive and welcoming environment, they are better equipped to proactively respond to challenging life situations, more ready to learn and better able to perform in educational and work settings.
Prime Time Palm Beach County’s Well-being and Life Skills Initiative is an innovative professional learning opportunity designed to build resiliency and life skills among children and youth in afterschool based on best practices in the field and in alignment with national and state health and resiliency standards. This new initiative is focused on building an afterschool climate and culture whereby youth thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially, succeed in academic and extracurricular endeavors, build more positive and productive relationships, and engage in acts of kindness and service to others.
To this end, enrolled staff will undergo resiliency and life skills professional learning journey comprised of eight trainings supported by coaching. In each training session, participants incrementally practice and build crucial skills, from self-awareness and self-management to empathy and compassion as well as gratitude and service to others. Learning happens through simulations of afternoon meeting components, behind-the-scenes analysis on how to build community and teach resiliency and life skills to youth in creative and fun ways, real-time peer facilitation of afternoon meeting using sample lessons, and planning time with templates to build customized afternoon meeting lessons.