Category: School psychologist

We would be remiss in a class entitles Practices to Promote Behavioral and Mental Health in Todays Schools without

a focus on school staff on ourselves. For this assignment, students will develop an individualized self-care plan

reflecting a self-awareness of their own specific needs (Within the framework of a 3-tiered model), and how to engage in

self-care to meet those needs. Tier 1 is comprised of self-care activities that require very little time, can be engaged in

frequently (up to several times/day), are implemented with ease, and require no financial resources; Tier 2 is comprised of

those things that may require more time or resources and happen less frequently (1-5 times/week); Tier 3 reflects those

things that we may commonly misperceive as indulgent (or even selfish) and often require significant time and/or

resources, but truly nurture our souls and allow us to feel refreshed, renewed, reinvigorated, etc. These are often critical

to sustaining long-term wellness.

You must also identify indicators of the need for more intensive intervention (self-care) how you will monitor your

needs and respond accordingly. Your Individualized Self-Care Plan must work for you, based upon your needs and what

is reasonable for you.

Individualized Self-Care Plan (3-Tier Model)

Tier 1: Daily Self-Care (Quick, Free, and Easy)

These are activities that require very little time and can be done multiple times a day. They help me stay regulated and present, especially when working with children or managing graduate school responsibilities.

• Taking short breathing resets between sessions or classes
• When I feel overwhelmed or overstimulated, I take a minute to pause, breathe deeply, and reset before moving to the next task.
• Stepping outside for fresh air
• Even a few minutes outside helps me clear my mind and regulate my stress levels.
• Listening to music that matches my mood
• Music, especially R&B or relaxing playlists, helps me decompress after working with kids or studying.
• Short movement breaks
• Stretching or walking briefly helps release tension that builds up from sitting, studying, or managing behaviors during sessions.
• Checking in with myself emotionally
• I try to ask myself simple questions like How am I feeling right now? or Do I need a break? to stay aware of my stress levels.
• Staying connected with supportive people through quick texts or calls
• Even small interactions with friends, family, or my sister help me feel grounded.

Tier 2: Weekly Self-Care (Moderate Time/Resources)

These activities happen less frequently but are still part of my regular routine to maintain balance.

• Spending quality time with friends
• Going to dinner, exploring San Francisco, or spending time with my sorority friends helps me maintain social connection and joy.
• Working out or going for longer walks
• Physical movement helps reduce stress and improves my mood.
• Meal planning or cooking something I enjoy
• Preparing a good meal helps me slow down and take care of myself physically.
• Video calling or visiting family
• Staying connected to my family keeps me emotionally supported and reminds me of my long-term goals.
• Personal reflection or journaling
• Reflecting on my experiences working with kids or in school helps me process emotions and maintain perspective.

Tier 3: Deep Self-Care (Soul-Restoring Activities)

These activities require more time, planning, or resources but are essential for my long-term wellbeing.

• Traveling or taking short trips
• Visiting new places or even weekend trips helps me recharge and step away from daily stress.
• Celebrating milestones and special moments
• Celebrating birthdays, accomplishments, or important life moments helps me recognize my growth and maintain motivation.
• Taking full days to disconnect from work and school responsibilities
• Completely stepping away allows me to rest mentally and return with more energy.
• Investing in experiences that make me feel confident and refreshed
• Things like getting ready for a night out, dressing up, or doing activities that make me feel like myself again.
• Spending intentional time with people who make me feel supported and safe
• Maintaining these deeper relationships is important for emotional wellbeing.

After watching this video write a 2-page reflection paper that integrates course concepts, key ideas from the training, and your developing professional perspective.

Your paper should be written in APA Format, using complete sentences and clear organization. You may use headings if helpful.

Your paper must address the following components:1. Conceptual Understanding

Briefly summarize the explanation of:

• What toxic stress is
• The incidence of toxic stress among children, and
• The developmental consequences of chronic trauma exposure.

This section should demonstrate that you understand the core conceptsnot just repeat them.

2. Critical Reflection and Equity Lens

• Analyze this idea using examples from the training.
• Discuss how poverty, community context, and chronic adversity shape educational outcomes.
• Reflect on what this means for schools serving high-need populations.

This is where you move from what he said to why it matters.

3. Application to Professional Practice

From the perspective of a future school psychologist/educator/school-based professional:

• What responsibilities do schools have in responding to toxic stress?
• What specific strategies or system-level practices stood out to you?
• How might this training influence how you assess students, design supports, or collaborate with school teams?

Be concrete. If your ideas couldnt exist inside a real school, push them further.

4. Personal and Professional Takeaways

Conclude with a thoughtful reflection on:

• What challenged your thinking,
• What surprised you, and
• How this training reshaped or reinforced your understanding of trauma-informed practice.