Connect & Redirect Staff Training Course | Ready, Set, Support

Complete the Circuit. Lead your staff to transform challenging behavior through connection, not control.

As a program leader, your role is to be the connector — the one who bridges research-based strategies with daily staff practice. This course is your blueprint for delivering impactful training on the Connect & Redirect strategy, an approach focused on understanding children’s behavior through the lens of brain development and emotional regulation. We frame behavior support using the metaphor of an energy circuit. When a child’s emotions surge, the circuit "shorts out" into challenging behavior. Your leadership is the solution, helping staff connect first to restore safety and understanding, and then redirect the child's energy toward constructive, positive outcomes. This method fosters stronger adult-child relationships and builds long-term self-regulation skills in youth. By completing this course, you will not only master the strategy yourself, but also gain the confidence and ready-to-use materials needed to successfully facilitate four core staff trainings. Stop short-circuiting. Start completing the circuit between guidance and growth.

What You Will Explore (The Energy Circuit): 

The Power Source (Unit 1): Understanding the brain science behind emotional "overload." Your role in reframing "acting out" as communication and modeling curiosity over judgment.

Connection Wires (Unit 2): The four critical steps staff must take (Approach Calmly, Acknowledge, Describe, Name Emotions) to build trust and bring the child's "thinking brain" back online.

The Switch (Unit 3): Strategies for confidently redirecting behavior by setting clear expectations and offering support (choices, modeling) instead of punishment.

Current Flow (Unit 4): Your facilitated training plan! You will prepare to deliver four engaging staff sessions: Brain and Behavior, Connect & Redirect Overview, Connect & Redirect in Action (Practice), and Connect & Redirect Review.

Learning Objectives: 

By the end of this module, learners will be able to: 

• Explain the brain science and emotional "energy flow" behind Connect & Redirect (adapted from the work of Siegel and Bryson).
• Facilitate staff trainings that build skills and confidence in using the Connect & Redirect strategy using provided materials.
• Coach staff to apply the core connection steps and redirection techniques consistently.
• Guide a staff member to select the most effective connect-and-redirect response when given a scenario involving challenging behavior.

Who Should Take This Course: 

• Program Leaders and Directors
• Site Coordinators and Managers
• Trainers and Supervisors
• Anyone responsible for staff development in youth-serving organizations.

Includes: 

• Leadership Journal Reflection: Prompts for personal growth and planning implementation.

Behavior is communication. Help your staff understand what children’s brains are telling them. Then, respond in ways that restore regulation, connection, and learning.

Why do children hit, yell, run away, or completely shut down during stressful moments? And why do consequences or repeated reminders often seem to make things worse instead of better? Brain & Behavior helps staff explore the science behind children’s behavior through a practical, easy-to-understand lens. Using relatable examples and a simple “electrical circuit” metaphor, participants will learn how different parts of the brain work together—and what happens when stress interrupts a child’s ability to think, regulate, and respond.

This training introduces the foundational concepts behind the Connect & Redirect approach. Staff will explore how the brain stem, limbic system, and prefrontal cortex influence children’s reactions during moments of stress, frustration, or emotional overload. Participants will also examine the concept of “flipping the lid” and learn why connection must come before correction when children are dysregulated. Rather than viewing behavior as defiance or disrespect, this session helps staff recognize behavior as communication. Participants will reflect on how adult responses can either escalate stress or help restore safety, regulation, and connection. When staff understand the brain behind behavior, they are better equipped to respond calmly, build stronger relationships, and support children in developing lifelong self-regulation skills. This training creates a shared language and foundation for responding to behavior with empathy, intention, and effectiveness.

What You Will Explore:

The Brain Behind Behavior: Learn the basic functions of the brain stem, limbic system, and prefrontal cortex and how each area influences children’s actions and reactions.

What Happens When Children “Flip Their Lid”: Explore how stress impacts the brain and why children lose access to problem-solving, listening, and self-control during moments of overwhelm.

Behavior as Communication: Shift from asking “What’s wrong with this child?” to “What is this child’s brain communicating right now?”

Why Connection Comes Before Redirection: Understand why children need safety, co-regulation, and connection before teaching, consequences, or problem-solving can be effective.

Responding Through a Brain-Based Lens: Discover practical ways adults can reduce escalation, support regulation, and help children reconnect to their thinking brain.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, learners will be able to: 

• Describe the basic functions of the brain stem, limbic system, and prefrontal cortex.
• Explain how stress and emotion impact children’s behavior and ability to learn.
• Recognize signs that a child’s thinking brain is offline.
• Identify adult responses that help restore regulation and connection.
• Apply a brain-based perspective when responding to challenging behavior.

Who Should Take This Course: 

• Before and After-School Program Staff
• Early Childhood Professionals
• Youth Workers and Activity Leaders
• Program Coordinators and Supervisors
• Anyone supporting children through challenging behaviors or emotional regulation needs

Includes: 

• Facilitator Guide: Step-by-step instructions for leading your team through the training.
• “Pause 2 Practice” Moments: Guided reflection and hands-on activities that help participants apply brain-based concepts to real-life situations.
• Participant Handout to follow along, reflect, and capture key learning points.
• Tip sheets and other resources to support learning

Connection changes behavior. Give your staff a practical, step-by-step strategy for responding to challenging moments with calm, confidence, and purpose.

When children are overwhelmed, upset, or emotionally flooded, traditional behavior responses often fall short. Lectures, repeated reminders, or consequences may increase stress instead of helping children regain control. Connect & Redirect Overview introduces a brain-friendly approach that helps staff respond to behavior in ways that restore safety, regulation, and connection first. 

Building on the brain science introduced in Training 1, this session provides an overview of the six-step Connect & Redirect strategy. Participants will learn how to move from reacting to behavior toward intentionally guiding children through difficult moments. Through real-life examples and scenarios, staff will explore how connection helps calm the emotional brain so children can access problem-solving, learning, and self-control again. 

Throughout the training, participants follow Nessy, a five-year-old navigating challenges during peer play, as her teachers model each step of the Connect & Redirect process in real time. Staff will see how small shifts in adult responses can reduce power struggles, preserve relationships, and support children in developing emotional regulation skills. 

This session emphasizes that behavior support is not about controlling children or getting immediate compliance. It is about helping children feel safe enough to reconnect to their thinking brain so learning and redirection can happen. When adults connect first, they create the conditions children need to succeed.

What You Will Explore: 

The Six Steps of Connect & Redirect: Learn the complete Connect & Redirect framework and how each step supports children’s regulation, behavior, and emotional development. 

Why Connection Comes First: Understand how connection restores safety and helps children move out of survival states and back into their thinking brain. 

Approaching Behavior Calmly and Intentionally: Explore how adult tone, body language, pacing, and emotional regulation impact children during challenging moments. 

Helping Children Build Emotional Awareness: Practice strategies for acknowledging experiences, describing behaviors without judgment, and supporting children in identifying emotions. 

Redirecting Behavior Through Support, Not Punishment: Discover how clear expectations, supportive guidance, and skill-building help children practice safer and more constructive behaviors.

Learning Objectives: 

By the end of this session, learners will be able to: 

• Describe the six steps of the Connect & Redirect strategy.
• Explain why connection is necessary before redirection can be effective.
• Identify adult behaviors that help restore safety and regulation during challenging moments.
• Use supportive language to acknowledge experiences and guide children toward emotional awareness.
• Apply brain-friendly strategies for communicating expectations and offering support.

Who Should Take This Course: 

• Before and After-School Program Staff
• Early Childhood Professionals
• Youth Workers and Activity Leaders
• Program Coordinators and Supervisors
• Anyone supporting children through emotional or behavioral challenges

Includes: 

• Facilitator Guide: Step-by-step instructions for leading your team through the Pause-2-Practice activities.
• “Pause 2 Practice” Moments: Guided discussions, reflection activities, and hands-on practice opportunities built into the training.
• Participant Handout to support note-taking, reflection, and application of the Connect & Redirect strategy.
• Tip sheets and resources to support learning

Every behavior moment is different. Help your staff confidently adapt the Connect & Redirect strategy in real-life situations with flexibility, calm, and purpose.

Understanding the Connect & Redirect steps is only the beginning. The real challenge comes in knowing how to apply them in unpredictable, fast-moving moments with children. Connect & Redirect in Action helps staff move beyond memorizing the strategy and into using it flexibly and intentionally in real-life situations. 

Through relatable scenarios, guided reflection, and hands-on practice, participants will explore what Connect & Redirect looks like across a variety of emotional and behavioral situations. Staff will learn how to adjust their responses based on children’s needs, developmental levels, emotional states, and communication styles—all while keeping the core goal the same: restoring safety, regulation, and connection. 

This training emphasizes that Connect & Redirect is not a script. Adults are not expected to deliver perfect words or follow rigid steps. Instead, participants will learn how to observe behavior through a brain-based lens, stay regulated themselves, and make responsive decisions in the moment. From movement-based regulation strategies to visual supports, emotional coaching, and resetting after escalation, staff will explore practical ways to adapt the strategy when things do not go as planned. 

Participants will also examine one of the most important ideas in behavior support: when strategies don’t work immediately, connection is not over. Sometimes children need additional time, support, or repeated cycles of connection before they are ready for redirection and problem-solving. 

When adults respond with flexibility instead of frustration, children experience safety, relationships remain intact, and opportunities for learning stay open.

What You Will Explore: 

What Flexible Application Really Looks Like: Learn how Connect & Redirect can be adapted across different behaviors, environments, and developmental needs without losing the core principles of connection and regulation. 

Using Regulation Strategies Beyond Words: Explore how movement, visual supports, reduced language, pacing, and physical environment can support children during stressful moments. 

Reframing Challenging Behavior: Practice shifting from viewing behavior as defiance or noncompliance toward understanding behavior as communication and dysregulation. 

When the Strategy Doesn’t Work Right Away: Understand why some children need multiple cycles of connection and how to return to regulation without escalating the situation. 

Responding with Calm and Confidence in Real Time: Strengthen observation, decision-making, and co-regulation skills that help adults remain intentional during emotionally charged situations.

Learning Objectives: 

By the end of this session, learners will be able to: 

• Apply the Connect & Redirect strategy flexibly across different behavior scenarios.
• Identify ways to adapt connection and redirection based on children’s emotional and regulation needs.
• Use supportive strategies such as movement, visuals, reduced language, and choice-making to promote regulation.
• Recognize when a child may need additional connection before redirection can be effective.
• Reflect on how adult responses influence escalation, regulation, and relationship-building.

Who Should Take This Course: 

• Before and After-School Program Staff
• Early Childhood Professionals
• Youth Workers and Activity Leaders
• Program Coordinators and Supervisors
• Anyone supporting children through emotional or behavioral challenges

Includes: 

• Facilitator Guide: Step-by-step instructions for leading your team through the Pause-2-Practice activities and scenario discussions.
• “Pause 2 Practice” Moments: Interactive role-plays, reflection activities, movement-based exercises, and problem-solving opportunities.
• Participant Handout to support reflection, note-taking, and planning for real-life application of the Connect & Redirect strategy.
• Tip sheets and resources to support learning

Strong behavior support starts with self-awareness. Help your staff reflect on their responses, recognize triggers, and strengthen their ability to connect and redirect with intention.

Responding effectively to children’s behavior requires more than knowing the steps of a strategy—it requires reflection, flexibility, and emotional awareness. Connect & Redirect Review helps staff deepen their practice by reflecting on real-life interactions, examining their own responses, and identifying ways to strengthen connection and regulation in challenging moments. 

In this training, participants revisit the Connect & Redirect framework through realistic classroom and program scenarios. Staff will analyze situations where the strategy was applied effectively, moments where connection was missed, and times when escalation continued despite best efforts. Through guided reflection, participants will explore how adult reactions, emotional triggers, and regulation skills influence children’s behavior and the overall outcome of interactions. 

This session places a strong emphasis on self-awareness and co-regulation. Participants will identify behaviors or situations that tend to activate their own emotional responses and practice strategies for staying calm, grounded, and intentional under stress. Staff will also learn how reflection can become an ongoing tool for professional growth—helping them move from reactive responses toward thoughtful, relationship-centered practice. 

Rather than focusing on perfection, this training encourages continuous learning and growth. Participants will leave with practical tools for observing their own responses, adjusting strategies in real time, and strengthening their ability to support children with empathy, consistency, and confidence.

What You Will Explore: 

Reflecting on Real-Life Behavior Moments: Analyze classroom and program scenarios to identify what supported regulation, where escalation occurred, and how adult responses influenced the outcome. 

Recognizing Personal Triggers: Explore how stress, frustration, and emotional reactions impact adult responses and the ability to stay connected during challenging moments. 

Strategies for Adult Self-Regulation: Practice practical tools such as pausing, breathing, self-talk, stepping back physically, and seeking support from colleagues when needed. 

Using Reflection to Strengthen Practice: Learn how to observe, reflect, analyze, adjust, and apply new strategies to improve future interactions with children. 

Building More Intentional Responses: Shift from reacting impulsively toward responding with awareness, calmness, and purpose—even in emotionally charged situations.

Learning Objectives: 

By the end of this session, learners will be able to: 

• Reflect on how their responses impact children’s regulation and behavior.
• Identify personal triggers and signs of emotional activation during challenging situations.
• Apply self-regulation strategies that support calm, intentional interactions with children.
• Analyze behavior support scenarios using the Connect & Redirect framework.
• Develop action steps for strengthening connection, redirection, and reflective practice over time.

Who Should Take This Course: 

• Before and After-School Program Staff
• Early Childhood Professionals
• Youth Workers and Activity Leaders
• Program Coordinators and Supervisors
• Anyone supporting children through emotional or behavioral challenges

Includes: 

• Facilitator Guide: Step-by-step instructions for leading reflective discussions, activities, and Pause-2-Practice moments.
• “Pause 2 Practice” Moments: Guided reflection activities, self-assessment opportunities, and real-world problem-solving exercises.
• Participant Handout to support note-taking, personal reflection, action planning, and continued professional growth.
• Tip sheets and resources to support learning