Childhood Anxiety Disorders: Training for Elementary School Educators
Abstract/Description
Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric disorders in children (Hill, C., Waite, P., & Creswell, C., 2016), with up to 20% of youth experiencing an anxiety disorder or depressive episode by the time they are 18 years old (Werner-Seidler, Perry, Calear, Newby, & Christensen, 2017). Children with anxiety disorders, such as separation anxiety, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, selective mutism, and trauma exhibit symptomology in the classroom setting which often interrupts academic achievement. Because of unparalleled access to children, the elementary school is the ideal location to identify and treat childhood anxiety disorders. However, most teachers receive no formal education in mental illness. In general, teacher training programs consist of courses in curriculum and instruction, with occasional coursework addressing diversity. Typically, coursework in mental illness is only required in special education training programs.Sixty one percent of parents whose children have an anxiety disorder fail to recognize the symptoms. Therefore, children depend on teachers to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness (Headley, C. J., and Campbell, M. A. 2011).
This educational unit is designed as a professional development training for elementary school educators. It is divided into eight lessons with an additional section of resources. The content of the lessons focuses specifically on the issues and needs of elementary school teachers who work with students suffering from anxiety disorders. In addition to raising mental health literacy, the unit introduces the most common anxiety disorders in children, provides research based interventions for use in the elementary school setting, demonstrates cultural views of mental illness and addresses working with immigrant and at-risk populations. Additionally, teachers learn about the need for self-care, strategies for discussing sensitive topics with parents, and information about the services provided by medical and psychological professionals. The objective of this unit is to provide classroom teachers with a picture of what an anxiety disorder looks like as well as concrete strategies for supporting students.
Childhood Anxiety Disorders: Training for Elementary School Educators
Guzman 110
Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric disorders in children (Hill, C., Waite, P., & Creswell, C., 2016), with up to 20% of youth experiencing an anxiety disorder or depressive episode by the time they are 18 years old (Werner-Seidler, Perry, Calear, Newby, & Christensen, 2017). Children with anxiety disorders, such as separation anxiety, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, selective mutism, and trauma exhibit symptomology in the classroom setting which often interrupts academic achievement. Because of unparalleled access to children, the elementary school is the ideal location to identify and treat childhood anxiety disorders. However, most teachers receive no formal education in mental illness. In general, teacher training programs consist of courses in curriculum and instruction, with occasional coursework addressing diversity. Typically, coursework in mental illness is only required in special education training programs.Sixty one percent of parents whose children have an anxiety disorder fail to recognize the symptoms. Therefore, children depend on teachers to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness (Headley, C. J., and Campbell, M. A. 2011).
This educational unit is designed as a professional development training for elementary school educators. It is divided into eight lessons with an additional section of resources. The content of the lessons focuses specifically on the issues and needs of elementary school teachers who work with students suffering from anxiety disorders. In addition to raising mental health literacy, the unit introduces the most common anxiety disorders in children, provides research based interventions for use in the elementary school setting, demonstrates cultural views of mental illness and addresses working with immigrant and at-risk populations. Additionally, teachers learn about the need for self-care, strategies for discussing sensitive topics with parents, and information about the services provided by medical and psychological professionals. The objective of this unit is to provide classroom teachers with a picture of what an anxiety disorder looks like as well as concrete strategies for supporting students.