The SESC Crisis Response Team began training to equip school administrators and counselors with the tools they need to help guide districts through difficult times. The team has grown to consist of 57 members across 14 districts in Ohio. When a district has experienced a crisis, Summit ESC will send a call out to trained members to provide support to schools and students.
Once COVID-19 was in full force, the Crisis Response Team realized the rising need among districts to make resources more accessible with a better prepared staff. The team had begun training using the PREPaRE model, a nationally certified crisis response model for counselors and faculty developed by educators who have firsthand experience in crisis situations. This model addresses the psychological trauma risks that may be experienced while maintaining the physical health and safety of impacted individuals. Through this training, members of the team were able to build a better network of resources to use in the event of a school crisis.
Future plans for the Summit ESC Crisis team include regular and ongoing training workshops featuring trained experts on trauma and crisis response. Summit ESC hopes to begin Level 2 PREPaRE training in the fall, which will help the team specialize in post-prevention and aftermath. With 12 school districts already in participation, Summit ESC has seen a great interest from Copley-Fairlawn City Schools and Revere Local School District to continue to expand crisis support and institute quarterly meetings for the Crisis team.
For more information about the Summit ESC Crisis Response Team or any of Summit ESC’s efforts to provide personalized solutions for Ohio educators, students, and families, contact Director of Student Services & Wellness Initiatives, Kristin Fazio at (330) 945-5600.