Abstract
The United States (U.S.) has experienced a steady rise of immigration from Central Americans in the last four decades, driven by social, economic, political, and climatological forces. Central American children and youth are entering public schools in growing numbers, often bringing with them a history of adversity, stress, and trauma experienced within their home countries and along the migratory route. These adverse experiences are compounded by acculturative stressors, social isolation, and fear of current political rhetoric and legal policies that have become increasingly stringent. As these vulnerable children enter public school systems, resources available to educators that address their specific social-emotional, behavioral, and academic needs are still emerging. Thus, this project endeavors to support these students through a culturally sensitive and trauma-informed lens. The aim of this project is to provide a comprehensive guide to working with Central American immigrant youth that consists of three components: three-hour in-service PowerPoint training workshop for public educators, including school mental health personnel and administrators. The workshop is equipped with a presenter’s manual that includes all slides and instructions for each slide, handouts, pre- and post-workshop surveys, and informational resources. The workshop can be implemented by any school-base mental health personnel (e.g., school psychologist). The training intends to increase participants’ knowledge of historical and ongoing sources of stress for Central American immigrant youth and the adverse impacts of stress and trauma. Recommended resources, including guidelines on implementing a school-wide trauma-sensitive framework, teaching practices, parent information sources, and counseling material are provided.