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Prevent. Respond. Heal.

Schoolyard Response Toolkit

A guide to preventing and addressing harmful incidents

This toolkit contains resources that guide interventions before, during, and after situations that emotionally harm a young person. For instance, adults must intervene quickly when a child hits another on the playground. Similarly, when a child is targeted due to their identities or beliefs, such as race, gender, religion, or physical abilities, they also deserve immediate protection from adults. However, many people are unsure how to respond effectively in these situations, which can lead to silence or delays in support, leaving the child feeling neglected or unsupported.

To address this, we have developed these resources to help parents, teachers, families, and other stakeholders respond swiftly and compassionately, ensuring a child’s safety and addressing their social-emotional needs.

Perfect for teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, camp staff, day care center staff and anyone dealing with children.

What is your role?

Whether you are supporting a child who has been affected by harm or guiding one who has caused it, each role is vital in fostering empathy, understanding, and healing.

Family & Caregivers

Create a safe and open space for your child to express their feelings. Ask plenty of questions to understand their perspective. It’s okay not to have all the answers. Being honest and acknowledging that you don’t know something can be a powerful tool. Let your child know you’ll seek out answers and share what you’ve learned. Take time to learn about other cultures and perspectives, and remember that actions often speak louder than words.

School & Program Staff

Listen actively, especially when things are going well. Active listening helps with early intervention and can prevent future incidents. Working as a team is essential. Communicate openly with staff members, share observations, and support one another. Collaboration ensures consistency and strengthens your collective ability to respond effectively. Building strong relationships with students and setting clear expectations around community values are essential for fostering a positive and safe environment.

Community Members

Reach out and offer support wherever possible. Let students, families, and organizations know how you can assist and commit to taking action when needed. Speak up and leverage your resources and expertise to help prevent incidents and create solutions. When the community is actively involved and supportive, everyone benefits.

Before, during and after an incident

Start where you are: before anything happens, in the moment, or afterward.

  1. Prevent.

    Incident Prevention

    Before an incident occurs

    • Examine Your Climate
    • Stay Current, Stay Connected
    • Set Clear Expectations
    • Promote Kind and Respectful Language
    • Post Reminders
    • Make the Most of Teachable Moments
    • Connect with Local Resources
    All 7 actions

  2. Respond.

    Incident Response

    When an incident occurs

    • Put Safety First
    • Denounce the Hurtful Act
    • Create Safe Spaces for Support
    • Inform Families and Caregivers Promptly
    • Ask Questions and Investigate With Care
    • Utilize Your Community
    • Communicate Accurate Details
    • Seek Healing, Avoid Blame
    All 8 steps

  3. Heal.

    Post-Incident Response

    After an incident

    • Promote Continued Healing
    • Reflect
    • Document Each Event
    • Analyze Your Data
    • Set Goals
    All 5 actions

References

This toolkit is based on well-researched and proven strategies from reputable organizations, as well as the dedicated efforts of the team at the Adirondack Diversity Initiative.