CARE Center

One of our BEARS Action Values is to self-regulate.  Self-regulate means to manage our emotions and behaviors.  We have Calming Corners in each classroom and in our CARE Center where students can take a moment to self-regulate and manage stress. In our CARE Center students have the opportunity to co-regulate with an adult as they learn how to self-regulate

The purpose of the CARE Center and our Calming Corners is based on physiology and brain science (neuroscience).  We are teaching students two main concepts:

1. To recognize how their stress response system works (nervous system).

2. What coping skills they can use to self-regulate.

Learning how to recognize our emotions and self-regulate is a lifelong skill that can help decrease anxiety and depression.  The CARE Center provides a safe and comfortable space to do the work of self-regulation. 

Some Classic signs of anxiety may include:

• Easily frustrated

• Somatic Complaints, e.g. stomach aches, headaches, trouble breathing

• Exhibits fear

• Seems on the lookout for danger (hypervigilant)

• Easily upset by mistakes (perfectionism)

• Cries

• Startles easy

• Blushes, trembles

• Frequently expresses worry

• Has difficulty completing work

Less obvious signs of anxiety may include:

• Acts irritable

• Acts angry

• Does not follow school rules

• Has inconsistent patterns in antecedents

• Exhibits ritualistic or repetitive behaviors

• Is inflexible

• Acts out of the blue; seems over-reactive

When our amygdala detects a threat, the emotion brain shuts down the thinking brain and we become dysregulated.  Our nervous system activates to prepare us for flight or flight.  In that moment, we need to regulate our nervous system to bring our thinking brain back online so we can choose how to respond, rather than react.  Using the CARE Center and the Calming Corners allows students to take a deep breath, take a walk, and engage in a sensory soothing activity in a safe and calm environment.  These healthy coping skills empower students to self-regulate, a skill they need their entire life.