Belonging does not happen automatically in school-age programs. Children arrive with friendship histories, social worries, group status, different needs, and the tiredness that can come after holding it together all day at school. In this two-hour self-paced course, educators will learn how to recognize subtle and obvious exclusion, understand how regulation and end-of-day depletion can affect peer behavior, and teach concrete friendship skills without forcing closeness. Participants will explore practical ways to support inclusion, respectful boundaries, repair after harm, and program routines that help every child feel known, valued, and responsible for the community. This course is designed for school-age childcare educators, before- and after-school staff, recreation staff, family childcare providers serving school-age children, program leads, and directors. It offers realistic strategies for building kinder, more connected school-age communities where children have a better chance to participate meaningfully and belong.

Upon successful completion of the course, including the required instructor feedback component, learners will receive a certificate to upload to MERIT. Course rosters are submitted to MERIT by the instructor at the end of each month. Please allow 2–3 business days for certificate processing. Need your certificate sooner? Email us, and we’ll do our best to expedite it.