Center for Emotionally Responsive Practice

Our Services

Available on site, virtually, or in hybrid formats

The Center for Emotionally Responsive Practice is an approved vendor for the Safe and Supportive Schools Department of Education Professional Development Requirements Contract. Schools and agencies can partner with Bank Street to provide one or more of the services below for teachers, social workers, administrators, and support staff working with children in pre-K through 5th grade.

Offerings are available in a variety of formats to meet the unique needs of each school community and are designed to strengthen relationships, promote educator well-being, and cultivate emotionally responsive learning environments.

For more information, please email us at erp@bankstreet.edu.

Professional Development Series

Build a shared foundation in ERP through engaging professional learning experiences tailored to your school community. Session topics may include Development and Life Experience Come to School, Reflective Language and Literacy, Trauma-informed and Healing-Centered Practices, Teddy Bears in Classroom Practice, End-of-School-Year Issues, and other customized sessions designed around your school’s goals and priorities. Available throughout the school year in a variety of formats—including one-hour sessions and half- or full-day programs—with onsite, hybrid, and virtual options.

Classroom Coaching

Support educators as they put ERP principles into practice through classroom observation, consultation, modeling, and individualized coaching. Coaching may be delivered on site, virtually, or as a hybrid model that combines classroom visits with one-on-one virtual follow-up sessions. Classroom coaching is available in half- and full-day formats on a monthly or bimonthly basis.

Administrator Support Groups

A collaborative space for school leaders to reflect, problem-solve, and strengthen emotionally responsive leadership practices with guidance from an ERP coach. Available on site, virtually, or in a hybrid format. Groups are 90 minutes and offered throughout the school year.

Teacher Support Groups

A supportive forum for teachers to reflect on classroom experiences, strengthen practice, and deepen implementation of ERP approaches. Available on site, virtually, or in a hybrid format.

Social Worker Support Groups

A dedicated space for school-based mental health professionals to collaborate, reflect on practice, and strengthen ERP implementation. Available on site, virtually, or in a hybrid format, including support for staff across multiple sites.

Clinical Social Work Supervision

Receive supervision from an experienced licensed clinical social worker to support ethical practice, professional growth, and clinical skill development. Supervision is available for professionals pursuing licensure as well as those seeking ongoing clinical consultation. Available on site, virtually, or in a hybrid format, including support for staff across multiple sites.

Parent & Caregiver Workshops, Support Groups, and Family Engagement Series

Opportunities for families to build community, navigate parenting challenges, and strengthen connections with themselves and their children in a supportive environment. Available on site, virtually, or in a hybrid format. Sample topics include parenting in times of change, end-of-year transitions, and more customized sessions designed to meet your community’s needs. Available as 1.5- or 2-hour sessions throughout the year.

Child Mental Health First Aid

This 2-hour or 4-hour New York City course is mandated under Article 47 and offers an overview of best practices for supporting mental health for preschool and infant/toddler aged children. It also provides techniques and resources to support children with emotional needs, and an introduction to the referral process. Available on site, virtually, or in a hybrid format, including support for staff across multiple sites.

Annual Emotionally Responsive Schools Conference

A day of collaboration and study of Emotionally Responsive Practice as part of the Community of Safe and Sound Schools Initiative. Our partner organizations receive:

Two complimentary conference registrations
Early-bird pricing for groups of seven: $1,000
A discounted conference rate when included as part of a larger partnership contract
Eligible participants may earn 5 Social Work CE hours or Teacher CTLE hours

Classroom-Friendly Techniques

Emotionally Responsive Literacy and Bibliotherapy

Reading and writing give children a way to express themselves and make sense of their emotions and experiences, including changes and loss. These skills help create stronger, more mindful communities, fostering a sense of connection and belonging. This reduces feelings of isolation and lowers the risk of mental health issues like PTSD and depression, supporting overall well-being for everyone.
Reflective Language and Drawing

These techniques help children manage their emotions and develop the ability to reflect and plan. Positive, supportive relationships with adults teach kids about social and emotional cause and effect, strengthen communication, and build empathy for themselves and others.
Use of Transitional Objects for Comfort

The center’s signature program, Teddy Bears in Classroom Practice, helps children build strong bonds with teachers and feel connected to their classroom. Transitional objects, like teddy bears, also help kids manage emotions, reduce isolation, ease anxiety, and support healing from trauma when needed.
Pretend Play, Drawing, Building, and Story Acting

Through play, children use symbols to make sense of the world, process new experiences, and enhance both their well-being and learning. ERP helps teachers guide this play and respond to the important themes that come up.