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Academics

Social emotional

Two OCA students sharing a joyful moment together

At OCA, we recognize that the development of strong, resilient social-emotional skills is the foundation of both academic and social success in school and in life. To that end, we embrace a comprehensive model of social-emotional education and support from Early Childhood through Middle School.

Our social-emotional team provides our students with both proactive and responsive social and emotional education, skill development, support, and intervention. Because social-emotional and academic success are tightly intertwined, the team meets regularly with the Directors of Academic Support to formulate and refine plans of support based on individual students’ strengths and needs.

The social-emotional team is available to support in the following areas:

  • Classroom-based social-emotional skill instruction, including age-appropriate lessons on healthy relationships, personal safety, and puberty (in conjunction with the school nurse).
  • Short-term individual student counseling and family support
  • Parent and teacher education on childhood and adolescent social-emotional development
  • Referrals to outside mental health professionals
  • Case management (internal and external) services/supports
  • Creation and facilitation of behavior intervention plans

Responsive Classroom K-5th grade: Evidence-based approach to teaching and discipline that integrates social, behavioral, and well-being practices to create safe, joyful, and engaging classrooms and school community that support academic and social-emotional growth.

Second Step - ECC - 2nd grade - Builds skills that help students stay focused, manage their emotions, and contribute to a positive school climate

Safety Kid - Grades ECC4s - 5th grade - empowers children with practical skills to identify safe versus unsafe situations, set personal boundaries, and respond to danger by seeking out a trusted adult

Darcheinu - Grades 5th-8th grade - Darcheinu SEL learning aligned with Torah values that addresses challenges such as relationship building, conflict resolution and problem solving, and stress management.