ACES ASSIST

☀️ We hope everyone is having a safe and enjoyable summer!

As the season reminds us to slow down and recharge, it’s also a good time to reflect on one of the most effective de-escalation strategies we teach:

Sometimes, the best intervention is simply giving someone time and space.

When emotions are elevated, creating a calm environment and allowing an individual the opportunity to regulate can often be far more effective than continuing to talk, persuade, or correct.

A brief pause can reduce tension, preserve dignity, and help prevent a situation from escalating.

At ACES ASSIST, we believe prevention begins long before a crisis—and sometimes the most effective response is knowing when to step back, reduce demands, and allow the individual the opportunity to regain control.

Prevention first. Safety always.

Today, ACES staff working in the West Haven School District join us for a refresher focused on incident documentation and practical safety skills. We reviewed key topics including preventative positioning, situational awareness, de-escalation strategies, and defensive and protective physical management techniques.

Ongoing training and skill development help ensure our staff are prepared to respond safely, confidently, and professionally while providing the best possible support to the students they serve.

Visit acesassist.com for more information on our training packages.

Prevention first. Safety always.

☀️ The summer heat is here, but so is the commitment to safety.

Over the past two days, we’ve had another great group of participants complete ACES ASSIST training, building the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to help keep everyone safe.

Whether it’s preventing crises through proactive strategies or responding effectively when safety is at risk, our goal remains the same: equip staff with evidence-based techniques they can rely on every day.

Thank you to everyone who spent part of your summer investing in professional development and creating safer environments for the individuals you support.

Prevention first. Safety always.

Today, ACES ASSIST was at ACES Whitney Academy for an ASSIST Focus Group Training focused on defensive and protective strategies for staff working with individuals who may present a risk of injury to themselves or others.

The training was led by Gold ASSIST Instructors Shaquana Cobbs, BCBA (back row, third from the right) and Christopher Holland, Behavior Technician (back row, fifth from the right), with oversight from Jamie Shulick, Lead ASSIST Instructor.

Ongoing professional development opportunities like Focus Group Trainings allow staff to strengthen critical safety skills, build confidence in their responses, and practice techniques in a supportive learning environment. Through proactive training and continuous skill development throughout the school year, teams are better prepared to prevent crises, reduce the likelihood of injuries, and create safer environments for both staff and the individuals they support.

Thank you to the Whitney Academy team for your commitment to safety, professionalism, and continuous learning.

Interested in learning more about ACES ASSIST? We invite schools, districts, and organizations to observe a training and see if our approach is the right fit for your team. Our next trainings are July 7th and 8th. Visit acesassist.com or message our team on Facebook for more information.

☀️ Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing summer break!

Thank you to all of the educators, support staff, and school leaders who make a difference every day.

We’re looking forward to our July 7th and 8th trainings, making new connections, and bringing ACES ASSIST to even more districts in the upcoming school year.

Prevention First. Safety Always.

🧠 Stress Happens. How Do You Handle It?

We want to hear from you! Comment below!

What coping strategies help you manage stress at work and in your personal life?

Share your favorite tips, routines, or habits in the comments. Your idea might help someone else. 🙌

🚨 GOLD ASSIST CERTIFICATION ALERT 🚨

Congratulations to Brooke Dorso, Training Specialist at Milestones Behavioral Services, on officially earning her Gold ASSIST Certification!

After successfully completing the Gold ASSIST course, Brooke led her first ASSIST training under observation, completing the final step in the certification process. She did an outstanding job facilitating today’s training alongside her colleague, Kelsey Slater, with oversight from the Lead ACES ASSIST Instructor, Jamie Shulick.

ACES ASSIST is proud to partner with Milestones Behavioral Services as they continue to expand their in-house training capacity and now have multiple Gold ASSIST Trainers supporting staff across their campuses.

Great work, Brooke! We look forward to seeing the positive impact you’ll continue to make through training, coaching, and supporting staff safety.

To learn more about our ACES ASSIST certifications, message us on Facebook or visit acesassist.com

May was a busy month for ACES ASSIST, with trainings delivered across multiple districts and programs throughout Connecticut.

We appreciate the opportunity to work with both new and returning partners and look forward to continuing the conversation around staff safety and crisis prevention.

Today we hosted an ACES ASSIST training with staff from the Middletown School District, along with team members from our internal ACES programs including Village School, Wintergreen, SAILS, and ACES staff working in Ansonia.

Throughout the day, participants reviewed proactive de-escalation strategies, staff stress-management techniques, and how to mentally and physically prepare ourselves before responding to a crisis situation. Prevention, readiness, and teamwork remain at the core of creating safer environments for both students and staff. 🙌