WCASD Parent & Community Workshops
WCCTC Community Workshops
All workshops listed below are free to attend by the WCASD community. Click on the event title for individual flyers. For more information, contact Kate Coulter at kcoulter@wcasd.net or 484-266-1216.
All of these sessions will be presented virtually through Zoom in partnership with West Chester Communities That Care. More information on these presentations can be found on the West Chester Communities That Care website.
Clear the Air
Watch the Recording
Tuesday, April 14 at 6:30 pm
During this virtual session, Clear the Air, parents and caregivers will gain practical guidance on how to remain a meaningful influence in their child’s life, even during times when it may feel like they are no longer listening.
Research shows that early and ongoing conversations about topics like vaping, marijuana, and alcohol lead to better outcomes for youth. Presented by Caron Treatment Center’s Education Alliance, this session will provide insight into current youth behavior trends, communication strategies for families, and resources that help support healthy decision-making.
All About AI
Recording not available
Monday, March 9, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm
During this workshop, you will learn about the latest trends in AI toys and tools, giving you the confidence to lead your family with intention and prioritize real-world connection in this "new normal."
While 95% of Americans recognize that AI is part of our daily lives, only 13% feel they actually have the tools to manage it. Meanwhile, our children are already diving in. 72% of teens are currently using AI companions. The time to become a conscious consumer isn’t down the road; it is now.
Wellness Workshop
Recording not available
Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 6:30 to 8 pm
During this workshop, you will learn practical tools to support your child’s physical, emotional, and social well-being in today’s world.
Local professionals will share strategies to help youth prevent and cope with stress, anxiety, fear, failure, and screen or substance challenges. The workshop will be led by Mike Smolenski, Kathy Collier and Kerry Parker.
Parenting in the Age of Technology
Recording not available
Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 6:30 to 8 pm
During this workshop, you will learn how digital tools, platforms, and trends are shaping our kids’ development and daily lives. The workshop will be led by Michael Blanche, Co-founder and Chief Clinical Officer of Ethos Treatment Center.
Power of Parents
Watch the Recording
During this workshop, you will learn to recognize signs and symptoms, how to speak to your child and how to involve school staff, insights on a misunderstood topic, and much more.
Surprising Ways Successful People Grow with Grit
Watch the Recording
Based on his book Life is Disappointing and other Inspiring Thoughts, Dr. Bellace will discuss how great musicians, Olympic athletes, comedians and others have harnessed their pain, loss and failure to give rise to tremendous growth. Using humor and psychological research on coping skills, this virtual session helps participants to better understand the process of using disappointment as fuel to propel themselves forward.
Kids’ Character Counts Online and Off
Watch the Recording
Join us to learn key points for how to develop our online and “in real life ” character, PLUS learn skills for helping youth be safe online. This presentation will cover: online safety, social media addiction, and cyberbullying. ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Since 2012, Tom Thelen has spoken at over 900 schools and conferences and has been interviewed on NBC, CBS, FOX, and PBS. Tom is a former Certified Instructor in Youth Mental Health First Aid, a training
program by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing.
Can We Disagree Better?
Watch the Recording
This important virtual training, called “Can We Disagree Better? Kids Learn By Listening,” explores parenting and the art of constructive disagreement, covering topics like the Us Vs. Them mentality, the value of unity in child development, and strategies to build mental toughness and strong, adaptable identities.
Understanding School and Community Mental Health Resources
Watch the Recording
Navigating the maze of resources available to your child can be difficult and confusing. Please allow us to provide you with a roadmap of tiered interventions, definitions, and answers to questions that will help you make the right decisions for your child.
Marijuana and Mental Health
Take a deep dive with us to better understand the impact of medical marijuana on youth today. We’ll discuss the intersection of marijuana and mental health in our culture and learn to make accurate, research-based decisions when considering medical marijuana use for ourselves or children in our life.
Talk Now. Know How.
Watch the Recording
Please join local prevention professional Loretta Cohen, MSW, shares current youth behavior trends from the PA Youth Survey. This informative virtual discussion will explain how to set your children up for success. Driven by science with a down to earth approach, this presentation with Q and A to follow will be well worth your time! Current trends regarding mental health and addictive substance use in youth will be the focus of this relevant and important workshop.
Finding Balance
Watch the Recording
We will talk about finding balance as a nurturer, disciplinarian, cheerleader, and accountability partner for your kids. We play many roles as parents. Join us online to discuss how to find success while wearing our many hats.
Love, Limits, and Listening
Watch the Recording
Build strong character and relationships that last with your children.
Bonding with Children through all their Ages and Stages
Watching the Recording
Bonding occurs across a lifespan. Understanding attachment styles and attunement to others can increase the ability to connect well with others and even reduce the likelihood of risk behavior. This workshop is an excellent way for parents and teachers alike to learn how to become secure attachment figures for their children or students.
Sleep and the Developing Brain
Watch the Recording
Babies and tired parents aren’t the only ones who need lots of sleep. But how do we get rambunctious youth and over-pressured teens to prioritize their pillows? Join us to discuss helpful strategies.
Guiding Children through Stress
Watch the Recording
Join us as we explore avenues for opening vulnerable communication with our children while staying true to our role as parents. We will dive more deeply into the topic of stress and we will learn: how stress impacts teens today to differentiate stress from anxiety and when to seek professional help
Defying Disappointment
To View the Recording, please email Loretta Cohen for the link
Dr. Bellace will discuss how great musicians, Olympic athletes, comedians, and others have harnessed their pain, loss, and failure to give rise to tremendous growth. Using humor and psychological research on coping skills, this virtual session helps participants to better understand the process of using disappointment as fuel to propel themselves forward.
Success and Less Stress with Boundary Setting
View the Recording
Download and print Family Contract for Technology Use and Safety and Healthy Boundaries Checklist.
For you, your kids, and your whole family's mental health, BOUNDARY SETTING is a critical piece of the parenting puzzle.
Parent Workshops
Social Emotional Learning
Watch the Recording
The first session in the series will focus on the 5 competencies of Social Emotional Learning and how these competencies are essential in the classroom and in the home. We will establish Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, and Responsible Decision Making as the foundation for social, emotional, behavioral, and academic growth. As supportive adults in children’s lives, how can we model and engage in conversations about these competencies?