Prime
What does the P in PRIME stand for?
Prevent
What does AIM stand for?
Acknowledge, Identify, Make a Connection
True or false: Two children experiencing the same stressful event will always respond the same way.
False
What does supporting a child's agency mean?
Giving them appropriate choices and opportunities to have a say.
As someone's emotions increase during a crisis, what generally happens to their ability to think rationally?
Their ability to think clearly and process information may decrease.
After a crisis, an educator reconnects with a child to discuss what happened. Which PRIME stage?
Meet & Reflect
You notice that an overwhelmed child may need a quieter environment. Which AIM step?
Identify
A frightened child responds by arguing and pushing back. Which possible stress response?
Fight
What is co-regulation?
Helping someone regulate their emotions through calm, responsive support.
What is the first phase of the Arousal Cycle, when something causes a change in a person's emotional state?
The Trigger Phase #1
A child starts pacing, clenching their fists, and raising their voice. Which PRIME stage involves noticing these signs?
Recognize
You offer to accompany a child to a quiet corner and help them get there. Which AIM step?
Make a Connection
A child agrees with everything to avoid upsetting an adult. Which response might this resemble?
Fawn
A child struggles every day when playtime ends. Name one preventive strategy.
Advance notice, visual schedule, predictable routines, or choices.
A child has reached the peak of their emotional distress. Which phase are they in, and what should our priority be?
The Crisis Phase #3. Our priority is safety and reducing escalation.
Staff identify repeated difficulties during transitions and adjust the child's support plan. Which PRIME stage?
Evaluation & Recovery
You say, "I can see you're really frustrated right now." Which AIM step?
Acknowledge
Why should we avoid assuming that every challenging behaviour is caused by trauma?
Behaviour has many possible causes; we need to understand the person and the situation rather than make assumptions.
Why is regulating ourselves important when supporting a child in crisis?
Our tone, body language, and reactions can influence their level of escalation.
A child begins pacing, raising their voice, and becoming increasingly frustrated. Which phase might they be entering?
The Escalation Phase
A child starts pacing, clenching their fists, and raising their voice. Which PRIME stage involves noticing these signs?
Recognize
A child is overwhelmed by noise. Give an example of using all three AIM steps.
Acknowledge how they feel, identify whether they need quiet, and help them access a quieter space.
A child shuts down and becomes unable to respond when overwhelmed. Which possible stress response?
Freeze
A child refuses to sit. Give an example of offering choice while maintaining a boundary.
"Would you prefer to sit on the mat or on a chair?"
After a crisis, a child begins calming down but later appears exhausted, withdrawn, or emotionally drained. What are the final two phases of the Arousal Cycle?
The Recovery Phase and Post-Crisis Depression Phase