Children affected by the pandemic have exhibited significant behavioral challenges, such as emotional dysregulation, aggression, and difficulty with peer interactions. Teachers report increased stress and burnout as they navigate these challenges, showing the need for additional resources and trauma-informed training. 

The pandemic disrupted family routines and increased stress for parents, affecting their ability to provide emotional support. This has led to attachment issues, anxiety, and emotional difficulties in children. Positive parenting programs and stress management strategies can help rebuild these relationships. 

Remote learning during the pandemic limited opportunities for children to develop important social skills. Educators continue to address these gaps, but many face burnout due to increased workloads. SEL-focused resources and teacher support are necessary for fostering recovery in children. 

Educators are navigating the dual burden of academic instruction and addressing social-emotional challenges in students. This stress has resulted in staffing shortages. This can be solved through systemic changes, including improved teacher support systems. 

Recovery requires parents, teachers, and communities to collaborate by:

• Organizing low-pressure social opportunities (playdates, extracurriculars).

• Providing access to child therapists for emotional regulation support.

• Hiring teacher aides to assist with classroom management.

• Offering resilience-focused parenting programs.

Local Resources for Parents and Educators in Fairbanks, Alaska

To support children in their social-emotional recovery, these local resources can help:

Parent Support and Education

Resource Center for Parents and Children (RCPC)
Offers parenting classes, workshops, and family support services.

• Visit Website

Mental Health Services

Fairbanks Community Mental Health Services
Provides counseling and therapy for children and families experiencing emotional and behavioral challenges.

• Phone: (907) 371-1300

Early Childhood Development Programs

Thrive Alaska
Focuses on child development through Early Head Start and Head Start programs, supporting families with young children.

• Visit Website

Educational Support

Fairbanks North Star Borough School District (FNSBSD)
Offers SEL programs and resources for students to build resilience and emotional skills.

• Visit Website

Social and Recreational Opportunities

Fairbanks Children’s Museum
Engage your child in interactive play and developmentally appropriate activities to build social skills.

• Visit Website

Trauma-Informed Support

Interior Alaska Center for Nonviolent Living (IACNVL)
Provides counseling, educational programs, and support for families dealing with trauma.

• Visit Website

Behavioral Issues in Schools

• Brockmeier et al. (2024). The Return to In-Person School: Teacher Reports of Student Behavior and Social–Emotional Learning.
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• Monjarás Rodríguez and Albores-Gallo (2024). Emotional and Behavioral Problems of Mexican Preschoolers before and during the Pandemic of COVID-19.
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Parent-Child Relationship Dynamics

• Burcu Izci et al. (2023). Parent–Child Play and Coping: Experiences of Parents and Young Children during the Pandemic.
  Read more

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Challenges

• Chen and Adams (2022). Drawing from and Expanding Their Toolboxes: Preschool Teachers’ Traditional Strategies, Unconventional Opportunities, and Novel Challenges in Scaffolding Young Children’s Social and Emotional Learning during Remote Instruction amidst COVID-19.
  Read more

Impact on Early Educators

• Brockmeier et al. (2024). The Return to In-Person School: Teacher Reports of Student Behavior and Social–Emotional Learning.
  Read more

Proposed Solutions

• Erwin and Frey (2023). Reconnecting: Positive Discipline Skills to Support Social and Emotional Development in Young Children Affected by COVID-19.
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